Part 4: Sure-Footed Flyer, Part II

(above & right) We declared our finished lower control arms thestrongest M-Body pieces ever made--well, at least the heaviest.

(above & below left) Next on the agenda was building a crossmember out of thecore support by using a piece of 2x4-inch steel tubing for rigidity.Once the basic design was drawn, we went back to the plasma cutter.

A thorough cleaning of any surface to be welded is an absolute necessityto ensure a good, strong weld. We used a wire brush to rid the bottom ofthe radiator core support of all grit, grease, paint, and primer.

The added crossmember will provide a solid mounting point for the strutrods we plan on adding to the front suspension. We also boxed the endsfor torsional rigidity.

(above & right) One of the most glaring weaknesses of the M-Bodysuspension is the K-member bushings, which most find unsatisfactorywhen placed in a performance-oriented situation. These stiffpolyurethane units measured a rock-hard 94 on the durometer, while therubber pieces could muster only a soft 52 rating. Mopar Performanceused to offer solid cast-iron bushings, but they are no longeravailable. Just Suspensions scored us this set for our potent Diplomat.

Swapping out the K-member bushings requires jackstands to keep the carlifted off the ground by the frame and to unload the suspension. Next, afloor jack is placed under the k-member for support while all fourmounts are loosened.