1967 Dodge Dart question

[Myron Piatek]

Originally Posted by Steve Stasko

A lot of '74 and up A-bodies had disc brakes with the large bolt pattern. This stuff would be a direct swap.


Some people will tell you they made the change in '73, but I had a '73 Dart Swinger, 225/auto that had small bolt pattern discs, with left handed studs too on the driver's side. I was pretty disappointed when I popped the hubcaps off on that one. It was one of those factory oddballs I guess. '73 was supposed to have the 4.5" bolt pattern, along with the right handed studs.

I'll bet your Dart was a very early production model and Chrysler used left over pieces on it. Lots of rumors to using up parts that way. I bought an early '72 Challenger in '73 with a forged crank and 2.02" valves! I don't recall what compression the pistons were or the block casting date. Everything appeared original.



It's my understanding that while Mopar did go to the 4.5" bolt pattern in 1973, it was only with the disc brake option. The cars with drums all around, usually the /6 models, stayed with the 4" pattern. I'm not sure if the ever changed to 4.5" on the drums by '76, the last year of the A-bodies. Seems like I heard something about it but can't confirm.

[Steve Stasko]

Myron, actually it was not an early car. I still have the Broadcast Sheet somewhere (car was rough, was made into new Darts). I seem to recall it was built in March of '73. The VIN was LH23C3B548988.

[James L Miller]

I would suggest replacing the 1967 K-member with a later unit. I have a 1967 Dart and the idler arm has a stud on it instead of the double ears and the bolt and nut. My idler arm wore out quickly. I suppose you could weld on another ear to use the later idler arm.

[340Cuda]

Originally Posted by James L Miller

I would suggest replacing the 1967 K-member with a later unit. I have a 1967 Dart and the idler arm has a stud on it instead of the double ears and the bolt and nut. My idler arm wore out quickly. I suppose you could weld on another ear to use the later idler arm.

Last time I looked the "stud style" idler arms were available, but much more expensive than the 68 and later model.

Bill

[Myron Piatek]

Originally Posted by Steve Stasko

Myron, actually it was not an early car. I still have the Broadcast Sheet somewhere (car was rough, was made into new Darts). I seem to recall it was built in March of '73. The VIN was LH23C3B548988.

Interesting! Looks like the only consistent thing on Mopars is inconsistency! lol