2wd handling?
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
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2wd handling?
I was wondering if anyone has found parts or done some mods to try and get a 2wd to handle better.
Of course I know that trying to get a truck to handle like a sports car might be a little crazy. But hey, its what I do.
Thanks!
Of course I know that trying to get a truck to handle like a sports car might be a little crazy. But hey, its what I do.
Thanks!
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Senior User
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Well I know a thing or two about suspension handling from a few years of autocross racing with my 06' STi.
I am looking for some part specific info, guess I should have made it a little clearer.
I have been looking at the LMC site for some parts and they got some. Anybody try out the LMC performance suspension/sway bars/ etc?
Anybody know of any other sites with performance suspension parts for the late 70s models?
I am looking for some part specific info, guess I should have made it a little clearer.
I have been looking at the LMC site for some parts and they got some. Anybody try out the LMC performance suspension/sway bars/ etc?
Anybody know of any other sites with performance suspension parts for the late 70s models?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 842
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From: Georgia
Here's a front one at Summit for our trucks: Hellwig 7422 - Hellwig Anti-Sway Bars - Overview - SummitRacing.com
Here's one for the rear: Hellwig 7436 - Hellwig Anti-Sway Bars - Overview - SummitRacing.com
Here's one for the rear: Hellwig 7436 - Hellwig Anti-Sway Bars - Overview - SummitRacing.com
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
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From: Stanley, VA
For sway bars, front and rear, I'd go with Hellwig Hellwig - Load and Sway Control Products . The front is 1 1/8" diameter. Thats 1/8" larger than the one listed in LMC's catalog.
Addco is another brand you could look into. www.addco.net
Addco is another brand you could look into. www.addco.net
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Cool. The Hellwig sways look pretty good.
Keep the info coming.
I have always played with the idea of going up with these trucks. I am looking at finding a 2wd version maybe in the Spring if all goes well. If I pick one up I want to know if I can try and get it to turn. I know it won't ever compare to what the STi would do, but I want it to handle a lot better than stock. I had a 79' 2wd reg cab long bed, but never tried to get it to handle. Going to find a short bed for this project
Keep the info coming.
I have always played with the idea of going up with these trucks. I am looking at finding a 2wd version maybe in the Spring if all goes well. If I pick one up I want to know if I can try and get it to turn. I know it won't ever compare to what the STi would do, but I want it to handle a lot better than stock. I had a 79' 2wd reg cab long bed, but never tried to get it to handle. Going to find a short bed for this project
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
I used to autocross a VW GTi... the typical formula works: shocks, springs, swaybars, and wider, softer compound tires. These trucks are heavy so all the weight that can be removed will benefit lap times. Ditch the bumpers, bumper brackets, tailgate, and front and rear fender wells. Build some supports out of 1-inch tubing to support the fenders, radiator, and hood/hoodlatch.
And... lightweight bucket seats to replace the bench.
Fiberglass hoods and fenders can be obtained from USBody.com but they're big bucks.
And... lightweight bucket seats to replace the bench.
Fiberglass hoods and fenders can be obtained from USBody.com but they're big bucks.
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I used to autocross a VW GTi... the typical formula works: shocks, springs, swaybars, and wider, softer compound tires. These trucks are heavy so all the weight that can be removed will benefit lap times. Ditch the bumpers, bumper brackets, tailgate, and front and rear fender wells. Build some supports out of 1-inch tubing to support the fenders, radiator, and hood/hoodlatch.
And... lightweight bucket seats to replace the bench.
Fiberglass hoods and fenders can be obtained from USBody.com but they're big bucks.
And... lightweight bucket seats to replace the bench.
Fiberglass hoods and fenders can be obtained from USBody.com but they're big bucks.
You, or anyone else, have some pics of some tubed brackets for support?
Mike, I hate understeer
Hopefully in theory if you lightened up the front enough and the right power in the rear it might not be too bad.
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: TC Area, MN
Crown vic front end swap? lowered automaticly and double wishbone suspension with rack and pinion. for $500 bucks and some fab time price is pretty good. Weight bias will need to be addressed thought.
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Pics are always nice.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
However, I'd take a look at the NASCAR trucks for ideas. Their beds are pretty much space frames except for the downtubes, crossmembers, and frame rails.