i have a 73 duster...dont know much about suspension except the components (geometry and stuff like that im not to keen on)
There have been several good books written on the subject of the classic Mopar torsion bar suspension starting with the chassis prep book first published by mother Mopar itself under the Direct Connection moniker, but you might start out by searching the archives here on FABO, this subject has been covered many times and there are a lot of knowledgeable and helpful posters contributing here.
If your knowledge of suspensions in general is lacking, obtaining, reading, and understanding the series of books written by Carrol Smith (Prepare to Win, Tune to Win, Engineer to Win, Drive to Win) is essential. Although written from the perspective of the pure open wheeled race car, his books will go a long way to your understanding of suspension and vehicle dynamics and should be considered an absolute necessity if you don't want to stick your head in the sand and play monkey see, monkey do with this stuff.
But i know the stock set up is like a truck...torsion bars and leaf springs with shocks. Super simple, but with a flimsy old k frame and truck suspension...im pretty sure its not gonna wanna do much but go straight. Im not an auto x racer or anything, but one of my favorite things to do is drive the mountain roads here in socal.
I don't know who you've been talking to, but I'm sure you didn't get your ideas on Mopar chassis design from the E-booger (think Mopar Action Green Brick) or Dick Ross (Firm Feel Inc.)
Is there any "bolt in" options to upgrade the suspension? i know there are a bunch for the front...new k frame etc. (not sure of any good brand) but in the rear is there a way to swap it over to a coil spring set up?
Lots, but do your research and learn the basics first. It's too easy to get caught up in the latest fad and buy things you don't need and don't get the job done. Also, these cars are all around 40+ years old and will need replacing of the torsion bars, springs, and stabilizer bars (or adding stabilizer bars to the cars that didn't come with them). Before you get into their replacement, remember to bring the basics up to snuff by renewing the wear parts (bushings, ball joints, etc.) including the shock absorbers. A remanufactured steering box will go a long way to restoring that new car like feel too, along with offset upper control arm bushes to gain a little caster all these cars need.
anyways, like i said im not to familiar with custom suspension, so pardon my ignorance, please lemme know if you guys have any ideas though :happy1:
Mopar longitudinal torsion bar front/ leaf spring rear suspension was easily the most sophisticated and best handling suspension offered by any of the manufacturers contemporary to it and Mopars usually came with better brakes than their competition too. Even now, properly setup with upgraded brakes and on modern wheels and tires, it can get the best of a lot of the vehicles currently offered and thought to be very good handlers.
Not to slight the other manufacturers, but one of the easiest ways to get started on an education is to spend some thoughtful time on the Firm Feel website. Just don't be surprised if you start lusting after some of the products and services Dick offers.
thanks
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