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74 Charger project in research mode...

tomw_6

tomw_6

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So the 74 has a different K member as I read more about my car, that leads to less parts available for suspension swaps, steering upgrades. I need any tips on what to do for a road race project, like using solid bushings, or going to another K member all together...aftermarket or Chrysler swap? Goal was to do a coilover and rack-n-pinion steering swaps, but it looks like I may have to just do stiffer torsion bars, lower it manually, upgrade factory disk brakes, some sort of sway bar and maybe a universal rack-n-pinion kit, unless someone has better options?

K member.jpg Charger.JPG olympia beer charger.jpg
 
The 74 suspension is very different from all the other years before it except 73 (and there are even some differences there). Because the cars that came later weren't really sporty at all, there is very little aftermarket support for this setup. One problem you're quickly going to run into is that the k member is secured to the frame with rubber bushings that dampen the ride. For road racing, you'll want to get rid of this. Problem is, it's really hard to find the metal versions you'll want without paying a boatload. The rear springs are also isolated with rubber mounts that are hard to find kits to remove. Only firm feel really has parts for the 73-74 b bodies, and they're expensive as hell, but they do have parts to fix both of these problems. Swapping to another k member would be difficult because in 73 they switched the upper control arms from frame/inner fender mount to k member mount. Torsion bars are also unique for these compared to other mopar muscle cars, so firmfeel is the only place to go for those, too. Disk brakes won't be a problem. Sway bars are available from several places ranging in price, as well. Not too sure on steering unfortunately. Really, FirmFeel is going to have almost everything you need, and for a lot of the stuff, they'll be the only ones that have it. Unfortunately, you'll pay a premium because of that... That picture is NOT what the k member will look like, by the way. This is is the best picture I could find of the 73-74 style: http://www.macikspaintinplace.com/Pictures/1973roadrunner/1973RoadRunner11.jpg
 
Check out Magnum force I believe they have a hole k frame setup that will plug and play in there
 
Prothane or energy suspenssion also offer a urethane mount kit probably not as good as solid mounts but still less deflection than rubber.
 
aeon280 said:
Prothane or energy suspenssion also offer a urethane mount kit probably not as good as solid mounts but still less deflection than rubber.
Click to expand...
If you go the urethane route, don't get the P-S-T ones. As far as I can tell, they're exactly the same as the energy ones, just rebranded and marketed as "polygraphite". They're way cheaper on RockAuto as Energy brand. I bought a whole set but haven't installed them yet. I heard a lot of good things in my research, but the solid ones, if you can get them, are much more ideal for road racing. I have heard of people just welding the K frame in without any mounts, but that'll raise your engine a bit and possibly throw some other alignments off in the drivetrain.
 
polyurethane and poly-graphite are different technologies.

poly-graphite is, as the name implies, impregnated with a self lubricating graphite to curtail the squeaking associated with polyurethane bushings.
 
Check out QA1

affordable bolt on stuff, that works
 
YY1 said:
polyurethane and poly-graphite are different technologies.

poly-graphite is, as the name implies, impregnated with a self lubricating graphite to curtail the squeaking associated with polyurethane bushings.
Click to expand...
I agree, but I believe the energy ones are the “poly graphite” ones. I think the name is just a marketing thing from PST and it’s the same exact stuff. The part numbers are the same except the energy ones have “r” or “g” at the end for the red or black ones. The g means graphite from what I can tell.
 
if they are not graphite impregnated, as advertised....

...lawsuit

I don't believe they would open themselves up to that.
 
I think they are graphite impregnated, but I think the ones from energy are too. I think it’s the same exact part but PST advertises them as polygraphite and energy does not because they produce them for pst.
 
The isolators used on your Charger are similar to the ones used on Aspen/Volare F-bodies.
Firm feel in Washington state carry solid isolators for the front K-member - much better than rubber or poly isolators.
upload_2019-7-24_6-33-59.png
 
Oh it's getto racing ! Just install washers in place of the bushings !
 
The factory offered cast iron ones for police/taxi, it's possible you could come across those in a JY if you're lucky (used on later models as well, just reversed). The more expensive poly bushings come with a steel sleeve - that's why there's a difference in price.
 
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