Re: Torsion Bar Project...WOW

[Ollie <satellite1965@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob,
My problem began when I pulled a 318 poly(SB) out of my 65 Satellite and 
replaced it with a 1972-440(BB). To compensate for the eng weight different 
I needed to upgrade the torsion bars immediately.  At that time I did not 
know anything about this suspension system. (2 years later, much research, I 
am now an expert witness)
Originally to get the vehicle aligned we had to lower the suspension 
system...the height adjustment... to be able to bring the camber and castor 
adjustments within reasonable adjustment range. We were not within 
specifications , but darn close.
As a result of this folly my entire front end was to low. (ride height) My 
shocks were not getting full travel, they bottomed out hard , when that 
happened I was all over the road.  Any speed in excess of  70 you were 
driving out of control, especially  in any bumpy situation, risking life and 
limb.... but worst of all... my Mopar.
I replaced  the original torsion bars with .920's. (what they would have 
been from the factory with a Big Block) My research also told me that we 
have a weak tower system on our cars (upper A frame support) and they will 
sag. To compensate for this you need to replace the non-adjustable strut 
rods with adjustable ones,  allowing you to drag the lower control arm fwd 
for castor adjustments.
Even if you have not upgraded an eng...this torsion bar system is not near 
as tuff as a upper/lower A frame, coil spring system. We are dealing with 45 
year old vehicles and u need new torsion bars and adjustable strut rods. All 
of this learning curve has been rough, but today it has all come together. 
Now keep in mind MS Cruiser does not drive like a new Challenger, we're 45 
years of technology behind, but she loves to roll now....
MOPAR.....Move Over Plymouth Approaching Rapidly
Ollie's 2 cents.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <62pluckedchicken@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <1962to1965mopars@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, August 17, 2009 3:38 PM
Subject: RE: Torsion Bar Project...WOW


> Cool results!  refresh my memory.. what was the original problem?  was
> this to make the ride firmer when ya step on it?
> Ollie wrote:
> > MS Cruiser update...My torsion bar and adjustable strut rod upgrade is
> > now finished.  Complete alignment this morning. WOW !!
> > Every problem I had has disappeared!! Getting full travel of my shocks
> > now, swaying when hitting a bump is gone. Tommy was able to get
> > everything within specs.
> > I backed out of it at 105 mph. I had more rpm left and was comfortable
> > with the steering. The one recommendation I would give anyone is to get
> > this done first and not save it to one of the last projects as i did. I
> > would also say the adj strut rods are a must. When we installed the rods
> > and matched them to the original we were about 1/2 way in the
> > adjustment. They are now pulled in all the way, no adjustment left.
> > Just for info purposes..fender height ended up exactly 26" (for what its
> > worth)
> > Happy camper, Ollie
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> ----
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----
Please address private mail -- mail of interest to only one person -- directly to that person.  I.e., send parts/car transactions and negotiations as well as other personal messages only to the intended recipient, not to the Clubhouse public address. This practice will protect your privacy, reduce the total volume of mail and fine tune the content signal to Mopar topic.  Thanks!

'62 to '65 Mopar Clubhouse Discussion Guidelines:
http://www.1962to1965mopar.ornocar.org/mletiq.html.