340 K Member ??

DFX, torque boxes are sheetmetal boxes that the factory used on Hemi and convertible models (in this case, a select few A-bodies) to strengthen the uni-body design and improve handling (factory subframe connectors). These boxes are located behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels and link the rocker panels to the frame. Torque boxes were sometimes installed on 440 cars and were a "hit and miss" add-on, depending on what the factory had in stock on a particular day. Even if your vehicle did not have factory boxes, they can easily be added to your A, B or E body Mopar. There are a number of companies that re-pop them - I got a great set from Rick Kruziger out of WI. I searched here on FABO for a string related to torque boxes but not much. A far as I know, a good number of '70 Swinger 340 cars got them but don't know if any 340 Dusters or Demons got them as well. This also made me raise the question of the washers, maybe they indicated that boxes be added to the car... I think I might start a string asking the A-body torque box question - which cars got them etc.

Torque box update #2: The 69 Polara Convertible (HP 383/727/2.76 489 case differential) has a box-type sheet metal arrangement just forward of the leaf spring hangars. A large hole is cut out in the bottom sheet metal to allow for access to the hangar nuts. I have a 69 Polara Hardtop Coupe (factory numbers matching 318/A904/2.76 741 case differential) as a donor car and the box is not there. The hangar nuts are plainly visible. The front area ahead of the rockers is identical for both of those cars.

My duster has a sheet metal arrangement similar to the convertible at the leaf spring hangar location.

Cliff, I think you should ask for a check for the presence of torque boxes on all 340 cars with the washer on the K member. It would also help if we could poll for the boxes on any known factory 318 A-bodies for the 1970 -1974 years.

Art

Just went to Mopar Muscle Magazine website and found pictures of an add-on torque box. Now that I know what they look like I can say that my convertible and my 340 Duster have them.