SRT Suspension Questions

[ltmagnum]

I apologize if this has been covered clearly before; I cannot find answers to a few questions related to replacing a Magnum R/T suspension with bits from an MSRT. I plan to use stock 18 inch wheels and tire size.

Specifically:

1. When aligning the wheels after the swap, which specs does one use? R/T or SRT or other?

2. There are mentions about camber problems. Assuming the parts are from a Magnum SRT (same year as my car - 2007) and installed on a Magnum R/T, will there be alignment problems? Front, rear or both?

3. If the camber is out, what is the practical impact? Uneven tire wear? Suspension wear? Other? Handling seems to be universally praised. Does it pay to fix it (front camber kits are $100's, which is an awful lot of increased tire wear)?

4. If I understand correctly, using MSRT springs should negate cutting front coils for ride height vs. using other SRT springs. Is this correct?

5. When quoting shops for work, most quotes are landing at $600+ in Delaware; I am guessing this is due to improperly calculating shop rate manuals. I have read the actual work is 2-3 hours on a shop with a lift, so the price should be under $300... Correct? Sears quoted $200-$300 as a guess. Any recommended shops in New CastleCounty would be appreciated.

6. My stock R/T suspension dampers are shot at 40K miles; will SRT dampers have a similar life? Would it make more sense to consider Koni (or similar) dampers instead of the SRT parts?

If I missed a summary that addresses these problems, please point me to it; after a lot of searching, I did not find it.

Thanks for all advice.

[DMS Motorsport]

I apologize if this has been covered clearly before; I cannot find answers to a few questions related to replacing a Magnum R/T suspension with bits from an MSRT. I plan to use stock 18 inch wheels and tire size.

Specifically:

1. When aligning the wheels after the swap, which specs does one use? R/T or SRT or other?

2. There are mentions about camber problems. Assuming the parts are from a Magnum SRT (same year as my car - 2007) and installed on a Magnum R/T, will there be alignment problems? Front, rear or both?

3. If the camber is out, what is the practical impact? Uneven tire wear? Suspension wear? Other? Handling seems to be universally praised. Does it pay to fix it (front camber kits are $100's, which is an awful lot of increased tire wear)?

4. If I understand correctly, using MSRT springs should negate cutting front coils for ride height vs. using other SRT springs. Is this correct?

5. When quoting shops for work, most quotes are landing at $600+ in Delaware; I am guessing this is due to improperly calculating shop rate manuals. I have read the actual work is 2-3 hours on a shop with a lift, so the price should be under $300... Correct? Sears quoted $200-$300 as a guess. Any recommended shops in New CastleCounty would be appreciated.

6. My stock R/T suspension dampers are shot at 40K miles; will SRT dampers have a similar life? Would it make more sense to consider Koni (or similar) dampers instead of the SRT parts?

If I missed a summary that addresses these problems, please point me to it; after a lot of searching, I did not find it.

Thanks for all advice.

You need to know the only thing you can align on any of the stock LX products is front and rear toe only. Since there is a serious toe change problem, bump steer, I would only do toes to a total of a 1/16 toe in front and rear only! You can make the front and rear fully alignable if you wish.

mike
dms

[n2fordmuscle]

5. When quoting shops for work, most quotes are landing at $600+ in Delaware; I am guessing this is due to improperly calculating shop rate manuals. I have read the actual work is 2-3 hours on a shop with a lift, so the price should be under $300... Correct? Sears quoted $200-$300 as a guess. Any recommended shops in New CastleCounty would be appreciated.

My local shop did mine for $300 which included the alignment. My local Dodge dealer had quoted me $450. $600+ is way high.

6. My stock R/T suspension dampers are shot at 40K miles; will

SRT dampers have a similar life? Would it make more sense to consider Koni (or similar) dampers instead of the SRT parts?

Not sure about the life of the SRT dampers. But the OEM Bilsteins are good dampers. I would highly recommend keeping them with the SRT springs.

[ltmagnum]

Thanks for the feedback. Will '08 Bilsteins fit with '07 springs on an '07 R/T?

Also, no one has said anything on impact of lowering the car and not using any alignment kits (do the best you can with the stock pieces). I asume this is what most people do, given the cost of alignment kits front and rear will run around $300 more than just the suspensions bits.

Finally, I put Eibach Pro-springs and dampers on the radar - comments on ride quality SRT vs. Eibach Pro System? I have driven an MSRT and like the overall ride quality s performance tradeoff. Will Eibach be punishing? Also, a little worried about round clearance.