Torsion Bars

[jimm69]

I am replacing the 318 in my 69 B Body with a 440. I am told that I need to buy torsion bars for a 440/426 and the numbers I need to look for are 780 and 781. Can anyone confirm this? Anybody have a nice set to sell? I see Summit sells new ones but they only list the diameter. Can someone tell me what the diameter size is? Also, I want to replace the boots on them and I am assuming there are snap rings that hold them in from the back side. Any suggestions where to get the snap rings and boots?

 

[monaco66coupe]

780/781 bars were used on 440 and hemi B bodies. The Diameter was .092, if you get bigger, expect a bit more rigidity. It is all about what you are after.

 

[jimm69]

I am just looking for what is stock. Am I better off just buying a new set or are used ones just as good? not sure how you know if they are going bad.

 

[monaco66coupe]

That is a risk, Some took a beating, others didn't and can last a long time. Personally I would try to buy bars that are the same Diameter as original. I drove the cars when they were new, and I want my car to drive that way. but I also don't go too wide on tires .and I don't raise or lower the front end to a different height than OEM specs. Some people modify the cars quite a bit, and may desire or need a stiffer package.

 

[Funship32]

Hit up PST which is a vendor on this site or Firm Feel. PST offers the .92 size bars that you are looking for while FF's are a little larger. And while not cheap, cheap you have to keep in mind that some of that OEM stuff is going on 45 years old now which can make it a crap shoot with regard to how they hold up. I've seen one bar snap while just sitting there and no, the car wasn't beat upon as it was my old man's station wagon.

 

[monaco66coupe]

Hit up PST which is a vendor on this site or Firm Feel. PST offers the .92 size bars that you are looking for while FF's are a little larger. And while not cheap, cheap you have to keep in mind that some of that OEM stuff is going on 45 years old now which can make it a crap shoot with regard to how they hold up. I've seen one bar snap while just sitting there and no, the car wasn't beat upon as it was my old man's station wagon.

Funship is right on, Better safe than sorry. Stuff that is 45 years old can break at any time. I bought mine from Chrysler in 2001 when they were still selling them. I don't know if Mopar is Involved in that area or not.

 

[SublimeSixpack]

I few months ago I purchased new 440/Hemi spec. bars (.920") from a local Dodge Dealer parts dept. at right around a couple hundred dollars.

If you do go with a used set just make sure there are no nicks, gouges, or other damage. Personally I've never had a torsion bar go bad. Of course I don't do Hazzard County style jumps, etc.

 

[ga66mopar]

I used the Mopar .96 torsion bars on my 66 with a 440 and it handles and rides very good out on the highway. The factory size torsion bars were a little soft for me.

 

[65 Plymouth Satellite 426]

780 And 781 .92 Torsion Bars Are For The 440-6 Pack, Max-Wedge And Hemi! The Guys Are Right! X2!

 

[jimm69]

Sublimesixpack, did you walk into the parts department and ask for them by application or did you tell them you just needed .920 " bars?

 

[monaco66coupe]

The bars are available from The Chrysler dealer here, , and they are described in the parts book as .92, as E/B Body bars. If your local dealer isn't able, the dealer here in Omaha can, and would be happy to ship them to you.

 

[jimm69]

Thanks All. I just called my local dealer and he is getting them for me. He said it would be 2 days, but I am just shocked to be able to buy something like that new from the dealer. I think I am better off for the peace of mind to just buy new instead of worrying about used.

 

[Mopars & Missiles]

He said it would be 2 days, but I am just shocked to be able to buy something like that new from the dealer.

They may still be 45 years old, maybe just been sitting in a warehouse somewhere all these years! Regardless, you still did it the right way.

 

[monaco66coupe]

I believe the bars are new production and Chrysler licensed products.

 

[jimm69]

well, regardless of whether they are reproduction or 45 years old, they still do not have 45 years of use on them.

 

[Mopars & Missiles]

well, regardless of whether they are reproduction or 45 years old, they still do not have 45 years of use on them.

Exactly. That is what I meant.

 

[SublimeSixpack]

Sublimesixpack, did you walk into the parts department and ask for them by application or did you tell them you just needed .920 " bars?

Sorry I didn't get back to you on this, I don't check the board daily but it sounds as though your dealer is taking care of you.
Its cool that we can still get some parts like this from Mopar Performance but I'm finding that fewer and fewer parts for our classics are available through them.

 

[66belveder]

I just installed the larger bars for my 66 Belvedere II from Mancini, old bars are for sale, cheap

 

[1969superbee]

What is the dia. on a 383 car? If you are swapping from a 383 to a 440 will the original 383 bars work?

 

[1970GTX]

I got a used set of .920 bars out of my GTX I could sell you, but if I were you for the money, I'd just get a set of .920 MP bars, from someone like Summit Racing, $230 bucks a set. They have the clips and seals too and free shipping. No point putting in 45 year old stuff because you just never know what you're getting.