Parts compatibility for 65 to 66/suspension questions

[PghMopar]

Suspension Upgrades for 65 Belvedere

I have a 1965 Belvedere II w/slant 6, and I want to upgrade my suspension. I'm not looking to go racing or anything just yet, but I would like to update/beef up and generally improve the driving character of the car, it's my daily driver and I need all the advantages I can get to keep up with modern traffic. (While keeping my manual steering and brakes) Plus, I am planning on swapping in a 360 a year or 2 down the line (gotta find the right K member and donor engine first), and would like to have the brakes and handling sorted out well before I go about doubling my horsepower/torque.

Parts I'm looking to Replace/Upgrade/Add:
Sway Bars (Heard that these may cause clearance issues with some disc brake setups)
Upper and Lower Control Arms - w/slight increase in caster angle over stock
Adjustable Strut Rods
Torsion bars - slightly bigger than stock, I want a firmer ride but I don't want to lose too much comfort
Shocks - leaning towards Bilstiens via PST
Front Disc Brakes - Which means, among other things, I would need new spindles (considering 1-2" drop spindles) and 15"+ rims unless I go with scarebird budget discs and keep my 14's (eventually want 17x9 all around)
Leaf Springs (Firmer than stock, "Hemi Leaf Springs" is what I have been told to look for)

However, I noticed that quite a few manufacturers only offer performance parts for 66 and later B Bodies. I was really bummed out when I found out that Hotchkis doesn't make a TVS for pre-66 B Body's and QA1 doesn't make a 1965 K Member. What is different under the hood of my 1965 from a 1966 Belvedere? Can I use suspension parts from a 66 with some minor changes to my current layout or what?/Is there a parts supplier that you can recommend that carries these parts for a '65 B-Body?

 

[62 Dart Convertible]

Hey mate.

I don't profess to be an expert, but here's my 2C.

If you really want to improve the driving character, I'd start by adding a booster to the shopping list of disc brakes and a well weighted power steering box like from Firmfeel. These 2 things will have a huge effect on driving character. Unboosted discs are from my experience quite awful and your steering will only get heavier when you swap to the heavier LA. (Unless of course you are a body builder and thus could save $$ by cancelling your gym membership).

Handling and road holding is what you're obviously aiming for - consider subframe connectors. Preferably weld in ones like from US Car Tool.

Sway bars - absolutely! Upgrade torsion bars - for sure! Bilsteins - definitely! Hemi leaf springs - why not.

I wouldn't bother with aftermarket arms, adjustable strut rod or aftermarket k-member. Nice stuff, but not much bang for buck for mine. The $$ saved can go to a brake booster and power steering. Stock LCA can be braced easily and cheaply if you wish - see youtube. More caster is cheap and easy with Moog offset UCA bushes. I'd go poly LCA bushes, though many say stick to Moog rubber LCA bushes as poly can increase harshness, especially with stiffer bars.

Brakes/spindles can be Ma Mopar - see The Ram Man for compatability - http://www.theramman.com/

Going to 15" rims really improves tire choice. You don't have to spend big $$ on wheels i.e. Wheel Vintiques Steelies

Like I said, just my 2C. Good luck!

 

[aldal]

A small block K frame should be easy to come by and the article below will give you some interesting information. Good luck :headbang: :headbang:

http://www.engine-swaps.com/Pages/InstructionPages/B63V8.html

Also check out these sites.

http://www.firmfeel.com/

http://www.p-s-t.com/

 

[ir3333]

you are going to get lots of opinions.. the A,E or F body manual discs with the 2 3/4 pistons stop nicely with very little leg if you use a 7/8" or 15/16 master cylinder.The steering should be O.K. too with a small block...just don't dry crank it in a parking lot,wait 'til you have started to move.
And as said improve torsion bars,springs,shocks and add a sway bar.

 

[moparmarks]

I have 63-5 V-8 K-frames when you get to that point.

 

[skicker]

I have 63-5 V-8 K-frames when you get to that point.

Ditto...There's any number of ways you can go to build what you want...ask around here and you'll get good information and help...

 

[ply64post]

I have 63-5 V-8 K-frames when you get to that point.

The 63-65 k-frames are the same big or smallblock.

 

[skicker]

The OP has a /6 so he needs one regardless...