Car runs and drives, but suspension and front brakes are really tired. It definitely needs to get done. Purpose of the car use is street and backroads driving. I would like to do it right, and not have to tear the car apart in 6 months.
@migsBIG thread about affordable shocks made me think it’d be fun to see how other folks would build my suspension (like an engine build
opinion thread).
Some information on the car:
-1965 Dodge Dart Hardtop
- rusted floorpans are getting replaced during this effort
- Manual BBP brakes up front via 1973-1976 disc brake swap. I’m also planning to refresh/replace rotors, pads, hoses, wheel bearing and seals in this effort.
- BBP in the back via 8 1/4 rear 3.2x gear. Rebuilt rear drum brakes last year.
- Manual 24:1 steering.
- 215 60 15 cheapest radials all the way around
Here’s my plan:
- PST Super Front Kit; replaces effectively all bushings, idler arm, tie rods (~$400)
- Upgrade tie rods in that kit (guessing $50 up-charge)
- Greasable lower control arm pin (~$125)
- Lower control arm stiffening plates ($45)
- Addco Sway Bar (already purchased, but not installed yet)
- PST 1.03 Torsion Bar Deluxe Kit; includes torsion bar, seals, etc. ($400)
- Firm Feel adjustable strut rod (assuming $300 after shipping)
- DIY frame connectors ($80, hopefully cheaper)
This all puts me at $1,400. Budget-wise, I think I’ll be forced into shocks at ~$100 price point for all four (which at its core means I’m not going with Bilstein or Hotchkis). This taps out my budget.
Here’s some discussion:
- I haven’t fully decided on poly vs rubber. I don’t have the experience for a preference. I’d probably go rubber, except that I’d potentially mix bushing types with sway bar. If I went rubber, I could probably remove adjustable strut rod and greasable lower control arm pin. If I went this route I’d be able to put some cash toward rear suspension, which is being ignored in this scenario.
- Of course, there’s another option here. I could basically keep everything stock. I.e. rubber bushings, factory torsion bars. Maybe upgrade tie rod ends. LCA stiffening. Install my sway bar. This would leave money for rear suspension, but probably not Bilstein shocks.
So, at $1,500 bucks all in. What would you do differently?