Bilstein RCDs from Hotchkis, other stuff

[MopaR&D]

I haven't seen any threads about it yet so I figured I'd throw it out there, Hotchkis Sport Suspension now has a line of A-body Mopar suspension upgrade parts including Bilstein RCD shocks. Here's a link to the shocks, and you can navigate to their other products.

http://www.hotchkis.net/rcd_shocks_dodge_a_e_body_4_pack.html

The adjustable strut rods look interesting too, I know mine don't fit properly with the aftermarket bushings (can be cut and relocated but found out too late). They've also got lowering leaf springs that are supposedly lighter with 4 leaves but still 130 lb/in rate.

 

[GMachineDartGT]

Nice pieces, but I do not think they are matched to stiffer torsion bars. I had them and got rid of them on the front of my Dart, as I felt they were not valved to match my 1.04 T bars.

 

[MopaR&D]

Nice pieces, but I do not think they are matched to stiffer torsion bars. I had them and got rid of them on the front of my Dart, as I felt they were not valved to match my 1.04 T bars.

Then what would be a better choice without spending twice as much? I'm thinking of running the Just Suspension 1" bars on my Duster and need good shocks for it but $400 for a set is about as much as I'm willing to pay...

 

[redlinegw]

The Bilstein shocks are xlnt! I like them much better then the KYB's!

 

[GMachineDartGT]

Unfortunately, with shocks, you get what you pay for. Right now, in the required A length (short) there are NO shocks on the market that are proper for the common larger torsion bars.

 

[rokketride]

You arent a fan of the QA1 Stocker Stars? Their adjustment range should have enough to control upwards of a 1" TBar.

 

[autoxcuda]

You arent a fan of the QA1 Stocker Stars? Their adjustment range should have enough to control upwards of a 1" TBar.

The ones they sell for A-bodies are B-body length, IIRC. Clair used GM A-body QA1's (Chevelle, GTO etc) that have a shorter body and changed the upper mounting hardware with a kit from QA1.

But GMachineDartGT, do you think those are valved for 1.04 and above.

You guys remember 1.04 Tbars are a significant jump from 1.00" T-bars. Were' talking a little over 20% more wheel rate.

GMachineDartGT, I just got some 1.14" T-bars with not a lot of miles on them. What's out there that can handle that? Those 1.14's are 75% more rate than 1.00's. And almost THREE TIMES more rate than stock 340 T-bars.

 

[GMachineDartGT]

I'm really not. They are a twin tube alum shock. I really don't think they are durable enough for real street usage. I take my car to work once a week, 100miles round trip over bridges in the NYC Metro area. I do not like parts that could potentially fail. I had Alston Varishocks (very similar but USA made) on the car briefly. I liked the adjustability but the durability was horrible.

 

[GMachineDartGT]

Lets not forget the travel of the shock too. Many adj shocks come in 9" or sub 9 compressed. Usually, thats a 4" travel shock, which further hampers ride quality. Remember, the A bodies came with a shock that had 5.8 inches of travel OE. Granted, stiffer bars, lower ride heights require less travel, but I still maintain 5" with my setup.

 

[autoxcuda]

Lets not forget the travel of the shock too. Many adj shocks come in 9" or sub 9 compressed. Usually, thats a 4" travel shock, which further hampers ride quality. Remember, the A bodies came with a shock that had 5.8 inches of travel OE. Granted, stiffer bars, lower ride heights require less travel, but I still maintain 5" with my setup.

Do you think it hampers ride quality because it's operating near it's travel limits or because it's bottoming out? Or other reason?

 

[GMachineDartGT]

Any time you have varying road conditions, I feel its important to have adequate extension and compression for the suspension to properly keep the tires on the ground.