Very Interesting info here!! And a Question (??)

[65Coronet7165]

Well, I have a '67 Chrysler 300 'vert with 440 TNT engine, TorqueFlite and 2 4 bbl carbs. I've been reading all the stuff about the Fluid Drive trannies on the older Mopars and it has been very interesting and informative even though it doesn't apply to me.

My question: Does anyone know of anyting I can do to IMPROVE the handling and high speed stability of this car??

With the 440 hi po engine and 2 four barrel carbs, it WILL get up and GO. Problem is, very soon I'm up to 75 mph or so and I let off. I really don't have much confidence in it at speeds above 70. The whole car starts to feel a little light and it takes a lot of concentration to keep it from going off course. Maybe I'm just a little paranoid something will happen at high speed when I'm driving this thing and I'm afraid to really push it. I'm fine with it up to 65 mph or so, but I just don't really feel comfortable going much faster. Also, once 70 to 75 mph is reached, there is kind of a rhthymic thrum, thrum, thrum that can be both heard and felt in the car body. Seems to be coming from the rear of the car (differential, wheel bearings, tires, U joints??).

Also, general handling leaves something to be desired. I does OK on smooth roads or highways, but given some bumps, little hills or broken pavement and again, I have to pay attention to keep everything in line. It just seems like there is just to LARGE of suspension motion. Hit a bump or little hill and car raises up and comes down slowly. By the time its settled back to normal, the road surface can change and then I have to do a sreeering corrention to keep ti going as I want to.

The car does have front end mostly rebuilt, new control arm bushings, new shocks (front and rear>KYB's), new idler arm, pitman arm and rebuilt steering box (at firmest setting) from Firm Feel.

[65Coronet7165]

No replies. That was the title of a Beatles song.."No Reply"

RSVP????

[Diamondback]

You may have answered your own question... What type of tires are you running? If you are not using modern-day radial tires some of the poor handling characteristics that you are describing could apply. The hum, or drone at the higher speeds could be any number of things. Do you feel it in the but of your seat or just hear it? Lets eliminate one thing at a time, tires and wheels first, then on to larger things.

Ron

[65Coronet7165]

Well, they are radial tires. Michelin "Rain Force". They are about 3 years old and have very little tread wear and do have a treadwear rating of 500! I've had the car since April and bought it from original owners estate. It has been partially restored. The car has Budd 4 piston caliper disc brakes in front and the requisite 15 x 6 factory wheel. Tire size 225/75 x 15. I've had Michelin radials on a 68 Fury years ago and they were good tires and never gave me a problem. The Fury had bias ply tires on it at first and putting radials on it made a big improvement in handling and steering feel.

I mostly hear the thrum, thrum sound. It seems to rattle the windshield pillars of all things. I don't think I really feel it in the seat.

[Diamondback]

I would check the universal joints next. That sound is a regular drone off then on off then on, typically felt only under load, ie when pressing the gas pedal at higher speeds. Take the drive shaft out and examine the slip yolk on the end that goes into the tail of the tranny. Also inspect the u joints. While the drive shaft is out, spin the pinion yolk by hand while the car is jacked up and the rear wheels are able to spin freely. You can check the back lash, kinda, this way. There should be some free play but not too much. This would make a clunking noise when you let off the gas or accelerate after coasting. Most likely not it, but start from the back then work forward. Then is the tranny... One step at a time.Keep me posted. Or call me at Diamondback Classic Tires 888-922-1642

Ron

[65Coronet7165]

Thanks Diamondback!!

This evening I'll be taking the car to its "mechanic". Someone who specializes in restoring old Mopars. He's got some work cut out for him besides these handling and drive line issues. I've got a fuel system problem (again!), water leaks, brake caliper leaks, and a power window that needs attention! I will ask him to check out the drive line, U-joints and the like. He may have the car a week or more since he'll need to send fuel tank out to be cleaned and the brake caliper out to be re-built. I will keep you posted as to how it all plays out. Again, thanks <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

[Diamondback]

Good luck.

Ron

[65Coronet7165]

Well, there has been a delay in getting my car fixed. I was supposed to bring it to its mechanic last Wednesday. I had what Ithought were a few painful bug bites on my back, went to the doctor and I have shingles! I called the mechanic, he said he was glad I called, his wife just had their third child! So last Wednesday was a weird day. Both for people and my car which is still sitting forlornly under its car cover. No one has paid any attention to it for over a week...POOR thing...