68 charger suspension / torsion bars

[reece68charger]

I'm am going to put in a upgraded suspension in my 68 charger it's just gonna be a daily driver but I want it to handle better than it use to. Ate there complete suspensions kits I can buy?
Also how to I remove the old torsion bars?

 

[reece68charger]

I'm am going to put in a upgraded suspension in my 68 charger it's just gonna be a daily driver but I want it to handle better than it use to. Is there complete suspensions kits I can buy?
Also how to I remove the old torsion bars?

 

[WileE]

Yes, you can buy complete ft susp rebuild kits from a few sources. Use a service manual to guide you. Apply PB blaster to the torsion bar bolt threads & use the proper tool to remove them if re-using them & re-install on the same side. Be sure to replace the lower control arm bushings.

 

[skigoose]

If you want to handle great and stay in a budget look at Hotckis TVS I was going to use it and did a lot of research, until I came into some $$ and decided to use a RMS AlterKtion for the front and Hotckis on the rear with QA1's all around. as for the torsion bars you loosen the front (by K member) where bars go in and they will twist and release the pressure on the torsion bars so they slide out.. GOOD LUCK!!

 

[reece68charger]

If you want to handle great and stay in a budget look at Hotckis TVS I was going to use it and did a lot of research, until I came into some $$ and decided to use a RMS AlterKtion for the front and Hotckis on the rear with QA1's all around. as for the torsion bars you loosen the front (by K member) where bars go in and they will twist and release the pressure on the torsion bars so they slide out.. GOOD LUCK!!

It's just slides out with some work? I'm tring to completely remove it,no special tool or anything?

 

[skigoose]

No special tools, might have to use a hammer to get it started

 

[Propwash]

PST, Just suspension and folks on ebay all sell kits for a front suspension rebuild. Usually they don't include the pitman arm. Myself I would buy good quality parts like Moog and piece together myself.


As far as removing your old tosion bars, way to many people get pretty worked up about a job that really doen't take any kind of rocket science. Since your gonna have everything ripped apart for a suspension rebuild, it really shouldn't be that hard.

Get the front of the car off the ground. If you already have the drum/spindle's off great, if not remove the the upper control arm bumper. You'll see that the upper control arm rests on it when allowed to settle all the way down. They're about one inch dia. and shaped like a missle head. They're usually junk already from all the years of wear and tear. Plan on replacing them. Now the upper/lower arms and drum/spindle can drop allllll the way down. On the bottom side of the lower control arm (about center) there is an adjusting bolt. Loosen that all the way. Next, on the very rear of your torsion bars there is a clip inside the seat housing for the bar located on the torsion bar crossmember. Pinch the two ends together and remove the clip.

Now some folks use hammers and vise grips, but I would recommend using a specific tool. Too hefty of a mash or ding from a hammer could effect the integrity of the bar. If you use the tool, tighten the bolts and tap the tool towards the rear of the car with a stout little 2lb or so hammer. Sometimes lightly tapping on top of the the front section were the bar seats in or using a bit of heat helps if she's giving you a hard time. Once it comes loose, pull it out towards the rear of the car throught the tosion bar crossmember...Wallllla!

I would recommend changing out the upper and lower control arm bushings as long as you have it all apart. They can cause all sorts of handling problems when they're junk. They make tools for removing them as well, but odds are you'll probably have to have a local suspension shop or machine shop do it for you.

Here's a pic of the torsion bar removal tool:

Mancini Racing sells them, same with folks on ebay, as well as these guys:

http://www.americanmuscle.biz/product_p/23461.htm

Here's a little article that may give you a bit more piece of mind:

http://www.arengineering.com/articles/tbartango.html


Best of luck to ya

 

[Jim Bob The Dancing Bear]

Do some research. I am piecing my suspension together. RMS, Hotchkis, and Firm Feel all have really good reputations. I am not using Reily Motorsports but would not hesitate to.

I am using all moog ball joints, PST 1.03 bars, Hotchkis adjustable strut rod, Hotchkis tie rods, Hotchkis greasable pivot shaft, Moog pitman and idler arm, Energy Suspension Poly bushings.

I am contimplating either Firm Feel or Hotchkis upper control arms since I already will have everything apart. Because my ride is a daily driver and will see little if any track time I am leaning towards the Firm Feel.

To come are Hotchkis rear springs, sway bars from Firm Feel or Hotchkis or Adco and subframe connectors.

What I have will be put on once I finaly get my greasable pivot shaft arm in. Stupid backorder.

Food for thought.

 

[green1]

Take shock off, break loose upper ball joint. (load off torsionbar, of course, the bolt). Have buddy stand on lca, forcing it down. Other buddy underneath, pulling an the arm, gently, with a pipe wrench and rag; gently, you need just a small amount of pulling, no scratches. Just gentle pressure.

Back off the lca pivot nut until flush, then start smacking it with a 2 lb hammer. it will come out, a little at a time, until it's free of the old gunk.