Thread: Suspension Q&A

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OK, so I am finally jumping into the 54 plymouths smashed up suspension and forward frame ailments (for all of you who saw me through my frame swap Q) and have started tearing it down. Found a stock front end for my year and also some interesting mods articles. Problem is the articles covered 48-50 suspension upgrades like disc conversions and bumpsteer but said nothing of 54 year. I am putting a banter out for all you, who have ever seen or done any front end mods on mid 50's Mopar. Any of you got any links, articles, info etc. An SB is goin in so even crossmember suggestions are helpful as I dont know if I will keep the stock one or not. I'm in a toss-up with a entirely different crossmember and steering,suspension package(junkyard of course) or mopar muscle era discs and components on existing. Is this making sense? I been on the pooter too long I'm feelin' loopy. Thanks guys, I know ya won't let me down

PS cause yer the smartest bunch o' yokels I know.

OK Justin, I don't remember from the last thread whether the front rails were salvagable. I recall you said they were damaged, but................?

The "new" suspension you acquired is just the suspension components, or the entire front clip including the rails?

I haven't actually done one of that era Mopar, but just an idea. Would the Aspen/Volare subframe be a swap candidate, or is it too wide?

Yes, the frame rails are severly bent and sub-ing with stock or similar is more in my realm of skill, parts availability, and cost(free). Having the frame straightened is out of my leage.

As it turns out the entire chassis (stock for my year) is available, but it is a two door so length could be an issue(hence the sub routine). My track width is 58", pretty dang thin.

I have tried the plymouth sites but they arent visited very often and didn't even post a reply to my introducing myself.

The article I saw replaced 48 drums with 74 mopar discs with minor backing plate mods and a 3/4" hub spacer. I guess I'll have to take my donor spindles to the yard for some comparison. For springs they cut a coil out of a Dodge 3/4 ton pickup or van to give a lowered ride and accomodate an SB. The great thing about the rear is it has parralels that later rears will fit with matching perch placement or the movement of perches by a minimal amount. That way I'm ready fer 3spd auto gears on those hwy drives. I have done a lot of reading research but no hands on. Better to be prepared as much as I can fore I go cuttin and hammerin.

Thanks fer helpin me keep this thread alive as I really do take you guys help serious and trully apreciate the time and good nature involved.