1973 DODGE CHARGER

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Rough idle and poor cold starts, Rattling noise from front of engine on startup, Ignition timing jumps around or won't stay set, Loss of power, backfiring through carburetor

Fix: Replace timing chain, gears, and tensioner. Requires front accessory removal, harmonic balancer puller, and timing cover gasket. Count on 5-7 labor hours for a straightforward job, more if water pump or oil pan gaskets are leaking and done at same time.

Estimated cost: $600-1,200

Symptoms: Hard starting when hot (heat soak), Hesitation or stumble off idle, Black smoke and fuel smell from running too rich, Flooding or leaking externally at gaskets/seals

Fix: Full rebuild kit with careful attention to float levels and accelerator pump settings. Early '73 smog carbs are finicky; many owners swap to earlier non-EGR carbs or Edelbrock replacements. Rebuild takes 3-4 hours if you're experienced, double that if you're learning. New/reman carb is often faster.

Estimated cost: $300-800

Symptoms: No-start or random stalling, Misfiring under load, Poor fuel economy and lack of power

Fix: Many '73s still have points; those converted to Mopar electronic ignition see control box or pickup coil failures. Original points need frequent adjustment. Proper conversion to Mopar Performance ignition with quality control box is 2-3 hours including distributor recurving if needed.

Estimated cost: $200-500

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front end, Wandering or vague steering feel, Uneven tire wear on inside edges, Car sits lower on one side

Fix: Upper and lower control arm bushings harden and crack; sway bar bushings deteriorate. Full front rebuild includes bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends. Torsion bars themselves rarely fail but adjusters seize. Plan 6-8 hours for complete overhaul with alignment.

Estimated cost: $800-1,500

Typical onset: 70,000+ mi

Symptoms: Rear end sags or sits uneven, Squeaking or groaning over bumps, Axle feels like it's moving side-to-side, Harsh ride quality

Fix: Leaf spring bushings and shackles wear out, springs sag or crack. Poly bushings are popular upgrade. Complete rear spring job with new bushings and shackles is 4-5 hours. Springs themselves add cost if replacement needed.

Estimated cost: $400-900

Symptoms: Gas gauge reads empty, full, or pegged regardless of fuel level, Erratic needle movement, Gauge works cold but fails when warm

Fix: Sending unit float arms corrode or resistance coils fail; tank must be dropped. Also check dash voltage limiter (common failure that affects all gauges). Sending unit replacement is 2-3 hours; limiter is 30 minutes if you can access the cluster.

Estimated cost: $250-600

Symptoms: Sweet coolant smell in cabin, Foggy windshield that won't clear, Wet passenger-side floor, Low coolant level with no external leaks

Fix: Heater core replacement requires near-complete dash disassembly on B-bodies — one of the worst jobs on these cars. Budget 8-12 hours labor unless you pull the entire dash assembly out. Most techs charge top-tier labor rate for this nightmare.

Estimated cost: $800-1,800