Suspension opinions

[SXT6]

Ok, so after yesterday and riding down the interstate with Brian I have decided to push back all my other plans and work on a suspension. I don't have the kahonees to do an air ride, so it looks like I'll be doing a coilover setup. Any opinions on brands to go with? If you recommend a brand can you tell me why too...Bad as it is to say I don't know enough about the suspension on these cars, all I've ever worked on are trucks.

[BSHAW27]

Well if you want Coilovers I think the KWs are the most popular but pedders makes all kinds of kits for the charger and they are also very well respected. I have been wanting to get either the Pedders touring kit or the Mopar Coilovers for mine but just haven't made up my mind or had the money to do it yet.

[SXT6]

Ok, so anyone want to educate me on the advantages of coilovers over just springs other than the adjustability?

Such as these....http://www.moparsupercenter.com/lx-vehicle-coilover-suspenion-kits-p4510841p4510841.html?cat=83

Over these....http://www.moparsupercenter.com/hotchkis-300c-magnum-charger-tv-s-drop-springshk19101.html?cat=854

[BSHAW27]

Springs are strictly to lower the vehicle they are just set up with a lower compression rating so the car will sit lower. When I used to mod cars when I was younger cars with just springs always drove rough but I have read that many chargers have just springs and they say the ride is great and maybe even better. But it is the cheaper option if you just want to lower.

The coilover kits for sale have shocks and struts included which are set up completely different and are designed to make the car handle differently. Depending on the set you get you can not only adjust height but also other things as well.

I think it really depends are you just going for the lowered look or are you looking for a completely different feel to the car when driving. If so get a full suspension set up and probably some sway bars as well.

[TheBeej418]

I agree with BShaw.

The coil-overs are going to be more for better handling and performance (less lean while cornering) while the springs will just get you lower.

The coil-overs stiffen the ride up a little more and give you better rebound. From what I've seen so far, the only performance you're doing is in a straight line on the highway at 120mph and you just want to look good doing it. If you're going out to the track when I'm not around, I would get coil-overs.

[SXT6]

I agree with BShaw.

The coil-overs are going to be more for better handling and performance (less lean while cornering) while the springs will just get you lower.

The coil-overs stiffen the ride up a little more and give you better rebound. From what I've seen so far, the only performance you're doing is in a straight line on the highway at 120mph and you just want to look good doing it. If you're going out to the track when I'm not around, I would get coil-overs.

Yeah bud, hopefully I wont have too many more of those straight line days either, haha. Although ideally I think it would be great to have the car handle like it's on rails, the reality is I have no use for it. Sooo....now the next question, just springs? Or springs, performance shocks, what all do you think? Price doesen't matter that much, I wont let that be a deciding factor like I did with my stupid hood

[BSHAW27]

What year is your car? I would go with just springs unless you have a ton of miles on your shocks already and think you will need to change them out soon anyways. Actually I would probably go springs and sways so you get improved handling and a lower ride. Only thing is the rear sways require some kind of adjustment on the V6 since they don't come with them from the factory.

I was looking for a while and I would have put springs on mine but I have nivomat self leveling rear shocks so I can't do just springs. But if I was going to do just springs I would get these:

http://www.bmcspeedshop.com/product_p/003z-b05-b000858.htm


Here is a couple of pics of cars that have these installed:
http://gallery.me.com/bmcperformance/100278/DSC00309/web.jpg
http://gallery.me.com/bmcperformance/100038/photo1232735611126/web.jpg

[SXT6]

It's an 07...I kinda think I might go with the Eibach pro-kit. About the rear sway, I wonder if mine has it? When I bought it I distinctly remember them telling me it had the exact suspension as the R/T.....I think it's suppose to be the most expensive SXT you can get, who knows

[BSHAW27]

I am not an expert but I know that when people sell the stock R/T and SRT sways everyone says they are exactly the same and the only cars that would benefit from them are the V6 models but maybe it is only the lower end models I don't really know for sure. But for performance handling I heard sways will make a bigger difference then the coilover kits by themselves.

As for springs I have never been a Eibach fan but I think they are all probably the same. Heck I wanted the Mopar ones just because they were blue!! lol

[SXT6]

Yeah thats why I want the Eibach, because theyre red! I really want the sportline kit, but it would be low as snot and I would have to change to 255/30/22

[TheBeej418]

I am not an expert but I know that when people sell the stock R/T and SRT sways everyone says they are exactly the same

I'd be forever finding the specs but they are out there somewhere.

The R/T with Road & Track, SRT, and Police package all have an upgraded sway bar (they're all the same on those 3 models, something like 15mm) over the R/T (something like 12mm). I'm not too sure about the models down from there whether they have them or not or what the size they are.

[V8Mag]

Hey BeeJ we will ahve to cruise in each others vehicle's at the next M&G. You want be hear the exhaust from the inside at highway speeds, and I want to feel whether or not I want to do air ride on my whip. I'm kinda curious being you are what about 1/2 inch off the ground and tucking 22's, how it would be with your setup with me on 20's. Curious if I will be laying directly on the ground.

[TheBeej418]

Hey BeeJ we will ahve to cruise in each others vehicle's at the next M&G. You want be hear the exhaust from the inside at highway speeds, and I want to feel whether or not I want to do air ride on my whip.

Done!!!

[V8Mag]

I edited my post, you have any insight on that? Not to hijack the thread

[OLJustice]

I'd be forever finding the specs but they are out there somewhere.

The R/T with Road & Track, SRT, and Police package all have an upgraded sway bar (they're all the same on those 3 models, something like 15mm) over the R/T (something like 12mm). I'm not too sure about the models down from there whether they have them or not or what the size they are.

The above is absolutely incorrect. R/T R&T, SRT, and R/T all have the same size rear sway bar: 15mm. SOME SRTs have a 30mm front while most have 27mm. I think only the earlier SRTs had the 30mm front until Chrysler decided to get cheap and put the same sways on all of them.

The Police Package is the only difference with a 32mm front and I believe 16mm rear? (someone correct me on that rear size)

So its like this:

Front: RT=27mm, R&T=27mm, (most)SRT=27mm ...(earlier SRTs had 30mm), Police=32mm
Rear: RT=15mm, R&T=15mm, SRT=15mm, Police=??

The only diff between an RT and an R&T (other than cosmetic stuff) = Seats, Bilstein/Nivomat suspension, 9-land steering gear, freer flowing exhaust (different suitcase), & freer flowing intake box/tube. Any claims of any other differences are from R&T owners with SRT envy. Period

[concussion]

I just put a pull off SRT set up on my Magnum and I love it, and you can't beat the price.
(I just read your mod list, I guess you already have a SRT set up.)

[TheBeej418]

I edited my post, you have any insight on that? Not to hijack the thread

Too late! :threadjack:

I asked Zack from Universal Air Suspension to comment on what size tires would work best on 20s. He's seen it all and installed it all so he can tell you what will work best.

[V8Mag]

Too late! :threadjack:

I asked Zack from Universal Air Suspension to comment on what size tires would work best on 20s. He's seen it all and installed it all so he can tell you what will work best.

Sweet definitly will have to question that if and when I get it

[Simans82]

Ahh... the joy (or hatred due to the massive amounts of money you end up spending) of knowing someone with air ride. If someone even has the faint thought in the back of their mind in regards to wanting to go with air, you'll never leave that thought behind until you own it. Beyond that, riding in an LX with air and/or just watching the jaws drop when the car gets smashed on the ground is worth it alone.

I realize you have a Charger, but I have the Eibach Sportlines with factory Bilstein fronts and factory 300C rears on my SRT8 300. I had to replace the rear Nivomats so they wouldn't self level and raise the rear once the springs were installed. I removed the top and bottom rubber isolators from the rear to get even lower than the advertised 2" drop. The fronts I left alone, and it allowed me to not have to worry about any fender rolling or anything like that.

Also, in the pictures I have 265/30/22's installed. The typical tire setup on an LX NOT on air would be 265/35/22. I'm sure that this would change the distance between the fender and the tire, but this should be good enough for the approximate look you would have from a spring only drop.

Keep in mind I haven't ridden on stock suspension and/or stock wheels and tires for more than a few months on any one of my vehicles for the past decade. With that said, I have a little bit different of an opinion than say someone who is riding around on lowered suspension and low profile tires for the first time. I think that this rides the same as stock, but with lowered suspension travel you obviously can find yourself bottoming out on deep dips or potholes. If you're worried about this, then you should be worried about finding a company that will design a spring to raise your vehicle, not lower it.

Something else to mention is that a good lowered setup (like TheBeej's) is going to ride nice and stiff (or tight, however you want to explain it). If you rode in Beej's with the adjustable Koni's and then rode in mine, you might have the opinion that mine rides more like stock than his. But that's not a good thing. Mine rides soft in comparison to his due to having shocks that are non-adjustable and not designed for lowered suspension travel. Aside from the lowered body roll when cornering, mine rides with the same "forgiveness" that the stock springs do. I'd much rather a sporty stiff feel like Beej has with the Koni's, but that's just me.

I was never afraid to ride around at nearly 0 PSI when I had air on my previous C, so I'm sure you can imagine that my SRT will NEVER be low enough until I have air again.

Whatup Beej... just a few more weeks, and :beerchug:

My previous C on air:

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k120/Simans82/300C/EditedRadisson.jpg

My SRT on Sportlines with the 22's:

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k120/Simans82/SRT8/DSC02578.jpg

And with the stock 20's:

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k120/Simans82/SRT8/DSC02750.jpg

[SXT6]

Dang brother, thats a bad car. I love the look with the 22's...I wonder if I just left the rubber isolators on if I could keep my 265/35's

[TheBeej418]

I would keep the 35's but I think I already told you that. You don't really need the 30's unless you want to throw the UAS setup on. After you get to ride in my car and hit some switches, that may be the only suspension solution you're willing to accept!

Not to mention 30's will cost more than twice as much as 35's

[SXT6]

OK, so Im getting the Sportlines, now my next question.Im going to get the camber kit as well, but which one of these do I need for the rear?
http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/performanceparts/Dodge/Charger/Suspension/Camber_Kits

[TheBeej418]

OK, so Im getting the Sportlines, now my next question.Im going to get the camber kit as well, but which one of these do I need for the rear?
http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/performanceparts/Dodge/Charger/Suspension/Camber_Kits

I'm not too sure that you really need one for the rear. Let me get back to you on that one unless someone else does first but I think you would be fine.

[TheBeej418]

Ok, in follow-up, you should be able to get the rear in to spec and the fronts darn close with a standard spring. No, it won't be perfect in the front, so if you're an exact to the hair kind of guy... but you will be able to get it to the point of not seeing any abnormal wear on a set of tires never rotated.

You could look at this kit to:
http://www.techcointl.com/product-p/003z-b00-b000850.htm

They're red!!!!!!

[SXT6]

Ok, so I guess I'm just going to go ahead and get the front camber kit and probably the eibach sportlines. Now for a crew willing to work for food and beer, haha....

[talktoandy]

I grabbed this from another thread with credit to Rales, but this is the best comparison I have seen. On the V6's I believe some have both the front/rear same as the RT and some have only a front. Sway bars used to be my favorite mod. Better handling around curves without any change in stiffness.


Swaybar Sizes

R/T
Front = 27mm
Rear = 15mm

R/T with Road & Track
Front = 30mm
Rear = 15mm

SRT8
Front = 30mm
Rear = 15mm

Cop Car (http://www.chargerforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66785&highlight=sway+millimeter#)
Front = 32mm, P/N 4782544AB, Bushing (2 needed) P/N 4782684AB
Rear = 18mm, P/N 5180016AA, Bushing (2 needed) P/N 5180017AA

Mopar Swaybar package
P/N P4510842
Front = 32mm
Rear = 22mm

Hotchkis
Front = 35mm
Rear = 19mm

[OLJustice]

I grabbed this from another thread with credit to Rales, but this is the best comparison I have seen. On the V6's I believe some have both the front/rear same as the RT and some have only a front. Sway bars used to be my favorite mod. Better handling around curves without any change in stiffness.


Swaybar Sizes

R/T
Front = 27mm
Rear = 15mm

R/T with Road & Track
Front = 30mm
Rear = 15mm

SRT8
Front = 30mm
Rear = 15mm

Cop Car (http://www.chargerforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66785&highlight=sway+millimeter#)
Front = 32mm, P/N 4782544AB, Bushing (2 needed) P/N 4782684AB
Rear = 18mm, P/N 5180016AA, Bushing (2 needed) P/N 5180017AA

Mopar Swaybar package
P/N P4510842
Front = 32mm
Rear = 22mm

Hotchkis
Front = 35mm
Rear = 19mm

The above is correct with the exception of the front swaybar for R&T and SRT8. Both are 27mm with some SRTs getting a 30mm front bar. All R&Ts have 27mm.

[formerice]

I can tell you , the Hotchkis sway bars really made a big difference for me, corners like its on rails.

[TheBeej418]

Now for a crew willing to work for food and beer, haha....

Check and...... check! I think I fit the criteria! :beerchug:

[BSHAW27]

Well I don't know about putting on springs I think you need some special tools and you have to drop the rear end of the car to but the backs on. Shoot if you guys can handle it I will buy some coilovers and I will bring you lots of beer and food as payment to help me put them on!! lol

[V8Mag]

Now for a crew willing to work for food and beer, haha....

http://jeffpearlman.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/will-work-for-food.jpg

[robertg74]

Well I don't know about putting on springs I think you need some special tools and you have to drop the rear end of the car to but the backs on. Shoot if you guys can handle it I will buy some coilovers and I will bring you lots of beer and food as payment to help me put them on!! lol

Not that it will help the Nasvhille guys out too much, but I do have the tools to handle springs and the space to do it inside. I have dropped springs and rear diffs on (i hate to say this) fords(late and early models), chevys, and a 70 buick electra 225 (LAND Bardge). I don't see a mopar as that much of a differeance. For food and beer I can get it done (with the car owners help of course :) )

[BSHAW27]

Not that it will help the Nasvhille guys out too much, but I do have the tools to handle springs and the space to do it inside. I have dropped springs and rear diffs on (i hate to say this) fords(late and early models), chevys, and a 70 buick electra 225 (LAND Bardge). I don't see a mopar as that much of a differeance. For food and beer I can get it done (with the car owners help of course :) )

Robert you really shouldn't have said that now I will be ordering coilovers sooner then later! lol

[robertg74]

Robert you really shouldn't have said that now I will be ordering coilovers sooner then later! lol

you know I can be just as bad of an influance as you guys...:mrgreen:
order them up and we'll put them on.

[BSHAW27]

Me and Ryan talked about it but neither of us are sure we are skilled enough to do it. I am not sure if you are good enough to help us nuckleheads figure it out either!! lol I am definitely gonna get some later this year but don't have the money yet but if we can install them that will make it alot cheaper.

[SXT6]

Cant you rent the spring compressors from somewhere? I think I have heard guys talk about that. BSHAW, I'm just getting up, working nights kicks my tail. I'm gonna try moving the latch receiver to the side

[BSHAW27]

Alright man just give me a call if you want to talk it out I am about to head out to the garage to install my AFE CAI!

[TheBeej418]

I promise you guys that the rears are super easy. It's the fronts that are a little scary, not tough, just scary. It requires swinging a mini sledge hammer (3-4lb) within an inch of your fender. If you can do that, you can do anything. I personally installed all of my air ride system and didn't have any major issues. As far as installing the new spring on the strut, I do stick to letting a professional do that though shops can throw them together quick and cheap.

[SXT6]

Brian, like I said. JUST LOOKING FOR A CREW!

[robertg74]

Me and Ryan talked about it but neither of us are sure we are skilled enough to do it. I am not sure if you are good enough to help us nuckleheads figure it out either!! lol I am definitely gonna get some later this year but don't have the money yet but if we can install them that will make it alot cheaper.

I understand your concern but trust me I got this... I already own a spring comressor and 99% of the tools to complete the install. It's up to you, being your car and all. I am totaly cool with doing it if you want to save the $$$. All you guys have to do is hand me tools and pay attention (who know you might learn something :mrgreen:) Just let me know when you get closer to buying them and we can schedule the time to install.

[V8Mag]

Yeah definitly count me in on part of your crew if its on a weekend

[SXT6]

Sweet brother, Im hoping to make this happen soon

[SXT6]

Check out this thread, seems like a great alternative to the other companies
http://www.lxforums.com/board/showthread.php?t=153825

[V8Mag]

That looks like a good alternative

[BSHAW27]

Man SXT6 too bad you aren't in Cali this is a great deal to get these installed and if you know Talon you know they were barely used cuz that car is just a show car!

http://www.lxforums.com/board/showthread.php?t=154428

I wonder what he would take for them shipped if he didn't have to install them.

[SXT6]

I PM'd him man, yeah that would be the perfect deal if he would take a little less shipped