Thread: 38 Desoto

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I have a 38 Desoto that I have aquired for a good price. (free!) It is complete however the previous owner subframed the front and rear with 78 camaro suspension. He is telling me that I need to replace the frame because the suspension is to wide. Can I over come this by adjusting the wheel offset or do I need to replace as he fears. I plan to change out the rear but the front is all welded and boxed and looks great. I have been told that this is the same as a 38 Dodge. Can anyone help?

Carnut,
I went with the Mustang in my Plymouth for this reason. I do know that when a Nova subframe is used that they usually take 3 or 4 inches out of the center to make the width correct. I'd take a measurement of total width you have right now and get the measurement of your outside fenders and go from there. I hope this helps.

What year mustang did you use? I have an 84 capri that i can take the suspension out of and weld it up. Then switch the rotors and axles to 5 lug.

I used the ever popular Mustang II. I believe it was a '77 or'78 but a '74-'78 should be the same. And depending on where you place your engine will determine whether you'll use 4,6,or v8 springs. I set my engine behind the front end so if I remember correctly I used 4 cyl. springs. I first used V8 springs and I had no spring at all. So placement does make a difference.

Thanks for the info. I will check the measurements. Hopfully the guy is wrong and I will not have to change the suspension. He did a really good job welding everything up and it looks really nice. I was hoping i could skirt the issue by playing with the tire size and wheel offset. But if I have to change it I will. Someone said that an s-10 frame works well under these old cars. I may even check into that. I will put the rear out of the Capri under it and change the axles because we do know that there are issues with the springs rubbing.