Lexus SC300/SC400 front suspension
I don't blame you for looking for more affordable DIY options. I'm the same way. It doesn't really help us on our A's but I think the stock CV front would be close to perfect for a C-body. That's what got me researching it in the first place, as an upgrade for my '65 Sport Fury. However, a lot of people will just shoot down our out of the box type thinking on such things. Yes, I would jump at one of Denny's setups (the best out there IMO) if I had the cash but it just isn't going to happen with my budget. So, people like us keep looking!
Check out the screen shot from the '72 Plymouth service manual I attached. I, too, have never heard of there being a difference between 2dr and 4dr A-body cars just the disc vs drum width. I'm just assuming that the manual is incorrect.
Looking at how the factory Lexus coil springs and shocks mount, it looks to me it would take some some extensive surgery to the inner fenders plus would still require something like HDK's shock hoop supports for added strength. The shock/coilover setup in post #7 is an aftermarket setup and would definitely add to the cost but probably would be easier (less cutting of inner fender) to fit in an A-body.
Outside to outside measurement doesn't mean a whole lot as changing rims can change that spec. These are high offset wheel type front ends unlike our factory zero offset front ends. What is most important is track width so that we don't screw up the scrub radius too much from what it was designed for. The stock track width on the '03-'04 CV front is 63.4". Compared to Dukeboys supplied spec of 59.2" ('72 manual says 59.7"), that's a 4.2" (3.7") difference. That 4.2" (3.7") would need to be removed from the cradle and rack. That's where the CV front end gets out of the DIY aspect for most as you need to be able to weld aluminum and properly shorten the internal shaft of the rack.
I don't blame you for looking for more affordable DIY options. I'm the same way. It doesn't really help us on our A's but I think the stock CV front would be close to perfect for a C-body. That's what got me researching it in the first place, as an upgrade for my '65 Sport Fury. However, a lot of people will just shoot down our out of the box type thinking on such things. Yes, I would jump at one of Denny's setups (the best out there IMO) if I had the cash but it just isn't going to happen with my budget. So, people like us keep looking!