parts store front end parts vs after market? • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **73challengerguy** » 06 Mar 2009 17:37

taking anyones opinions on any differences on this subject...want to rebuild my front end...but dont wanna go broke doing it...i dont roadrace this car...just local cruising....it need redone...everything....like to lower my torsion bars down too...alignment issues???....need a lower stance on the car....so want to do it all at once....rebuild or replace parts....lower stance and align......any suggestions....thank you verymuch....

by **Eddie** » 07 Mar 2009 0:48

I would contact Firm Feel and Just Suspension. Both use Moog and TRW parts, no cheap junk. Their parts shouldnt be that much higher than "Auto-Zone",, I would get standard BigBlock torsion bars, maybe poly bushings, but since you dont care about cornering performance, the standard duty stuff,(Rubber) should be fine and save you a few bucks Jeff. Another source is Mancini racing they also carry top quality stuff. Dave, should have some better advice. :thumbsup:

by **Jon** » 07 Mar 2009 3:16

I just finished my front build, went a little cheap, but it matched my budget.

I bought a kit from Springs and Things and deleted the upper control arm bushings. I purchased offset uppers (Moog) from Summit that max the caster which was the main goal. These should help with your lowering plan also.

The only polyurethane installed was the lower control arm pivot bushing and the strut ends so ask about a discount as Poly is marked up (vs. rubber). Ball joints and idler arm all the same in both kits also.

by **ianandjess** » 07 Mar 2009 5:15

gday try this guy out i bought mine from him & it all looks to be good quality & the price was good to Bill Rolick enterprises www.bremotorsports.com
hope this helps someone
cheers ian

by **73challengerguy** » 09 Mar 2009 18:10

thanks gentleman......like anything it gets a lil confusing...what to do and what not to do...considering what u want vs want u need and the money spent?.....do u think i need to replace my torsion bars eddie?.im not sure if they have been replaced or not?...its a small block rally car...but when i bought it, it had a bb in it...so could they of cranked em up to live with the bb...or would they have had too change them out?....now with the 400 its lighter than the 440 it came with....wow im confused now...lol :s006:

by **Eddie** » 10 Mar 2009 1:40

As far as the T-bars: If you plan on just using your car for hot street action,(Straightline), I would keep those smallblock t-bars in there. You can measure the diameter of the bars that are in it Jeff and this will let us know what the bars are actually made for. Personally, I want my front end set up for maximum roadcourse work. This negates the rearward weight transfer of lightly sprung,(thinner), t-bars. I think some guys even go as far as using six cylinder t bars for the weight transfer effect. But I think this is a track only mod and unsafe for street use with a big block. I would just re-use your old bars, make sure they install them on the same side, mark them R and L if they arent already marked on the rear flats. Get some new clips and t-bar seals or re-use them if they arent trashed. This will also save you some cash. Maybe the drag racers on the board have some better ideas.