68 Cuda fastback suspension rebuild...

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Well, minor update I guess....Things can always be improved. After having to pull the engine out for a transmission swap, (upgrade to a 4 speed) then driven for a while, then having to pull the motor and tranny again due to a cracked wrist pin, I got tired of snaking the TTI headers through torsion bars all the time.

I also was out performing the factory 11 inch iron disc brakes so those had to be updated as well.

I decided to use an RMS AlterKation front end system. I forget how high quality these things are, so easy to put together, everything is so much lighter! Some of my progress today:

I removed the factory LCA bump stops, as per the instructions. Easy job with a spot weld cutter.

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The shock assembly on the right is assembled with no preload. The left one is my starting point at 1.5" of spring preload.

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Lower control arm

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Installing the spring/shock and upper control arm /spindle was so easy. went so fast I didnt take pictures in between lol

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rack installed

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Tomorrow I will install the wilwood 12.19 disc brakes
 
the brakes are on, wheels are mounted and it sits on it's own weight. I have the floor cut out for 2x3x.120 frame connectors. there just not welded in our built yet. lol

For my stroker engine that I'm going to install, (the one in my sig pic) I have to build new fuel system, feed and return lines, with an electric fuel pump, and the MSD digital 6 plus I have to install as well..

I have my work cut out for me, but I've seriously been lagging since I bought a new 2013 dodge Ram. A new, fast, reliable, hemi truck has my interest more than this car now.
 
Alterkation front end looks awesome James. The Cuda looks like she should handle like a race car. Yeah new Dodge Trucks sure are nice, Hemi 5.7-6.1 are pretty fast.
 
yes....i do have a little bit to update. i put the whole damn thing on hold for damn near over a year! LOL.

but now I am back at it again. a few months back I had my friend come over and weld up some frame connectors, and torque boxes.

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so then it sat after that was done for a few more months..lol.

then just last month i had my friend help modify a new spectra fuel tank. I am using the new Aeromotive phantom in tank pump kit.

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now where im at today...for the last 3 days i was stripping the rear frame rails and floor pan underneath free from all the under coating! im glad i did this because it let me know what kind of shape the frame and floor is in. not too bad actually! much better shape than i originally intended, no rust through, or pitting anywhere.

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I am NO body man, i know nothing about that sort of thing. im just using junk Harbor Freight stripping tools, an air scaler, wire wheels and media discs, hamburger wheels, etc. all from H.F... lol

I will prime and paint all that with east wood extreme under chassis black. from what ive read, it seems to hold up pretty good for a spray bomb.
 
The Fuel tank mod turned out nice..I used the same Aeromotive pump in my current Project. Nice to see the progress pics.
 
Mad Dart said:
Here you go all ape **** again!!

You going to Mini Tub it while your there?
Click to expand...

Ohhhh Mann!!!! I don't know! I'm really wanting to do the spring relocation using the uscartool kit, which will make it easier for me.

I definitely NEED a trunk floor, trunk extensions and a quarter panel. Maybe it'll be easier to do a minitub in the middle of replacing all that stuff.
 
mopardude318 said:
Ohhhh Mann!!!! I don't know! I'm really wanting to do the spring relocation using the uscartool kit, which will make it easier for me.

I definitely NEED a trunk floor, trunk extensions and a quarter panel. Maybe it'll be easier to do a minitub in the middle of replacing all that stuff.
Click to expand...

Just do it...if your thinking about it now and don't do it you'll kick yourself later....Besides Fastback Cuda's look Awesome with big tires tucked under them.
 
Okay yes. I have an update. I have the whole trunk floor and trunk extensions ripped out. Took that **** out myself! Spot weld cutters help, but I sometimes went too far and cut the frame, no big deal it'll all weld up.

Yes I am mini tubing and spring relocating this as I go! I should have that done this weekend. I will start on that job on Saturday, so I will miss the Mopar Spring fling. :((((

I stripped the whole car down too. Is it ready to be media blasted. Pics to follow soon.

I may also go with the RMS Street Linx for the rear too. I do like that cross bar in the rear to stiffen things up as well. Not sure if I should go that route tho, I'd like the extra help for handling.

Cheers mates. ;)
 
We got the spring relocation done in one day. not too bad, just alot of measuring to insure everything is square. The US Car Tool kit worked out great. I recommend it.

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Then we repaired both sides of the door striker area using the Dynamic Renovation A-body Door jamb replacements. I am glad this stuff is available, pretty easy follow the instructions using their template.

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I have the trunk floor and trunk extensions cut out. I then added temp. braces to hold everything together while I cut the wheel tubs out and do a mini tub.

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I also used the US Car Tool inner fender braces...How much will they actually help? ****, I don't know. lol

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So that is all we were able to complete this weekend. My friend and I will continue on with the mini-tub in 3 weeks and when I have a solid plan of attack. The passenger side wheel tubs are jacked up so I have AMD inner & outer replacements.

Not sure if I want to use the US Car tool kit or not, I do like **** that is made, all ready to go, saves a whole lot of time, but it looks like they raised the price of that son-of-a-***** 30 more dollars. It was already expensive as hell before.
 
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3 Weeks??? Get out there and get to work... Says the guy with the 4 year project in his garage. LOL

If you have access to a roof panel or hood, cut out your own fill panel. It's not hard to do and will likely fit better. If you don't have the minitub powerpoint, let me know, I'll send it to you. Will give you some ideas on approach along with the ones we spoke about.

Nice work James.
 
Looks like I just got in under the wire before the price hike. That never happens, normal would be the day after the hike.

Looks great
 
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