Drop Spindles or Stock Height? 68 Coronet 500

[D Jay Hopkins]

I am prepared to purchase disc brake conversion kits for my Coronet. I appreciate the lowered look for the front and back. I am going to purchase the handling leaf springs from Hotchkis which will lower the rear end by 1 - 1 1/2". I read a couple of articles regarding using the torsion bar to lower the front end but I am afraid of running out of adjustment before I hit the bump stop. I figured I would have more flexibility with the 2" drop spindles but not sure how it will affect handling. I appreciate your time and any comments - Jay

 

[ckessel]

You need to watch your wheel choices when using drop spindles. Interference between the rim and tie rod/lower ball joint hookup. What are you going to use for torsion bars?

 

[Kern Dog]

Stock disc knuckles from a 1975 Dart.

Just trim the bumpstops and use bigger torsion bars.

 

[D Jay Hopkins]

Thanks for the reply Kern Dog - I plan on using the Hotchkis 1 1/8' torsion bars. The Charger's stance is nice as it sits. Handling is satisfactory / exceptional?

 

[Kern Dog]

It is quite good. FAR better than stock. Firm ride but not harsh.

 

[D Jay Hopkins]

You need to watch your wheel choices when using drop spindles. Interference between the rim and tie rod/lower ball joint hookup. What are you going to use for torsion bars?

Thank you much for the reply ckessel. I don't want to limit myself on wheel choice.

 

[Bladeruner69]

I am currently running the Hotchkis leafs out back with all Hotchkis up front and 2" lowered spindles. My wheels are 18x8 and I am running a 255 tire. No issues for me at all. The handling is quite a bit stiffer. The torsion bars are really firm but the really just give modern sports car feel.

 

[MoparLeo]

Do you plan on driving on normal city streets with dips and other things ? Headers ?
Since you said you read articles about torsion bar adjustments I am assuming this might be your first torsion bar equipped car and you don't have a Factory Service Manual ?

 

[747mopar]

Early 70's B body steering knuckles, lowered 2". I did a lot of reading prior to doing mine, plenty of magazine article's and other sources on the subject, couldn't find anything negative.. some even say it improves the geometry by lowering it with just the bars? As Kern said, larger bars.

 

[PST]

Thanks for the reply Kern Dog - I plan on using the Hotchkis 1 1/8' torsion bars. The Charger's stance is nice as it sits. Handling is satisfactory / exceptional?

Have you looked at PST's 1.03 torsion bars ? We offer a members discount (10% off ) and free shipping within the US 48 states. You will see that many of the members on the site here are using them and have been pleased with the performance and adjustability. In our design we incorporate 20 degree clocking for just the right amount of preload so you can retain stock ride height or run a lowered stance with no ill affects.

Thanks
James From
PST

 

[747mopar]

Have you looked at PST's 1.03 torsion bars ? We offer a members discount (10% off ) and free shipping within the US 48 states. You will see that many of the members on the site here are using them and have been pleased with the performance and adjustability. In our design we incorporate 20 degree clocking for just the right amount of preload so you can retain stock ride height or run a lowered stance with no ill affects.

Thanks
James From
PST

Do you sell 2" drop springs for the rear? I'm not happy with the ones I got from Just Suspension and Hopkins only sells 1.5".

 

[PST]

At this time we offer either stock or 1" lower rear leaf springs in our standard line. We do offer made to order custom springs but would need to call in for pricing and lead times.

Thanks
James From
PST

 

[D Jay Hopkins]

Do you plan on driving on normal city streets with dips and other things ? Headers ?
Since you said you read articles about torsion bar adjustments I am assuming this might be your first torsion bar equipped car and you don't have a Factory Service Manual ?

Hey Mopar Leo - Thanks for the note. Normal city streets, headers and would like to try an occasional agility course. I purchased the car when I was a Junior in High School - 1978. I rebuilt the 383 in '79 and used it as a daily driver. Bracket raced it on Wednesday nights at Sears Point. Rebuilt the front suspension (ball joints, tie-rod ends, bushings, etc in '85 and then parked it because I started driving a company truck and continued to do so until I retired in Jan 2020. I have both volumes of Service Manuals for the '68 Charger / Coronet / Dart (DX-7965) but geometry has changed drastically since I wore a younger mans shoes and ate, slept and drank the car. Now it is her time so I want to explore all options before pulling the trigger. I appreciate your time and especially your knowledge - Jay

 

[747mopar]

At this time we offer either stock or 1" lower rear leaf springs in our standard line. We do offer made to order custom springs but would need to call in for pricing and lead times.

Thanks
James From
PST

I called in, the man I spoke to said you only offer 1", when I asked about custom springs he just repeated himself and said there must have been a misunderstanding?

 

[PST]

I will get a price for you and Pm you.

Thanks
James