Suspension help

[Rangepony]

I'm almost finished with the "face lift" of my 57k mile, 1973 Road Runner 340. I've completely rebuilt the brakes and all rubber parts of the suspension. All parts were media blasted and painted before new rubber was installed. A valve job, engine detail, new exterior paint after minor rust repair, seat covers and carpet have the old girl looking good....

When I purchased the car she was sitting pretty tall in the front...after the rebuild she now has a slight rake to the front....the adjustment screws are out for lowering about two inches.

After a test drive I was not satisfied with the ride.....she seemed "bouncy"....that's the best way to describe it. New heavy duty KYB shocks all around and sitting she feels stiff when I push down on the corners....

This is my first adventure into MOPAR country so what is happening? Did I somehow index the strut rods incorrectly? That's the only thing I can think of....

 

[funknut]

KYBs have their own personality. Some people love them, but many don't. I had them on the rear of my Charger and replaced them with Bilsteins after a few hundred miles. They felt bouncy and not linear like any other shock I've used.

KYB gas adjust shocks...

 

[Don Frelier]

Can you should a picture of the lower control arm ride height adjustment screws?

Maybe try some basic Monroe or Gabriel shocks in the front as a test. They're cheap enough.

Yes the KYB shocks might be harsh with a small block.

 

[j-c-c-62]

I'm almost finished with the "face lift" of my 57k mile, 1973 Road Runner 340. I've completely rebuilt the brakes and all rubber parts of the suspension. All parts were media blasted and painted before new rubber was installed. A valve job, engine detail, new exterior paint after minor rust repair, seat covers and carpet have the old girl looking good....

When I purchased the car she was sitting pretty tall in the front...after the rebuild she now has a slight rake to the front....the adjustment screws are out for lowering about two inches.

After a test drive I was not satisfied with the ride.....she seemed "bouncy"....that's the best way to describe it. New heavy duty KYB shocks all around and sitting she feels stiff when I push down on the corners....

This is my first adventure into MOPAR country so what is happening? Did I somehow index the strut rods incorrectly? That's the only thing I can think of....

View attachment 1816730

'Bouncy" could also indicate you are bumping against your bump stops, from a too low of ride height setting.

 

[WileE]

Assuming all is installed tight and correct. Could it merely be your perception of the ride quality vs. accustomed to a modern vehicle ride/handling ? A shock will control the jounce and rebound according to its design. Perhaps a substitution to a different shock is in order.

 

[Kern Dog]

The KYB shocks are a bad choice for these cars. The only times I have use them now is with soft, low performance stock suspension when I want to stiffen up the ride a little.....AND if I get them free.
I've cleared out a few parts stashes from guys getting out of the hobby and picked up a few sets of them.
Yeah...they were giving them away.

 

[autoxcuda]

First, Bilstein RCD's
Next, thicker torsion bars.

 

[Dennis H]

Bilstein. All 4. Compliant modern comfortable ride.

 

[Rangepony]

Can you should a picture of the lower control arm ride height adjustment screws?

Maybe try some basic Monroe or Gabriel shocks in the front as a test. They're cheap enough.

Yes the KYB shocks might be harsh with a small block.

The car drove fine before the rebuild with worn out Monroes and crappy bushings.....I think the shocks are the answer

 

[Rangepony]

Assuming all is installed tight and correct. Could it merely be your perception of the ride quality vs. accustomed to a modern vehicle ride/handling ? A shock will control the jounce and rebound according to its design. Perhaps a substitution to a different shock is in order.

I'm pretty certain I got everything rebuilt to spec.....I think it's the shocks

 

[Rangepony]

'Bouncy" could also indicate you are bumping against your bump stops, from a too low of ride height setting.

Clearances are all fine.....looks like shocks is the answer....I'll try new Monroes and go from there.....new set front and back $100....cheap enough

 

[F4R/T]

Bilsteins will solve your problems—they are superior except price.