just a question about improving handling

[m-wellbaum]

i remember having read somwhere that chevelle handling could be improved by using suspension parts out of say a 95 caprice i was wondering if this could be done with a duster or some other mopar a-bodies

 

[OldVart]

Yes, you can do similar things to make an A body handle just as well or better than the Chevelles. There are a few members here that have their cars set up fo handling, rather than the traditional go-fast-in-a-straight-line like most of us. I'm sure some of them will chime in and give you some excellent advice for what you have in mind.

 

[70Duster440]

I'm by no means an expert, but to use your example, since many suspension components are the same or similar across models there are really only a few variables you can play with - at least with swapping stock parts: Torsion bar diameter, rear spring packs, and sway bars. The aftermarket opens up a host of other opportunities.

But like OldVart says, there's a lot you can do to improve handling.

 

[Ace]

Installing big front and rear sway bars with SS springs and truck shocks in the back and appropriately sized tires all around made mine into a completely different car.

It handles very well, but some might not like the level of firmness in the suspension. Could be rather tiring on a long trip, but that's not what it's intended for so..

 

[redfastback]

also using tubular upper control arms for more camber and caster adjustment helps a great deal in corner handling. however you drive it, what you setup that is strong one way may show its weaknesses another way. remember to think system.

 

[m-wellbaum]

dont get me wrong i want the power for the sraight line i just was wondering if a duster could be modified to corner well too so it would be easier to take a high speed turn im thinking about getting a duster to fix up with my dad as my first project car and im just tryin to get as much info as i can about modifications i could make before i decide for sure

 

[2 Darts]

You don't say where you're starting from with the Duster. Anti-sway bars fore and aft, stiffer shocks, wider rims and tires are all straight forward bolt-on improvements.
Polygraphite suspension bushings are very cost effective but require dismantling the front end. Many will recommend stiffer T-bars and rear leaf springs. I am hesitant go along with it for a cruiser or daily driver. My experience with stiffer springs has been that while the transition from stuck to sliding occurs at a higher rate of speed, advance warning of the transition is not real distinct.
I'm running 235/60-15s on 7 inch rims on the Demon with soft springs, stiff shocks, bushings, and bars. The rear tires run close to the rear leaf springs. If I start seeing any rubbing, I'll put a Watts link on the rear. A track bar (Panhard rod) will also stabilize the axle, but will respond differently between left and right turns.

 

[yellowdartdave]

Dippy cop car rear sway bar is an easy install once you modify the spring plate. The rear bar really helps.

 

[Robb]

There is a good book that covers this subject as well as updating brakes all just by using factory parts... run a google search, I don't think you can buy it in stores.

Performance Handling for Classic Mopars by Tom Conrad.

 

[pushrod]

Poly bushings, sway bars fr. and rear, KYB shocks or equal and xhd springs made all of mine handle as good as my 05 ram.

 

[clhyer]

Ace,
You mentioned using a set of truck shocks in the rear. Do you know which application that was?
Thanks,
C

 

[MoparBrit]

Mopar Action magazine put together an A body for handling and straight line. Called it the green brick. You could probably do a search for info on it on their site. Yes, just looked and the front page of the website has a link for the green brick. From what I remember of it they used moog problem solver upper control arm bushings, urethane strut rod bushings, welded a gusset on the upper control arm mounts and perhaps a few other mount points to keep things in place, used '74 up C body tie rods and sleeves, a front swaybar (could just probably buy one of the aftermarket ones really), put in frame connectors, larger torsion bars, koni shocks, some decambered springs in the back with clamps with a forward angled set of shocks added. Basically you have four shocks in the back. A fast ratio manual steer box. Basically it. Mostly factory swap parts from what I remember. Usual disc brakes up front etc. Might have missed a few bits, but have a look at the link. I've not clicked it, but should give the info. If I remember right they were ripping up mega dollar exotic cars at the track with it and when they ran it at the strip I think it ran in the 12's. I'm sure someone can chime in and correct that time if I remembered wrong.

 

[ramcharger]

Check out these guys too. They have a lot of neat products for our A-bodies and have some good tech tips too. http://www.firmfeel.com/a.htm

Also, don't forget about frame connectors and a roll bar to prevent chassis flex.

 

[rokketride]

There is a good book that covers this subject as well as updating brakes all just by using factory parts... run a google search, I don't think you can buy it in stores.

Performance Handling for Classic Mopars by Tom Conrad.

Tom Condran