Stiffening suspension

[Sirsmiley9]

Is there a way to stiffen the suspension in a 76 duster it’s got torsion bars so I’m not sure if there is a way besides new bars.

 

[pishta]

not in the front. You could go with stiffer shocks but they dont stiffen, but they harshen rebound. you could go with an add-a-leaf in the rear, its a bolt on 1/2 leaf that increases leaf spring rate. Or you could go SS springs and 1.04 bars up front. The trend up front is massive (from stock) torsion bars and a good shock.

 

[Sirsmiley9]

so The diameter of the torsion bars would be 1.04 and that would be larger and therefore stiffer than stock. So would that fit in without any modifications

 

[Mattax]

Chrysler had several size torsion bars and different leaf springs for every model.
Which ones got used on your particular car depends on the engine it came with, and how it was optioned. There were options for heavy duty and fleet use.
To reduce roll without increasing spring rates, use 'anti-sway' bars.
Again, your car may already have them.

Adding stiffness to the rear springs is not a good idea unless it is specifically to carry extra weight.
Everything else being equal, increasing rear stiffness makes it more likely the car will fishtail and even spinout on slick surfaces. Don't ask how I first learned this...

 

[Demonic]

Maybe find a set of 340 torsion bars. Maybe others will chime in on the "feel' difference between 340 bars and others.

 

[Mattax]

It looks like a front sway bar was extra cost option in '76
see here:
The 1970 Hamtramck Registry - 1976 Plymouth Dealership Data Book - Valiant/Duster
Just look under the front - it will either be there or it won't. Turn the front wheels so it will be easier to see the link attaching it to the lower control arm tab.

 

[Sirsmiley9]

wow thanks for all the help I think I may look into a sway bar as well then