Need Help with Mopar Offset Hanger Kit

[dartlover]

Hey FABO fans!

So I'm trying to install the Mopar offset hanger kit & SS springs in my brother's '65 Dart. The problem is there isn't enough room next to the frame rail to install the front hanger. Am I supposed to "persuade" it with my 5 lb sledge to make room for the nut? :angry7:

Can anyone share some picks with me of one that is already installed in an early A-Body?

Thanks!..Dartlover

 

['64 Cuda]

One of the Mopar mags did an article a few years ago that showed how to install the offset hangers. I don't know which one but if I can find my copy I'll scan it & email it to you or something. I'll let you know if I find it.

Basically you have to take a die grinder or similar tool & grind a hole in the frame rail to allow clearance for the nut.

 

[dusterdon]

When in doubt, drill it out!

 

[Mopower71]

PO used a hammer on mine. Probably would have been better to drill a hole so the head of the bolt would fit through.

 

[zhandfull]

Your going to have to drill or cut a hole in the frame and maybe have the spring installed on the bracket. Seems like I couldnt get the spring bolt in after the bracket was installed because the car body was in the way of the bolt going through the bracket strait

 

[Mopower71]

That's how I do mine.
Bolt the spring to the hanger, bolt the hanger to the frame the connect the rear spring hanger.

 

[dartlover]

So here's a couple links I found on the Big Block Dart news group:

http://www.bigblockdart.com/index.php/topic,11520.0.html
http://www.bigblockdart.com/index.php/topic,5172.0.html

These guys said about the same things. I have arrived at another solution that solves all of the problems with this ill conceived kit all at once.

1) Using an angle grinder, cut the welds off the (5/8-11) nut that is tacked in place on the side of the Offset Brackets. Grind any excess weld flat and smooth. Repaint bracket.

2) Go to ANY local hardware store and purchase grade 8 (5/8-16) bolt and nut to fit the bracket.

3) Using a small grinding bit on a drill motor clearance the holes to allow the grade 8 bolt to move freely through the bracket from either side.

4) Assemble the bolt through the bracket with the head of the bolt on the frame side of the bracket where the welded nut used to be.

5) Hold the bracket in place on the frame and mark the spot where the head of the bolt needs extra clearance.

6) Using a ball peen hammer, dent the frame inward to allow for the needed clearance. Since the head of the bolt is about 1/2 the thickness of the welded nut this isn't all that much.

7) Pre-assemble the SS Springs and Offset Front Hangers before you put them on the car (Use some blue Locktite on the threads).

8 ) Call the MOPAR tech line ( 888 ) 528-4364 and tell them how much you appreciate the solutions they make available to the MOPAR loving crowd here, but suggest that they take another stab at improving the out of box experience and overall design.

Cheers!...dartlover :cheers:

 

[70Duster440]

On mine, I cut a small, rectangular hole in the frame rail (about the length of the hanger studs and size of the hanger nut) with a cutoff wheel. That's it. And, if I recall, I installed the springs individually after the hangers were in. No prob with bolt.

 

[GTXperience]

It was years ago that I installed these and as everyone else has said, you have to drill a hole into the frame to accommodate the blind nut.