A-body LCA 67-72 vs 73-76 differences?

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Dart Into Traffic

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Can someone tell me what the difference is between 67-72 A-body LCA's and 73-76? I want to install sway bar brackets on my '74 (which did not come factory equipped with any). I want to buy the type you have to weld on because I personally don't like those bolt on "L" brackets that come with aftermarket sway bar kits. When I search for these brackets, I can only find applications for '67-'72. Why won't they work on 73-76? I attached a screen shot of what is available for purchase below. Thanks for any info.

Mopar a-body control arm bracket.png
 
Since you have a 74, I eould personally locate a set of 73-76 LCA with the seay bar brackets slready in place. Rebuild them with new bushing and never worry about them again
 
Well, for one thing, that ad is wrong.
Pictured, are the brackets for 73, 76.
Which are the ones that they want to sell you as replacements for the 65-72 brackets.
 
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So why I want to weld on my own is because the tabs are at the end of the arm. Most aftermarket bars use that bolt in "L" bracket at the shock bolt which is inboard of the factory location. I want to use the factory location because that LCA sway bar mount location is like a cheater bar. The further out you apply the force, the more leverage you have.
 
Dart Into Traffic said:
So why I want to weld on my own is because the tabs are at the end of the arm. Most aftermarket bars use that bolt in "L" bracket at the shock bolt which is inboard of the factory location. I want to use the factory location because that LCA sway bar mount location is like a cheater bar. The further out you apply the force, the more leverage you have.
Click to expand...
The problem with that, is the stock location for a '73-6 sway bar tab is even more inboard than all the other years. It's almost in the center by the limit bumper.
 
Did som ecars come with a sway bar and some without? I remember a 71 Dart coming in for an alignment in the 90s and I was surprised it didnt have a front sway bar. I assumed someone removed it and hacked the tabs off the LCA's
 
Most didn't have a sway bar. It's mostly high performance and tow packages that did. It could have been ordered on any model however.
 
cudamark said:
The problem with that, is the stock location for a '73-6 sway bar tab is even more inboard than all the other years. It's almost in the center by the limit bumper.
Click to expand...
THAT is the info I'm looking for cudamark. You have highlighted that there is a difference in the mounting tab location based on year. Thank you.
 
You're welcome. Your decision will be in part on which sway bar you use. If stock, you need the stock bracket and location so the links line up properly. If aftermarket, the brackets need to be attached in the correct location to match it.
 
Dart Into Traffic said:
So why I want to weld on my own is because the tabs are at the end of the arm. Most aftermarket bars use that bolt in "L" bracket at the shock bolt which is inboard of the factory location. I want to use the factory location because that LCA sway bar mount location is like a cheater bar. The further out you apply the force, the more leverage you have.
Click to expand...
because you have a 73~76 set up already, i'd recommend sourcing some factory 73~76 LCA's with tabs and then procuring the factory style bar of your choice-- which there are ample choices from many aftermarket companies.

the effective wheel rate difference between the two bars pick up location isn't enough to worry about unless you are building a full competition vehicle.

the problem with the hotchkis stuff is that it's designed to really only work with their system, so you're kinda beholden to them as far as bars go. and some people don't like how forward and low the bars mount.
 
I think the confusion with the Hotchkis tabs are because they are for the 22385 bar which is a hybrid of the '67-72 and '73+ stuff. It uses the '67-72 sway bar mount but the '73+ endlink location and arrangement so that that wider wheels and tires will clear the bar.

So the tabs are correct for a '73+ car, but they were originally available only with the '67-72 hybrid sway bar and probably carried the labelling from there when they were made available separately.

FYI, the 22385 bar has instructions that might be helpful for locating the tabs. No promises that is the factory location though.


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Junkyardhero, that is great information, thank you. I will take all of it into consideration. I'd prefer to install a factory style setup, which is exactly why I'm trying to learn these differences. I understand your point about location not making a significant difference. Guess it was just my OCD kicking in.

DionR, that's some good info on the Hotchkis stuff too.

You guys have brought me up to speed very quickly and I appreciate it. Thank you all.
 
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