Torsion bars on stock 71 RT

[Ralph]

I want to know what would have been the stock diameter on torsion bars on a 71 Challenger RT 383 4 speed car.

Mine are .880 diameter and need replacement.

Also do you recommend to go to the next bigger diameter like firm feel sells a .940 stock HP / police. The car will be used for weekend cruises only.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks to all

 

[Chryco Psycho]

IIRC the stock R/T bars were .96 & yes I would go bigger than .88
Most people like the ride at over 1" with good shocks .

 

[Ralph]

Ok, so found it in the dodge manual and the stock bars for the 383 4V is .90 - my bad should have looked first.

Sounds like I should go with a .94 or 1.00 bar as the 440 HD was .92. Will look at the clocking first as I want an smooth install.

Do not want too stiff a ride either.

Thanks Chryco

 

[Chryco Psycho]

the 1" bars will give a more modern ride feel , with a good shock I doubt you would find them too stiff , a .92 bar with a with a KYB shock would beat you up !

 

[413]

Please define “good shock”. Got any names or part numbers?

I don’t Consider KYB shocks and radial T/A Tires as “good”

 

[Chryco Psycho]

Bilstein or QA1 adjustable
I agree neither of the above is even adequate in my world ! I would not even trust a BFGarbage to roll a car into a paint booth !

 

[Ralph]

Anyone use the PST 1.03 torsion bar ? Looking for a higher than stock ride about 1 ".

Like / dislikes

let me know

Thanks Ralph

 

[70chall440]

Contact Firm Feel, they are Mopar only and very friendly. Tell them what you want as far as ride and handling and they can recommend and sell you the right T bar size as well as sell you Bilstein shocks.

KYB's SUCK!!!! I had them on my 70 Challenger with stock T bars and it felt like a lumber wagon, just changed the shocks and man what a difference.

 

[Ralph]

Yep, I know Dick from firm Feel and buy my suspension parts from him.

I really like the way they help me. My cuda corners like its on rails, wish I could remember what size torsion bar I bought from them on my cuda, maybe they can go back to their records in 2013 and figure it out

thanks

 

[marks ebody]

Do you know the last three digits of the swaybar you have or stamped on the end or cast on the end

 

[Ralph]

Do not believe it is stock - measures .88 now. So previous owner put in undersized. Do not like the condition of them - painted over rust.

I would also like to raise the front end 1 inch over stock.

The dodge shop manual states 71 Challenger RT 383 was .90 and the 440 was .92

Comments welcome