Torsion Bar adjustments.

[6 packin]

I am currently working on a 73 Duster with a orginal 318 2bbl carb and 4 speed tranny. It now has a 440/727 engine. The front end is much heavier than the small block. Should I make adjustments to the front ride height. By adjusting the torsion bar loads. Or should I leave it be. There the factory torsion bars. I would like a little better handling car. It has all new front suspension and steering parts. Also whats the best way to do this? I want to load both bars the same or close to it.

[Eric Strong]

I would look for a larger (diameter) set of torsion bars. You can adjust the old ones up to give you more ground clearance, but that wouldn't solve your problem. The extra weight of the 440 needs heavier torsion bars. I have adjusted some of my cars in the past. I just measure the distance from the garage floor to the bottom of the bumper on both sides, then turn the adjusters the same amount of turns to get the desired height, and then remeasure the height at the bumper to check for even height.
Hope this helps!

Quick Claims Adjuster!!!

[skankweirdall]

If you want better handling then thicker bars will be needed. You can adjust yours though to get back to stock ride height. If you are drag racing the vehicle though those thinner bars are better. Not just for the weight loss but you will have more stored energy in them to lift the front end and transfer weight on launch.

You'll need to take the weight of the front end to adjust them and then roll the car while turning the steering wheel back and forth to get the front end settled back down (unless you have a front end rack and turn tables). I adjust the same way as Eric described except I put tape on the top of the front wheel wells and mark it at the center point and measure from the floor to the marks on each side. That way you measure in the same place everytime. Make sure you do this on a flat level surface. Standard adjustment would leave the drivers side a 1/2" higher to take into account the drivers weight.

[gsmopar]

Just an Idea so take it for what it's worth:

How about aluminium heads, water pump housing, radiator, and fiber glass hood. I know it would cost a crap ton more, but wouldn't the end result be more fun? Also, you don't have to deal with those damn torsion bars!

Later,

Greg

[skankweirdall]

Originally posted by gsmopar
How about aluminium heads, water pump housing, radiator, and fiber glass hood. I know it would cost a crap ton more, but wouldn't the end result be more fun? Also, you don't have to deal with those damn torsion bars!

Now there is an idea that will give you better performance and handling.

[Kevin Garceau]

heck...alum block too

[6 packin]

Originally posted by gsmopar
Just an Idea so take it for what it's worth:

How about aluminium heads, water pump housing, radiator, and fiber glass hood. I know it would cost a crap ton more, but wouldn't the end result be more fun? Also, you don't have to deal with those damn torsion bars!

Later,

Greg

Definatly
The first things to be changed are the water pump stuff and radiator. I figure with those changes. I would be close to a stock 360 weight with a old iron intake, and cast iron manifolds. The heads are a dream away right now, there on my wish list next X-mas.

[gsmopar]

I just did all of that stuff to my 440. The front end is sitting up a little high, but I'm going to drive it a little a see if it settles before I start messing with the bars.

[6 packin]

How much height can you raise the front end with no problems? Would 2-3 inches be to much?