K-Member / Rack & Pinion Steering Suggestions
Hi All ... Looking at the next element of my '68 Bcuda Convertible build plans. We are goign to replace the front-end with a contemporary system. Not married to anything specific and have only looked a little a QA1. Will likely be donning the car with slightly larger wheels and lowering the car's stance 1-2". Would appreciate people's input (i.e. suggestions/avoids/benefits/cons) concerning what you know and have experienced ... thx as always !
First, let me dispel the notion of a "contemporary system". All of the coil over conversion systems out there are Mustang II based. All of them. The MII was introduced with the Pinto in 1971, and designed before that. So no, it is not a "contemporary system". At best it's maybe 10 years newer of a design than the A-body torsion bar set up. But really an unequal length A arm suspension is MUCH older than that, a coil over is just a spring and a shock, putting them together in a single package doesn't really change anything.
The suspension geometry offered by the coil over conversions is not better than the torsion bar system. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but neither is dramatically better than the other. Which one works best for you will depend on the application.
The only thing the torsion bar suspension can't do that is accomplished by a coil over conversion is add a rack and pinion steering, and free up some header space. Everything else that can be done with a coil over system can be done with a torsion bar system. The rack and pinion is not a performance improvement either. A rebuilt or new worm/ball steering chuck will perform just as well, you just have the on center spot because of the design. It's just a difference in feel. The header thing is kinda moot in my book. Unless you pull your engine or headers all the time, it doesn't matter. And buying cheap headers after you bought a $5k suspension conversion isn't some great savings, you just spent your money in a different place.
You can lower a torsion bar suspension 2" with the right parts (larger torsion bars, modified bump stops). You don't need drop spindles and it actually improves suspension geometry.
So, it comes down to "why" and how are you going to use the car. What are your build plans?
