Hello gang it's been a while and I hope everyone is well out there in Mopar land!
Been having some work done on my '74 Barracuda, tranny rebuild etc and would like to improve the rake on the car as he's sitting a mite low these days in the rear end. Would like to give the old girl a lift in the rear.
I could really use some suggestions on how best to make this happen.
Even though I have some ideas I thought I'd come back to you guys for help.
Springs? shocks? shims? leaves?
Let me know the best way to achieve this goal, any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated and that includes your guys favorite shocks for my 74.
Although I know the trick is in the springs, just wanted to be sure before spending any more $$
As usual many thanks for the help and best regards to all.
-- Guy "Jumpugly"

 

Guy -

Lot of ways to do it, depend on what you want and how much you want to spend.

1. New springs
2. Re-arc your old springs (maybe adding a leaf, yeah, you'll need a spring guy for that)
3. Shackles (Old stand-by, but doesn't really look that good these days)
4. Air shocks (I've used Gabriels in the past, but I think only Monroe makes them now, not sure)

Choice may depend on the condition of your current springs

Think you knew these already

Archer

 

Archer:
You're all aces! Any and all advice is accepted gratefully. I will look into the Monroe's as I have a set of ancient Gabriels on there now, new springs, and the leaf possibility. My local Mopar legend suggested springs first also. I don't want to go too nuts, just get the old gal up a bit so I'll avoid the shackles. I agree and many thanks again, Guy

 

P.S. Just posted a picture of the old gal in the Gallery. A tweaked 318, but pretty stout all around. Pulls hard 2nd to third to chase down the kids in the rice rockets.
The Mopar guy's got a fresh 360 for it if I want to spend the $$.
I'll have to consider it...being an old 340 Duster owner. Just loved that 340.

 

you could use air shocks
what shocks are on them now?
if the shocks on them now are good, the springs might need re-arcing
how low does the car sit?

 

67GTX: Thanks for chiming in.
She sits well, but a tad low for me, with a minor list to the left side.
I know all the Barracuda's had a tendency to droop after a while so I'm looking to
bring her back up a bit.
I don't think they are air shocks in the car, but will give a look this weekend. The springs are original to the car, which I guess I could/should expect. Perhaps they are a bit past their useful life? Not sure, but it's possible.
More to follow. Thanks again.

 

how could you tell the springs were not original?
how many springs are put together?

 

67, I am assuming the springs are original as mentioned. I think you misread my message. I'm taking her out this weekend and plan on giving her a going over. I'll let you know what I find.
I really appreciate your input and advice so more to follow, Guy

 

You are right. I mis-read,
Sorry

 

Good Morning 67!
I climbed underneath my Barracuda yesterday.
It's got 4 leafs and blue shocks without any i.d. on them that I could see.
All original I think? At least they look bone stock!

So, keeping that in mind; should I add a leaf and put a set of Monroe "Air" shocks on her to raise the rear a bit thus helping the overall rake? Please let me know what you think.
Again, many thanks for the help and advice. -- Guy

 

Guy -

Either.

Re-doing the springs is technically the "right" way to go, but using air shocks (with dual feeds) gives you the option of tuning the height on each side, which may or may not be something you want to play with, not to mention adjusting the rake to fit your mood ...

Archer

 

Archer: Thanks for chiming in on this. I have never thought of the dual feed air shocks. An interesting idea to say the least! But, I think I'll do the "right" thing as you mentioned. I can get the Monroe Air's for a song, but will have to do a little bit of digging on the spring kit. I'll check YearOne, but......you know the drill with that outfit...I have a budget to adhere to.
have to et the new issues on Mopar Collector I guess.
Thanks again, Guy

 

Guy -

Don't forget Moparcity either.

I used the dual feeds in my racing days and sorta preloaded one side to counter torque. Not sure if it actually did anything though ... Just using reg shocks now, but still have the nipples behind the license plate, just in case. If the Monroes are that cheap ... you have options.

Archer

 

Torque! Like all those cracks on the upper right unibody on the Hemi's; right under the hood.
It's funny how the lower left drops when you punch it. Does on mine, my problem is that it's starting to list to that side standing still.

I'll go to Moparcity for sure. Thanks for the input!