Strut rods and caster

[gliderider-06]

Hi guys have a few questions... 71 Charger that I have replaced everything on the suspension/drivetrain. Converted it to power disk brakes, 6 leaf rear springs, hemi torsion bars, all moog steering components. I had taken it to be aligned today and my alignment guy could not get me any positive caster on it. The best he could get was -1.6*(L) and -1.3(R). When I rebuilt the front end I used the improved design moog strut rod bushings, which he thinks it could be pushing the LCA back and not allowing me to get any + caster. Also he said with the car sitting high in the back due to the leaf springs is also adding to the -caster. I ordered new front spring hangers to lower it 1.5" and removed 1 leaf to help lower the car in the rear.
Now, I am thinking of buying some adjustable strut rods to help me pull in some + caster. Any thoughts on this? I was looking at the ones from reilly motorsports, or the ones from Mancini.
Thanks!

 

[Black63]

I was gonna ask about this problem (?) as my lower ball joints seem to be farther back then the top!
I'm still in the reassembly stage of the front suspension but still...I don't think I have enough adjustment in the upper control arms to get any appreciable amount of caster.

What gives I wonder?
Maybe they don't actually call for much if any caster...
I haven't looked for the alignment specs yet.

Figured I'd wait and see how it looked fully assembled before I get all concerned, but your post is making me nervous!

 

[Revhendo]

Um, let's keep it in perspective. First check to make sure the previous owner wasn't using the K-member as a parking curb bumpstop.

The job of the strut rod is to keep the LCA (lower control arm) at a right angle to the pivot pin and LCA bushing. Unlike some other makes, the strut rod is not the controling factor in caster. If you have a caster problem, you might try using the Moog offset bushings K7103. Just don't install them as directed. You'll want to install them so the offset in the bushings moves the upper balljoint rearward. (Couldn't find a pic right off the bat, sorry).

Your other option would be going with a quality tubular upper arm. Most are built with extra caster.

If you are getting negative caster because the new strut rod bushings are pushing the LCA back too far, there are tricks to fixing that, also. If it's not a huge amount, you can trim the inner sleeve down a little to bring things in line by compressing the bushing a bit more.

 

[mcmanus2301]

I like the idea of the moog offset control arm bushings.

Does any manufacturer make an offset polyurethane bushing for a b body?

Scott

 

[Cranky]

I'd like to see a pick of your upper control arms.....

 

[67 coronet]

just to state the obvious,no chance you swapped sides on your control arms?

 

[Jim Bob The Dancing Bear]

Adjustable strut rods are offered by:
Riley Motorsports
Hotchkis
PST
and a few others. The above are all the same basic design.

Upper control arms:
Hotchkis
Reiley motorsports
Firm Feel

Energy Suspension I beleive is the company that makes the offset poly bushings. In the latest Mopar Action, there is an article using a firm feel box and tubular upper control arms. That same article talks about the offset bushings.

 

[Jim Bob The Dancing Bear]

I checked my memory today.

Pedders is the company with the ofset poly bushings. P/N EP6215

www.pedders.com.au

per Mopar Action April 2012 page 58.

 

[Cranky]

just to state the obvious,no chance you swapped sides on your control arms?

That's why I mentioned posting pics of them....wouldn't be the first time I've seen that. Don't know how much of a change it would make but it would for sure make one.

 

[black64]

Here is pic of offset bushing install

 

[67 coronet]

That's why I mentioned posting pics of them....wouldn't be the first time I've seen that. Don't know how much of a change it would make but it would for sure make one.

swapping sides would cause a caster adjustment issue,ball joint location is slightly offset from left to right in the caster direction.(frount to rear)

 

[Revhendo]

swapping sides would cause a caster adjustment issue,ball joint location is slightly offset from left to right in the caster direction.(frount to rear)

The ball joint will be at a really odd angle to the spindle centerline also.

 

[mcmanus2301]

Well, I wasn't sure if the pedders EP 6215 offset poly UCA bushing would fit my 64 Savoy. Pedders shows that part number to fit a 68 Valiant so I went down to my local NAPA store with a 64 Savoy UCA bushing and asked for a stock bushing for a 68 Valiant.

I compared the two and the dimensions appear to be identical. I ordered the Pedders offset bushings for my 64 Stocker and Purestocker. I am looking for more caster.

Evidentally the bushings have to come from Australia and are approx 120.00 a pair!!

I will post about how they fit and work when I get them in.

Scott

 

[Jim Bob The Dancing Bear]

If you haven't ordered them you could get Firm Feel upper control arms. They are $350 with bushings and balljoint. I don't have these but the items I have gotten from them has been top notch.

 

[splicer]

Had similar problems with my 64 Polara after replacing all front end components with new...couldn't get positive caster....
Ended up installing Hotchkis adjustable strut rods and tubular upper control arm...
Not cheap but they did the trick and I now have positive caster..set up at 3 degrees....
Please also note that factory alignment specs for the old mopars are for old ladies and bias ply tires...with radial tires,these cars need negative camber and positive caster to handle decently...how much depends on how aggressively you drive... Hope this helps..

Splicer

 

[green1]

Check uca; is there a bumpered up spot where the re-bound rubber bumper hits? Easy to get on the wrong side. Just had some Moogs rod bushings that were too long. PST; forget that crap. Adjustable; no; wears out lca bushing.