69 RR Braking and Steering

[dirtypamopar]

Hey guys, I'm relatively new to the board and only have one full restoration (I have two Mopars) under my belt so I was wondering if I could get some suggestions. I have a 1969 Roadrunner that is for the most part stock. I recently added a Hotchkiss sway bar in the front along with a pair of SPC adjustable upper control arms and the tight ration steering box from Borgensen to improve steering and high speed handling. So far that has worked out great. I'm looking for help/suggestions in the following two areas:

1. Braking is still a struggle when I have to make more sudden or forceful stops. The rear end locks up well before the front end (which from my research is what I should expect with Drums in the rear Disc in the front). My question is, can I get better braking without ripping out everything (rotors, drums, front discs, master cylinder). In other words, is there a more modest upgrade I can try or that others can recommend that have worked for them. Right now I have a stock config.

2. The front end grabs the road great now with the upgrades I mentioned above but the rear end whats to kick out around turns if I accelerate out of the turn. I considered a rear sway bar but I'm not sure that is going to solve the issue. So far I have considered lowering the car and using some hotckiss rear springs to hug the road better but wanted to know if there were any other ideas out there before I spend any money.

 

[mmissile]

Manual proportioning valve would be the cheapest way help your front to rear bias. Obviously 4-wheel/large discs are gonna be best.

 

[Vermont Rock]

I agree with MMISSLE. It's generally recommended that a proportioning valve should be installed to balance the braking system. I have the Wilwood disc brakes front & rear with their master cylinder & proportioning valve. Looks pretty simple. The valve just attaches to the master cylinder between the M/C & the brake lines. There's an adjustment knob on top & Wilwood says to keep turning it down until the rear brakes don't lock-up any more. Sounds dumb-simple, but it works.
As far as the suspension, wait until you hear the suggestions. But it can get pretty expensive if you let it.

 

[djais1801]

My cuda did this and the drums/shoes had high/low spots ...replaced and no problems after

 

[Vermont Rock]

Just read an article in April's Hemmings Muscle Cars magazine about installing front discs with rear drums. Good info. on proportioning valves that might be helpful.

 

[Dennis H]

Also, to improve the 11" Hemi rear drums I recommend this kit. Stronger springs and improved shoe material works good - I have drums all 4.

www.musclecarbrakes.com

 

[dirtypamopar]

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. The manual proportioning valve idea was also suggested to be by a local shop that I trust. I'm going to look into this.

Dennis - Thanks for the link, I'm going to give these guys a call. I assume the kit they make for the Charger will fit a RR but I need to confirm. I had not heard of these guys before...which is why I love this board. Thanks a million guys.

 

[AR67GTX]

I'm not sure if this applies to 68 and later B-Bodies but my 67 GTX has stock 11 inch police unit drum which back then, were strictly manual adjustment. They have to be carefully adjusted to equalize braking response and pull the car down without swerving or random locking. But by 69 they probably added auto adjusters.