Mopar suspension complete disassembly! How-to Part 1 - 1974 Duster

[@roadhardrestorations]

Go check out part 2! Mopar suspension rebuild 1974 Duster PART 2 - restoration and reassembly kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3fPZWOXg8psjrM

[@72442conv]

I just did this entire job on my 72 Duster. What a pain in the arse. I tried the welding the washer to the lower control arm bushing shell but I could either not get a good weld or those bushing shells where really stuck in there. Every time I welded a washer to the bushing shell and put it on the press the washer would bend and the welds would break. Ended up using a Harbor Freight Cheif brand "Professional High Speed Metal Air Reciprocating Saw" and by removing the blade guard, the saw blade went deep enough where I was able to cut them in half and remove them, it was actually quite easy to do. There was no damage to the control arm by doing it this way, and to be honest only takes about 5 minutes per side. It seemed as easy, if not easier that welding a washer to them.

[@roadhardrestorations]

The second one I welded broke out too. Didn't have enough penetration. Was worried about welding to the actual arm. Using a washer just slightly smaller worked better than one that was the same size of the outer lip. I think my Dad used a chisel on the '70 that I have. I know because after disassembling them I can see all the gouges in the bore haha Same goes for the shafts as well. But he didn't have a welder handy. Takes longer to get the welder out and setup than it does to actually do the job!

[@72442conv]

@@roadhardrestorations It does.

[@edsmachine93]

Nice job.👍 I have to do this on my '74 Duster. Thanks for sharing.

[@roadhardrestorations]

Thank you! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@rustyrobinson8027]

Thanks

[@roadhardrestorations]

No problem

[@dginia]

Very informative! Nitty Gritty maintenance most of us are not quite aware is necessary. I had a new ‘73 Duster back in the day. My first new car, I like the car a lot. Have never been a performance nut, so the Slant Six was very satisfactory getting from Point A to Point B. Was never satisfied with it’s fuel economy. I currently have a 2017 Pacifica. I like it very much, too, especially because it gets 34 mpg on the Interstate! I dream of what a Duster could have been if the Pacifica power plant/front end could be transplanted into the Duster.

[@roadhardrestorations]

Thanks. My Dad was the same way about the /6 and just getting to work every day. We also have a Pacifica, a 2019. Same basic V6 engine as the Ram1500, the Challenger, etc…. Chrysler put them in a ton of vehicles. It would be an interesting swap for sure.

[@dginia]

@@roadhardrestorations Thanks for your comment. It makes me feel validated.

[@keithsims86]

My right upper frame rail rolled in towards the engine. That's why the alignment shop can't align it.

[@roadhardrestorations]

I'd take it to a bodyshop along with the measurements from the shop manual, if it's not rusted, they should be able to realign the rail if it's NOT BUCKLED.

[@shanedingz]

Welding some stiffening plates to the bottoms of the lower control arms is a major improvement. Mancini has a set for like $50 or you could easily fabricate some

[@roadhardrestorations]

I've seen those, I may do that on the '70. Should be easy enough to make at home.

[@jamesharrington4923]

Was it hard to get the.torsion.bars broke loose, I've never changed them.

[@roadhardrestorations]

The last couple sets weren’t very difficult. You want to make sure there is no load on them. Back off the adjuster completely so it’s not touching at all. There are tools you can buy to remove them but a lot of folks (my Dad included) make their own to clamp onto the bar so you can hammer it out.

[@jamesharrington4923]

@@roadhardrestorations Ohhhhh okay I gotcha now. I was told they.dont make that tool anymore. I have a 1976 dodge dart lite that I want to restore one day.and put a V8 in it.