Comparing the Classic Mopar Strut Rod Options; Stock, QA1 and Firm Feel

[@geoffdeller7747]

From Australia. Ok, bear with me here,,,,,,, If you project a centre line through the lower control arm bushing pin, forward, it will bisect the plane of the 'K' frame somewhere close to the centre of the hole where the strut rod bushings sandwich the 'K' frame. Therefore, when the LCA moves up and down it turns around the lower LCA bushing and the strut rod which as we all know is tied to the LCA, pivots about the point which is in the middle of the bushings. All the strut rods with a rose/Heim joint, by design, move the strut rod 'pivot point' away from the previously mentioned pivot point located in the centre of the hole in the 'K' frame buy what looks like 50mm/2". Surely this 'misalignment' of the LCA and the strut rod two pivot points must put undue stresses throughout the LCA assembly which can only manifest itself with some level of binding in the assembly or a change of geometry. The firmfeel design looks better to me.

[@LifeatSpeed]

Completely agree with your assessment, thanks for the thought out response!

[@rboynton8671]

I first bought QA1 adj strut rods but found the part that goes into the LCA to be a much smaller diameter than the stock ones so returned them. Got the PST rods next which had the correct size. My only concern about the stock/Firm Feel rods is they still use rubber or poly bushings that do not smoothly pivot as the LCA moves. The whole idea behind the proper pivoting of the strut rod is to ensure no binding or reduction in travel of the LCA. In my case, I had to put a little bit of grease around the heim joint because it was started being noisy.

[@blakenewton2781]

My Charger has a whole lot of Firm Feel stuff on it. I like the products. You can tell how good it is just by measuring them against some of their competitors. I think this is going to be my next major purchase.

[@LifeatSpeed]

It's hard to beat Firm Feel. They have been around Mopars forever and really put their products to the test.

[@duanephillips2343]

I bought a pair of Just Suspension strut rods years ago at the Carlisle Mopar show direct from them. They are now installed on my 73 - much.more robust than the stock rods. The front end is otherwise stock with new Moog bushings. It will be interesting to see how it handles. I did box the lower control arms. Nearly ready for paint on this car! Not sure whether it will be done before my wife finally loses it and shoots me over the cost LOL! Another cool video

[@LifeatSpeed]

I think you'll definitely feel more stability in the front, but as far as increased performance I think you'll need larger diameter torsion bars, sway bar and shocks for that. I hear ya on the cost! These projects always spiral lol

[@ajantics]

I have a set of hotchkis strut rods if you wanna check them out for comparison as well. I know they have heim joints which isn't for everyone. We have had no problems with them on f8lfish since 2013. Granted it doesn't have many miles on it lol. I will be adding them to 73 cuda soon.

[@LifeatSpeed]

Glad to hear you haven't had any issues with the hotchkis units. Would you be able to send me some close up pictures of the heimjoints to [e-mail]

[@HalJalikakik]

In working on my front end found one of my strut rods is bent and thinking about putting new ones in. This was great info as initially looking at the PST offering. Going to check out Firm Feel. Have you road tested yet and if so are you happy?

[@LifeatSpeed]

I haven't road tested it yet, but much happier with the Firm Feel units, just by the installation alone. They make incredible parts!

[@MyKARSShop]

I definitely like the looks of those firm feel ones. I’ll be curious to see how they perform for you

[@LifeatSpeed]

Firm Feel specializes in Mopars and has for decades, and I doubt anyone know Mopar suspension better than they do. I'm always impressed with their products and can't wait to get this car on the road.

[@MyKARSShop]

@@LifeatSpeed I can’t wait for the ride along videos.

[@DB-nz9xl]

Do you anything about HDK mopar suspension?

[@LifeatSpeed]

I've never heard of them prior to you mentioning them. I just did a quick google search and appears to be a small independent company. Unfortunately I can't provide any information on the quality of work they do.

[@SHOWandGOresto]

Firm Feel Inc is Good...they only do MoPar

[@timhaner3129]

All FF here

[@Austin-qo7wx]

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