Strut Rods - early A vs 67-72

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mopowers

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I'm having a minor issue assembling the front end on my 66 Dart. The LCA's seem to not want to suck up to the K-member. I'm wondering in early strut rods shorter than 67-72 strut rods and I may have the wrong strut rods. Does anyone know if there is a difference in strut rod length from early A vs 67-72 strut rods?

Otherwise, I'm betting the poly strut rod bushings are causing the issue. This is the first time I've used poly strut bushings and I've heard they have a tendancy of pushing the LCA back.

Thanks!

upload_2019-11-11_10-35-55.png
 
I don’t have any 67-layer strut rods to compare for sure to my early A ones, but think there is a difference in length of the rods or length of the threaded areas of the strut rods which would also make a difference
 
I don’t have any 67-layer strut rods to compare for sure to my early A ones, but think there is a difference in length of the rods or length of the threaded areas of the strut rods which would also make a difference

Are your off of your car? If so, would you mind measuring yours for me?
 
Ok I removed these strut rods from a 65 Barracuda I parted out and just compared them to my 65 Dart wagon’s strut rods I have yet to install. Both are the same in every respect.

overall length:

FE25DAD1-CB3B-4BFD-A454-3EB917392FFE.jpeg



close-up of the overall length:

2EA5E259-58DF-4F3A-9038-567D203849A4.jpeg


measurements of the part that is installed in the LCA:

BB15EAD1-2727-45F4-B6AC-5D0498DE786D.jpeg


and closeup of the end that is installed in the K Frame
8CEFE812-C503-4BB3-99A3-A2F055D0787A.jpeg
hope this helps!
 
Ok I removed these strut rods from a 65 Barracuda I parted out and just compared them to my 65 Dart wagon’s strut rods I have yet to install. Both are the same in every respect.

overall length:

View attachment 1715422030


close-up of the overall length:

View attachment 1715422031

measurements of the part that is installed in the LCA:

View attachment 1715422032

and closeup of the end that is installed in the K FrameView attachment 1715422033hope this helps!

Thanks! Those are actually the exact same as the 67-72 strut rods I have. My issue must be from the poly bushings. Time for different bushings. Thanks again.
 
Weird I had the same problem but only on the passenger side. The control arm was a good 1/8 away from sitting up against the K member, but on the drivers side it sat tight to the K member.
Do both sides sit the same on your car?
 
Weird I had the same problem but only on the passenger side. The control arm was a good 1/8 away from sitting up against the K member, but on the drivers side it sat tight to the K member.
Do both sides sit the same on your car?

Yep - they were about .25" off on both sides with the energy suspension poly bushings. I'm gonna go ahead and toss them and buy some moog buchings instead. What bushings were you using?

Firm Feel addresses this here:
Firmfeel Mopar Suspension and Steering

Somewhere there is a thread where an enterprising individual trims the poly bushings to the correct size.

Thanks. I ended up finding this website that explains the issue with poly bushings. It's amazing they're still able to sell these.

Making A-Body Strut rod Bushings Work
 
Yes I’m using the firm feel poly bushings. I’ve used these bushings before and didn’t have a problem. So I trimmed them only on the one side.
 
Well, I guess the bushings were the problem. Got the Moog bushings in today. Can't wait to bolt everything up this weekend.

upload_2019-11-19_19-29-11.png
 
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