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QA1 Suspension Install

Started by MSRacing89, July 18, 2013, 11:21:19 PM

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MSRacing89

Just wanted to let you guys know that QA1 signed me up to help give them some feedback and get the word out for their new line of Mopar suspension parts.  As of yesterday I have the first run of the new K-Member and associated parts.  Here is a quick list of what will be going on the car:

-UCA's
-LCA's
-Adj Strut arms
-(4) double adj shocks
-Torson bar adjusters
-Misc shims and spacers for proper shock fitment

Now I have slated this install to start in a few weeks.  Should go fairly quickly, but I will keep some updates on this thread.  If anyone has any questions I can answer them.  Quick summary....This is a tubular K-Member that uses torsion bars and stock PS box.  The weight is fairly similar to a stock K, but you obviously get added strength and clearance.  In combination with the tubular arms, it makes for a nice complete set-up from one Manufacturer.  I have been supplied with double adjustable monotube shocks that will be an added bonus for tuning.

Hopefully next month I can get some real feedback after we hit the road and track.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

MSRacing89

Some pics
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

JB400

Looks like some quality pieces.  Have to wait and see how the perform :popcrn: :popcrn:

MSRacing89

More Pics!
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

MSRacing89

One more for now.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

tan top

 :coolgleamA:  looking forward to seeing up dates ,  :2thumbs: :popcrn:
Feel free to post any relevant picture you think we all might like to see in the threads below!

Charger Stuff 
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,86777.0.html
Chargers in the background where you least expect them 
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,97261.0.html
C500 & Daytonas & Superbirds
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,95432.0.html
Interesting pictures & Stuff 
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,109484.925.html
Old Dodge dealer photos wanted
 http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,120850.0.html

Dino

Those are some good looking pieces!  Looking forward to your feedback.
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

WHITE AND RED 69

Very Cool stuff!

Can the tubular lower control arms be used with the stock K member? And will the sway bar tabs work with a Hotchkis sway bar? They look further in on the arm than stock?

I like that strut bar   :drool5:  looks easier to adjust than my hotchkis one. 

What are you using for steering rods?

:cheers:
1969 Dodge Charger R/T
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th edition
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1972 Plymouth Duster

MSRacing89

Quote from: WHITE AND RED 69 on July 24, 2013, 02:57:58 PM
Very Cool stuff!

Can the tubular lower control arms be used with the stock K member? And will the sway bar tabs work with a Hotchkis sway bar? They look further in on the arm than stock?

I like that strut bar   :drool5:  looks easier to adjust than my hotchkis one. 

What are you using for steering rods?

:cheers:

Both UCA's and LCA's can be used with stock K's.  I not sure I would suggest the LCA unless you going with the new K.  The sway bar is the only issue I am having with this set-up currently.  The LCA's and K-member are designed to accept a 1970 and newer E-body type bar.  You and I know that they only offer an 1¼" bar for this.  Not nearly enough for what I do.  I am going to attach tube to the bottom of the K and run a Spline bar.  That way I can get even more bar under this thing then I currently have.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

Mike DC

How did they change the dimensions of the UCAs?  Caster?  Camber?

MSRacing89

Quote from: Mike DC (formerly miked) on July 24, 2013, 07:40:42 PM
How did they change the dimensions of the UCAs?  Caster?  Camber?

They will have 3º of + caster built into them off the shelf.  You can get a new set of bolts and cams with them that should allow to adjust some more in there if need be.  My experience tells me you should not have a problem getting up to 5º+ of caster and 1½º + of camber.

I will see if I can get some additional information once I get them on the car.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

TexasStroker

Looks like some good pieces...I'll follow along and see how it goes together.
Founder, Amarillo Area Mopars
www.amarilloareamopars.com
Founder, Lone Star Mopars
www.lonestarmopars.com
Will set-up a regional Charger meet
Contact me for info!

moparguy01

If you get a chance you should ask them if they are planning on making anything for us later B body guys. 73 and 74 b bodies. :2thumbs:

myk

I'm officially jealous.  I wish some hi-po company would use my '69 as a guinea pig for their pieces...
"imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/mB3ii4B"><a href="//imgur.com/a/mB3ii4B"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js"

MSRacing89

Quote from: moparguy01 on July 25, 2013, 10:20:49 PM
If you get a chance you should ask them if they are planning on making anything for us later B body guys. 73 and 74 b bodies. :2thumbs:

I will check and let you know.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

1970Moparmann

Congrats!  When do you expect to test these pieces out?
My name is Mike and I'm a Moparholic!

71charger_fan

Here's the K-member slightly modified to accept the stock sway bar in my '71. I installed the K-frame before QA-1 bought the business from CAP. I see they modified the upper control arms as they were the only component in the set that I didn't like. There's a pad now to contact the bumper.

71charger_fan

Here's the kit as delivered 5 years ago. The upper control arms have changed a lot.

MSRacing89

Quote from: 1970Moparmann on July 27, 2013, 08:18:12 AM
Congrats!  When do you expect to test these pieces out?

I think as long as I can give them some positive feedback, it would be very soon.  I expect to have the pieces on this week.  Just working on gathering up everything to make this all come together. 
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

MSRacing89

Quote from: MSRacing89 on July 24, 2013, 03:39:17 PM
Quote from: WHITE AND RED 69 on July 24, 2013, 02:57:58 PM
Very Cool stuff!

Can the tubular lower control arms be used with the stock K member? And will the sway bar tabs work with a Hotchkis sway bar? They look further in on the arm than stock?

I like that strut bar   :drool5:  looks easier to adjust than my hotchkis one.  

What are you using for steering rods?

:cheers:

Both UCA's and LCA's can be used with stock K's.  I not sure I would suggest the LCA unless you going with the new K.  The sway bar is the only issue I am having with this set-up currently.  The LCA's and K-member are designed to accept a 1970 and newer E-body type bar.  You and I know that they only offer an 1¼" bar for this.  Not nearly enough for what I do.  I am going to attach tube to the bottom of the K and run a Spline bar.  That way I can get even more bar under this thing then I currently have.

I made some calls this week on the sway bar for this set-up.  Hellwig is going to send me there 1¼" hollow bar ('70 E-body style) as test to see if it works well with the combo.  I would like to thank them for doing that, very nice people over there.  It makes 690 lb/in, but because the mount on the LCA is inboard of the Strut arm, it takes a lot of the rate away.  None the less, it is worth a try.  For most builds, this would be plenty of bar, so I would definetly consider them in the future.

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

WHITE AND RED 69

Any updates? I'm curious to hear how it performs.  :popcrn:
1969 Dodge Charger R/T
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th edition
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1972 Plymouth Duster

MSRacing89

We completed a Popular Hot Rodding Tech photo shoot/ article a few weeks back on the install.  All went well on the overall ease of installation.  There were a few things I wanted to see different on the LCA arm dimensions and bracket locations for the B-body applications.  I just received the revised arms late last week.  They are going on the car tomorrow night, so everything should be buttoned up at that point. 

I am looking to schedule a date to test the front end real soon.  All things are pointing to some real improvements. 
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

WHITE AND RED 69

Sounds good. Popular Hot Rodding sure is stepping up their Mopar game. Seems to have something good mopar related every month. Can't wait to see it.  :2thumbs: 

So did they change the lower arms so they can use 68-69 sway bars?
1969 Dodge Charger R/T
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th edition
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1972 Plymouth Duster

MSRacing89

Quote from: WHITE AND RED 69 on September 16, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Sounds good. Popular Hot Rodding sure is stepping up their Mopar game. Seems to have something good mopar related every month. Can't wait to see it.  :2thumbs: 

So did they change the lower arms so they can use 68-69 sway bars?

No they did not design it for the B-body bar.  That bar is IMHO so ineffiecient, that I agree with some of their strategy there.  They were just a bit off on the mounts.  Nothing major, but a few adjustments just to make the track width and sway bar mounts spot on.

If all goes well, QA1 should be offering a 1 3/8" bar option with this kit.  I am going to do the final fitment tonight and if everything looks perfect then they will make me a test bar. They can make them in house so, to me, its a no brainer.  Not to mention it gives some of the E-body guys a place to go for a a bigger bar if need be.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

2Luke2

Quote from: MSRacing89 on September 17, 2013, 10:45:04 AM
Quote from: WHITE AND RED 69 on September 16, 2013, 05:23:29 PM
Sounds good. Popular Hot Rodding sure is stepping up their Mopar game. Seems to have something good mopar related every month. Can't wait to see it.  :2thumbs: 

So did they change the lower arms so they can use 68-69 sway bars?

No they did not design it for the B-body bar.  That bar is IMHO so ineffiecient, that I agree with some of their strategy there.  They were just a bit off on the mounts.  Nothing major, but a few adjustments just to make the track width and sway bar mounts spot on.

If all goes well, QA1 should be offering a 1 3/8" bar option with this kit.  I am going to do the final fitment tonight and if everything looks perfect then they will make me a test bar. They can make them in house so, to me, its a no brainer.  Not to mention it gives some of the E-body guys a place to go for a a bigger bar if need be.

I guess we should have read the fine print, are you telling me that we won't be able to user our sway bar with this k member? I ask because we just bought it a few minutes ago.

MSRacing89

That is correct.  The lower control except the 70 style E-body and B-body bar.  Plenty of options on the open market for these.  It has a much shorter arm and as an 1¼ or 1 3/8 size, will be more efficient then the earlier B-body bar.

I should update everyone on our progress with this front end.  We have been wrapped up with it for a while now and all went well after we got it aligned and sorted.  The combination of the new parts with our quick ratio steering made it feel like a new car.  I would absolutely recommend this anyone who feels that other tubular fronts are just to out of reach cost wise.  These allow you to have the updated feel and adjustement of tubular without destroying your bank account.

I was able to get -1.5º plus of camber and currently sitting at +6º of caster.  Along with the double adjustable QA1 shocks, there is infinite adjustment.   

We are prepping the car now for the Ultimate Street Car Association event at Laguna Seca in March.  This will be a QA1 sponsored car at the event, so if anyone wants to come and see it perform, come on out.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

WHITE AND RED 69

Setup looks killer! If I didn't already have the hotchkis setup I'd be all over this.

I'd love to come down and see the charger in action. What day is the event? Is your car running all weekend or a certain day? The laguna seca website doesn't show anything for Ultimate street car association?

:cheers:
1969 Dodge Charger R/T
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th edition
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1972 Plymouth Duster

2Luke2

Thanks for the update. I called QA1 and they basically told me this:

"The Mopar A-Body K-Member is designed for small block engine mounts and 1973-76 A-Body sway bar. The B & E-Body K-Members are designed for big block engine mounts and E-Body and 1971-72 B-Body sway bar."


White and Red 69, what Hotchkis parts do you have? Currently we have their UCA, strut rods, torsion bars, and tie rods. They don't make a LCA or tubular k frame. We got the QA1 tubular frame on the way and are thinking of picking up QA1s tubular LCAs.


So the question is... what year is our sway bar?

It looks like this:






WHITE AND RED 69

Quote from: 2Luke2 on January 14, 2014, 06:30:37 PM
Thanks for the update. I called QA1 and they basically told me this:

"The Mopar A-Body K-Member is designed for small block engine mounts and 1973-76 A-Body sway bar. The B & E-Body K-Members are designed for big block engine mounts and E-Body and 1971-72 B-Body sway bar."


White and Red 69, what Hotchkis parts do you have? Currently we have their UCA, strut rods, torsion bars, and tie rods. They don't make a LCA or tubular k frame. We got the QA1 tubular frame on the way and are thinking of picking up QA1s tubular LCAs.


So the question is... what year is our sway bar?


I have the full Hotchkis TVS kit along with the 1.03" torsion bars and fox shocks. I am using the stock lower control arms and frame but I added stiffening plates and everything has worked out great.

I do like the new tubular parts though, if I was starting over I would love to get the QA1 setup. Not a deal killer, but the one thing I wish they would have added though is a spot to mount a torque strap. Other than that it looks great. It definitely looks cleaner than the stock frame and arms. I still like the design of the Hotchkis upper control arms better though but that's just my preference.  

The 68-69 sway bars are different than the 70 bars. The bar pictured is the correct 70 one for the QA1 frame so if that is the bar you have you are good to go. So it's up to you if you think the lower arms are worth it. Are your lower arms in good shape? If they are in need of some work I'd go with the new ones. It might cost less for the new ones than it would to have the old ones straightened, coated, stiffening plates welded on, and new bushings installed. And the kit will work as intended and save a bit of weight.  :Twocents:

:cheers:
1969 Dodge Charger R/T
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th edition
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1972 Plymouth Duster

MSRacing89

Quote from: WHITE AND RED 69 on January 14, 2014, 04:31:09 PM
Setup looks killer! If I didn't already have the hotchkis setup I'd be all over this.

I'd love to come down and see the charger in action. What day is the event? Is your car running all weekend or a certain day? The laguna seca website doesn't show anything for Ultimate street car association?

:cheers:

The event is March 7-9. I will be there the whole weekend doing all the events, along with some friends. Mike Musto might even be there with us.......basically I am saying it could get crazy!

The details should be coming on the USCA website.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

MSRacing89

Quote from: WHITE AND RED 69 on January 15, 2014, 01:07:43 AM
Quote from: 2Luke2 on January 14, 2014, 06:30:37 PM
Thanks for the update. I called QA1 and they basically told me this:

"The Mopar A-Body K-Member is designed for small block engine mounts and 1973-76 A-Body sway bar. The B & E-Body K-Members are designed for big block engine mounts and E-Body and 1971-72 B-Body sway bar."


White and Red 69, what Hotchkis parts do you have? Currently we have their UCA, strut rods, torsion bars, and tie rods. They don't make a LCA or tubular k frame. We got the QA1 tubular frame on the way and are thinking of picking up QA1s tubular LCAs.


So the question is... what year is our sway bar?


I have the full Hotchkis TVS kit along with the 1.03" torsion bars and fox shocks. I am using the stock lower control arms and frame but I added stiffening plates and everything has worked out great.

I do like the new tubular parts though, if I was starting over I would love to get the QA1 setup. Not a deal killer, but the one thing I wish they would have added though is a spot to mount a torque strap. Other than that it looks great. It definitely looks cleaner than the stock frame and arms. I still like the design of the Hotchkis upper control arms better though but that's just my preference.  

The 68-69 sway bars are different than the 70 bars. The bar pictured is the correct 70 one for the QA1 frame so if that is the bar you have you are good to go. So it's up to you if you think the lower arms are worth it. Are your lower arms in good shape? If they are in need of some work I'd go with the new ones. It might cost less for the new ones than it would to have the old ones straightened, coated, stiffening plates welded on, and new bushings installed. And the kit will work as intended and save a bit of weight.  :Twocents:

:cheers:

WHITE/RED. I built a real cool torque strap for the QA1 front end. I will try and post a pic. Sometimes you have get creative!
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

WHITE AND RED 69

Quote from: MSRacing89 on January 15, 2014, 01:11:13 AM
Quote from: WHITE AND RED 69 on January 14, 2014, 04:31:09 PM
Setup looks killer! If I didn't already have the hotchkis setup I'd be all over this.

I'd love to come down and see the charger in action. What day is the event? Is your car running all weekend or a certain day? The laguna seca website doesn't show anything for Ultimate street car association?

:cheers:

The event is March 7-9. I will be there the whole weekend doing all the events, along with some friends. Mike Musto might even be there with us.......basically I am saying it could get crazy!

The details should be coming on the USCA website.

I'm definitely going to try to make it down there for at least one of the days.   :cheers:  Maybe even drive my charger there?   :scratchchin:

Quote from: MSRacing89 on January 15, 2014, 01:15:20 AM
WHITE/RED. I built a real cool torque strap for the QA1 front end. I will try and post a pic. Sometimes you have get creative!

Nice! Post it up. I guess with the 70 sway bar the torque strap could attach at the same point as the sway bar bracket? Right???   :shruggy:

If your taking photos get a couple shots of those brake cooling ducts in the spoiler. I love that idea and it looks killer! Might steal that idea one day.
1969 Dodge Charger R/T
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th edition
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1972 Plymouth Duster

myk

Quote from: MSRacing89 on January 14, 2014, 11:17:28 AM
That is correct.  The lower control except the 70 style E-body and B-body bar.  Plenty of options on the open market for these.  It has a much shorter arm and as an 1¼ or 1 3/8 size, will be more efficient then the earlier B-body bar.

I should update everyone on our progress with this front end.  We have been wrapped up with it for a while now and all went well after we got it aligned and sorted.  The combination of the new parts with our quick ratio steering made it feel like a new car.  I would absolutely recommend this anyone who feels that other tubular fronts are just to out of reach cost wise.  These allow you to have the updated feel and adjustement of tubular without destroying your bank account.

I was able to get -1.5º plus of camber and currently sitting at +6º of caster.  Along with the double adjustable QA1 shocks, there is infinite adjustment.   

We are prepping the car now for the Ultimate Street Car Association event at Laguna Seca in March.  This will be a QA1 sponsored car at the event, so if anyone wants to come and see it perform, come on out.

Thanks for keeping us updated.  Is this system that much of a difference in price compared to other front-end kits? 
"imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/mB3ii4B"><a href="//imgur.com/a/mB3ii4B"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js"

MSRacing89

Quote from: myk on January 15, 2014, 03:39:23 AM
Quote from: MSRacing89 on January 14, 2014, 11:17:28 AM
That is correct.  The lower control except the 70 style E-body and B-body bar.  Plenty of options on the open market for these.  It has a much shorter arm and as an 1¼ or 1 3/8 size, will be more efficient then the earlier B-body bar.

I should update everyone on our progress with this front end.  We have been wrapped up with it for a while now and all went well after we got it aligned and sorted.  The combination of the new parts with our quick ratio steering made it feel like a new car.  I would absolutely recommend this anyone who feels that other tubular fronts are just to out of reach cost wise.  These allow you to have the updated feel and adjustement of tubular without destroying your bank account.

I was able to get -1.5º plus of camber and currently sitting at +6º of caster.  Along with the double adjustable QA1 shocks, there is infinite adjustment.   

We are prepping the car now for the Ultimate Street Car Association event at Laguna Seca in March.  This will be a QA1 sponsored car at the event, so if anyone wants to come and see it perform, come on out.

Thanks for keeping us updated.  Is this system that much of a difference in price compared to other front-end kits? 

I would say a considerable difference.  It's $4k just to get started with the other makes and that does not even get into some of the fab work, shocks and brake system.  I would say you could easily be $6k-$7K + into it by the time you are done.

Go to QA1 or Summit to get a real look at the prices.  I would guess, even with a good set of adjustable shocks, you are right around $3K for the whole front end.  It accepts stock style Spindles, so that is a bonus as you have a lot more options to save money on the brake package at that point.

Personally, I would stick to the QA1 set-up.  We outrun guys all over the place with the fancy front ends and that was even when we have the stock K in there.  It really comes down to having the car sorted and handling correctly.......Brakes, shocks, tires, safety, HP, proper cooling, etc......then fancy front ends!!
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

myk

Quote from: MSRacing89 on January 15, 2014, 10:55:29 AM
Quote from: myk on January 15, 2014, 03:39:23 AM
Quote from: MSRacing89 on January 14, 2014, 11:17:28 AM
That is correct.  The lower control except the 70 style E-body and B-body bar.  Plenty of options on the open market for these.  It has a much shorter arm and as an 1¼ or 1 3/8 size, will be more efficient then the earlier B-body bar.

I should update everyone on our progress with this front end.  We have been wrapped up with it for a while now and all went well after we got it aligned and sorted.  The combination of the new parts with our quick ratio steering made it feel like a new car.  I would absolutely recommend this anyone who feels that other tubular fronts are just to out of reach cost wise.  These allow you to have the updated feel and adjustement of tubular without destroying your bank account.

I was able to get -1.5º plus of camber and currently sitting at +6º of caster.  Along with the double adjustable QA1 shocks, there is infinite adjustment.   

We are prepping the car now for the Ultimate Street Car Association event at Laguna Seca in March.  This will be a QA1 sponsored car at the event, so if anyone wants to come and see it perform, come on out.

Thanks for keeping us updated.  Is this system that much of a difference in price compared to other front-end kits? 

I would say a considerable difference.  It's $4k just to get started with the other makes and that does not even get into some of the fab work, shocks and brake system.  I would say you could easily be $6k-$7K + into it by the time you are done.

Go to QA1 or Summit to get a real look at the prices.  I would guess, even with a good set of adjustable shocks, you are right around $3K for the whole front end.  It accepts stock style Spindles, so that is a bonus as you have a lot more options to save money on the brake package at that point.

Personally, I would stick to the QA1 set-up.  We outrun guys all over the place with the fancy front ends and that was even when we have the stock K in there.  It really comes down to having the car sorted and handling correctly.......Brakes, shocks, tires, safety, HP, proper cooling, etc......then fancy front ends!!

So you buy the K-member, upper and lower CA's, strut rods, tie rods...what sway bar?
"imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/mB3ii4B"><a href="//imgur.com/a/mB3ii4B"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js"


2Luke2

Quote from: WHITE AND RED 69 on January 15, 2014, 01:07:43 AM
Quote from: 2Luke2 on January 14, 2014, 06:30:37 PM
Thanks for the update. I called QA1 and they basically told me this:

"The Mopar A-Body K-Member is designed for small block engine mounts and 1973-76 A-Body sway bar. The B & E-Body K-Members are designed for big block engine mounts and E-Body and 1971-72 B-Body sway bar."


White and Red 69, what Hotchkis parts do you have? Currently we have their UCA, strut rods, torsion bars, and tie rods. They don't make a LCA or tubular k frame. We got the QA1 tubular frame on the way and are thinking of picking up QA1s tubular LCAs.


So the question is... what year is our sway bar?


I have the full Hotchkis TVS kit along with the 1.03" torsion bars and fox shocks. I am using the stock lower control arms and frame but I added stiffening plates and everything has worked out great.

I do like the new tubular parts though, if I was starting over I would love to get the QA1 setup. Not a deal killer, but the one thing I wish they would have added though is a spot to mount a torque strap. Other than that it looks great. It definitely looks cleaner than the stock frame and arms. I still like the design of the Hotchkis upper control arms better though but that's just my preference.  

The 68-69 sway bars are different than the 70 bars. The bar pictured is the correct 70 one for the QA1 frame so if that is the bar you have you are good to go. So it's up to you if you think the lower arms are worth it. Are your lower arms in good shape? If they are in need of some work I'd go with the new ones. It might cost less for the new ones than it would to have the old ones straightened, coated, stiffening plates welded on, and new bushings installed. And the kit will work as intended and save a bit of weight.  :Twocents:

:cheers:

White and Red 69, Thanks for the info! We didn't buy the rear kit yet, but we pieced the front kit together along with the QA1 parts. We are probably going to go for the QA1 LCAs because our stock LCAs have a small rip in the driver side where the wheel was turned too far. I would have to take a picture to show you what I mean. Either way we thought the same as you and said that upgrading and spending about the same or even a bit more would be better for us. Can't wait for everything to get here. We will definitely take some photos during the process of course.

MSRacing89

Quote from: WHITE AND RED 69 on January 15, 2014, 01:25:06 AM
Quote from: MSRacing89 on January 15, 2014, 01:11:13 AM
Quote from: WHITE AND RED 69 on January 14, 2014, 04:31:09 PM
Setup looks killer! If I didn't already have the hotchkis setup I'd be all over this.

I'd love to come down and see the charger in action. What day is the event? Is your car running all weekend or a certain day? The laguna seca website doesn't show anything for Ultimate street car association?

:cheers:

The event is March 7-9. I will be there the whole weekend doing all the events, along with some friends. Mike Musto might even be there with us.......basically I am saying it could get crazy!

The details should be coming on the USCA website.

I'm definitely going to try to make it down there for at least one of the days.   :cheers:  Maybe even drive my charger there?   :scratchchin:

Quote from: MSRacing89 on January 15, 2014, 01:15:20 AM
WHITE/RED. I built a real cool torque strap for the QA1 front end. I will try and post a pic. Sometimes you have get creative!

Nice! Post it up. I guess with the 70 sway bar the torque strap could attach at the same point as the sway bar bracket? Right???   :shruggy:

If your taking photos get a couple shots of those brake cooling ducts in the spoiler. I love that idea and it looks killer! Might steal that idea one day.

Here is a close-up of the Engine strut/ tie down arm we built for the QA1 front end.  It bolts to the front of the engine mount and down to a custom bracket welded to the QA1 K-member.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

1974dodgecharger

Seems this stuff is more for the hard core autocrosser than a daily driver type?

2Luke2

Quote from: 1974dodgecharger on January 16, 2014, 07:02:54 PM
Seems this stuff is more for the hard core autocrosser than a daily driver type?

No autocrossing here, we just want the car to feel a bit more like a modern car when we do our spirited driving. :)

myk

Quote from: 2Luke2 on January 16, 2014, 07:59:41 PM
Quote from: 1974dodgecharger on January 16, 2014, 07:02:54 PM
Seems this stuff is more for the hard core autocrosser than a daily driver type?

No autocrossing here, we just want the car to feel a bit more like a modern car when we do our spirited driving. :)

Agreed.  These cars weigh less than many modern cars in its class; with some refinement and the proper driver I see no reason why these old machines can't hang...
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myk

Quote from: 2Luke2 on January 16, 2014, 07:59:41 PM
Quote from: 1974dodgecharger on January 16, 2014, 07:02:54 PM
Seems this stuff is more for the hard core autocrosser than a daily driver type?

No autocrossing here, we just want the car to feel a bit more like a modern car when we do our spirited driving. :)

Any updates, photos? 
"imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/mB3ii4B"><a href="//imgur.com/a/mB3ii4B"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js"

MSRacing89

Quote from: myk on February 01, 2014, 07:28:18 AM
Quote from: 2Luke2 on January 16, 2014, 07:59:41 PM
Quote from: 1974dodgecharger on January 16, 2014, 07:02:54 PM
Seems this stuff is more for the hard core autocrosser than a daily driver type?

No autocrossing here, we just want the car to feel a bit more like a modern car when we do our spirited driving. :)

Any updates, photos? 

What would like to see Myk? We are just getting the last few things together before we head to Laguna Seca next month. Currently working on refining bump steer. I have a few cool ideas that are way easier on the wallet then you think. Going to tackle that next Thursday.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

myk

Quote from: MSRacing89 on February 02, 2014, 03:09:28 AM
Quote from: myk on February 01, 2014, 07:28:18 AM
Quote from: 2Luke2 on January 16, 2014, 07:59:41 PM
Quote from: 1974dodgecharger on January 16, 2014, 07:02:54 PM
Seems this stuff is more for the hard core autocrosser than a daily driver type?

No autocrossing here, we just want the car to feel a bit more like a modern car when we do our spirited driving. :)

Any updates, photos? 


What would like to see Myk? We are just getting the last few things together before we head to Laguna Seca next month. Currently working on refining bump steer. I have a few cool ideas that are way easier on the wallet then you think. Going to tackle that next Thursday.

I wanted to see if Luke had installed more of his QA1 pieces, and how that was all working out for him; somehow I feel that watching you two progress with the QA1 installation might persuade me to go with either the QA1 or the Hotchkis TVS... 
"imgur-embed-pub" lang="en" data-id="a/mB3ii4B"><a href="//imgur.com/a/mB3ii4B"></a></blockquote><script async src="//s.imgur.com/min/embed.js"

2Luke2

Quote from: myk on February 02, 2014, 06:28:41 AM
Quote from: MSRacing89 on February 02, 2014, 03:09:28 AM
Quote from: myk on February 01, 2014, 07:28:18 AM
Quote from: 2Luke2 on January 16, 2014, 07:59:41 PM
Quote from: 1974dodgecharger on January 16, 2014, 07:02:54 PM
Seems this stuff is more for the hard core autocrosser than a daily driver type?

No autocrossing here, we just want the car to feel a bit more like a modern car when we do our spirited driving. :)

Any updates, photos? 


What would like to see Myk? We are just getting the last few things together before we head to Laguna Seca next month. Currently working on refining bump steer. I have a few cool ideas that are way easier on the wallet then you think. Going to tackle that next Thursday.

I wanted to see if Luke had installed more of his QA1 pieces, and how that was all working out for him; somehow I feel that watching you two progress with the QA1 installation might persuade me to go with either the QA1 or the Hotchkis TVS... 

I didn't want to hijack his thread. :)

We however were unable to install our QA1 k-frame and lower control arms. Both parts arrived damaged so we had to send them back for new parts. HOWEVER! QA1's support through the process thus far has been spot on. The only thing we disliked was having to wait for our parts to get there and the new parts to get sent back, but they wanted us to buy the parts again in order to cross ship and we didn't have the means to do that at the time. I understand they don't know us from a hole in the ground so we aren't upset about it. So we are currently waiting for the parts to come back. They might be here by next weekend, but no promises from us. We will probably make our own thread just not to take away from this one. Especially if our opinions of the product differ as we are paying retail for the parts and I believe MSRacing was given the parts(please correct me if I'm wrong). The rest of our Hotchkis suspension should be here this next week as well.


Brads70

The upper control arms look great! MUCH better than the CAP Auto design. If I didn't already have Hotchkis uppers I'd be interested in them! Good job!  :2thumbs: The sway bar is interesting to me! Especially with me running a BB! :icon_smile_big:

Big Sugar

I like the upper and lower control arms , nice  work , BUT im a little concerned with the sway bar mounts , with all the heavy 1"+ sway bars out there Id like to see a little more meat and maybe a cup style mount on the lower control arm. That little flange is gonna see a lot of flex with guys running lighter torsion bars and beefy sway bars.

Are the swaybar mount in the factory location ? Is this the same location for the QA1 sway bars ?

Ron



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Big Sugar

Whos upper control arm bushings and ball joints are you using ? Are the rubber or graphite ?

Ron



[img]<table border="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse: collapse" width="182" id="table1" height="202" bordercolorlight="#ECEBF1" bordercolordark="#E9DFD1" b

myk

Quote from: 2Luke2 on February 02, 2014, 04:14:46 PM
Quote from: myk on February 02, 2014, 06:28:41 AM
Quote from: MSRacing89 on February 02, 2014, 03:09:28 AM
Quote from: myk on February 01, 2014, 07:28:18 AM
Quote from: 2Luke2 on January 16, 2014, 07:59:41 PM
Quote from: 1974dodgecharger on January 16, 2014, 07:02:54 PM
Seems this stuff is more for the hard core autocrosser than a daily driver type?

No autocrossing here, we just want the car to feel a bit more like a modern car when we do our spirited driving. :)

Any updates, photos? 


What would like to see Myk? We are just getting the last few things together before we head to Laguna Seca next month. Currently working on refining bump steer. I have a few cool ideas that are way easier on the wallet then you think. Going to tackle that next Thursday.

I wanted to see if Luke had installed more of his QA1 pieces, and how that was all working out for him; somehow I feel that watching you two progress with the QA1 installation might persuade me to go with either the QA1 or the Hotchkis TVS... 

I didn't want to hijack his thread. :)

We however were unable to install our QA1 k-frame and lower control arms. Both parts arrived damaged so we had to send them back for new parts. HOWEVER! QA1's support through the process thus far has been spot on. The only thing we disliked was having to wait for our parts to get there and the new parts to get sent back, but they wanted us to buy the parts again in order to cross ship and we didn't have the means to do that at the time. I understand they don't know us from a hole in the ground so we aren't upset about it. So we are currently waiting for the parts to come back. They might be here by next weekend, but no promises from us. We will probably make our own thread just not to take away from this one. Especially if our opinions of the product differ as we are paying retail for the parts and I believe MSRacing was given the parts(please correct me if I'm wrong). The rest of our Hotchkis suspension should be here this next week as well.



Oops I didn't think about the hijack-it just felt like a QA1 thread.  However I'm definitely interested in seeing your progress; please post up another thread if you must, and I hope you get your pieces soon!
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2Luke2

So we ended up getting the parts back two more times. The 2nd time it the kframe was damaged again. So we had to ship it back again. Then the third time it looked great! Only issue... the place we ordered it from Autoplicity has the wrong part listed on this site. We got 52314 and we needed part number 52315. We only know this because we tried to install the kframe and it was an inch and a half off on the driver side motor mount. So we called them up and it will be two or three days to get an RMA number. Their customer support is just horrible, but I guess that's the price you pay when you look for the cheapest price. So we are currently still waiting on parts.

tan top

Feel free to post any relevant picture you think we all might like to see in the threads below!

Charger Stuff 
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,86777.0.html
Chargers in the background where you least expect them 
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,97261.0.html
C500 & Daytonas & Superbirds
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,95432.0.html
Interesting pictures & Stuff 
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,109484.925.html
Old Dodge dealer photos wanted
 http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,120850.0.html

myk

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MSRacing89

I will report this directly to the powers that be.  This is not acceptable.

Sorry to hear you have trouble.  Let me know if there is anything I directly tell QA1.  The feedback is important.

We are 2 weeks from an all out event at Laguna Seca to really see if we can get the most out of this.  I am excited to see how things turn out with it all sorted now, bump steer handled, 1 3/8" bar, double adj shocks, brake cooling, trans and oil cooling, etc.  We were fast before, this should give us some extra speed and reliability.

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

myk

Good luck with all of that-I wish I could be there to see you guys in action.  Any chance the event will be on youtube or anything?
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MSRacing89

Quote from: myk on February 19, 2014, 12:04:21 AM
Good luck with all of that-I wish I could be there to see you guys in action.  Any chance the event will be on youtube or anything?

Yes. It will be televised on MAV TV in the July timeframe. I believe this is mostly a Direct TV channel.

I will be doing in car footage and other stuff, so I will try and share some action.
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

1974dodgecharger

Msr u must have the most ultimate badass charger nit by looks but all out power, handling, etc......

myk

It's not too bad looking, either...
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1974dodgecharger

any updates on longevity, lol...Im looking at a new k member and stumbled on this on google search.  :popcrn:

MSRacing89

Quote from: 1974dodgecharger on May 17, 2016, 11:17:14 PM
any updates on longevity, lol...Im looking at a new k member and stumbled on this on google search.  :popcrn:

I have abused mine for several years now and it has held up well.  Not a single crack in the paint or issues with build quality.  Easy to install, performs well and gives you some extra working space.   
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html

'68 Charger 440, 11:1, ported Stealth Heads, Lunati voodoo 60304, 3.23 gear, Mulit-port EZ-EFI, Gear Vendors OD and Tallon Hydroboost.

Sascha

Ordered the whole kit and looking forward to get it in februar :icon_smile_big: