340 K Member ??

DFX, torque boxes are sheetmetal boxes that the factory used on Hemi and convertible models (in this case, a select few A-bodies) to strengthen the uni-body design and improve handling (factory subframe connectors). These boxes are located behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels and link the rocker panels to the frame. Torque boxes were sometimes installed on 440 cars and were a "hit and miss" add-on, depending on what the factory had in stock on a particular day. Even if your vehicle did not have factory boxes, they can easily be added to your A, B or E body Mopar. There are a number of companies that re-pop them - I got a great set from Rick Kruziger out of WI. I searched here on FABO for a string related to torque boxes but not much. A far as I know, a good number of '70 Swinger 340 cars got them but don't know if any 340 Dusters or Demons got them as well. This also made me raise the question of the washers, maybe they indicated that boxes be added to the car... I think I might start a string asking the A-body torque box question - which cars got them etc.

I checked my H code 69 Polara 500 Convertible equipped with the factory (numbers matching) HP 383/727 combo. It seems to have what you describe. I looked at my 71 Duster and there doesn't appear to be the boxes behind the front wheels. There does appear to be a box type sheet metal arrangement in front of the forward spring hanger. I will take pictures and send them to you and you can judge for yourself since this is new to me.

Art