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View Full Version : Lowering the rear of a back-halved car with leaf springs?


Birdman
11-19-2007, 10:35 AM
OK, so when I bought the Patriot Dream Camaro it was basically hollow in the back. The previous owner installed the center support and gave me the aftermarket rear frame rails. I plan on installing them at the factory width for springs and then installing minitubs for clearance.

Now my questions is this. With the leaf springs attached to the frame the way I have them, the car will effectively be about 1-2" higher in the rear because the springs will be mounted under the frame rail instead of to the side in the little pocket like they are from the factory. What would be my best option for lowering the rear of this car? I had planned on either Hotchkis 2" drop leafs or DSE 3" drop leafs, but last night I realized I need more drop than that.

Should I take some factory springs and have them rearched for the drop I need? I'm on a very tight budget, so a 4-link is out of the question, unless someone knows of anyone who might want to donate something to the project.

This car is gonna look major stinkbug unless I can figure something out.

68protouring454
11-19-2007, 10:54 AM
i have no idea what you mean??????????? if the leafs mount inthe original spots then dse 3 inch drop springs will be perfect, if not tune ride height in with no more then a 1 inch block, however mini tubbing with leaf springs you will need to buy offset shackles and narrow gas tank 4 inches, so buy the time you do all of the the 4 link could be done, as you can use stock gas tank with the 4 link and mini tubs

Birdman
11-19-2007, 11:02 AM
OK, maybe my mind isn't working right here. This is the first time I have messed with any sort of mini-tubbing or things like that. I had planned on leaving the frame rails at the stock location and then putting the inner wheelhouses as far in as I can get them and then filling in the gap with some sheetmetal and grinding it smooth. I guess it wouldn't be a true mini-tub, but just a wider rear wheelhouse. The leafs do not mount in the factory location. I have 3x2 box tubing rear frame rails.

Do I make any sense? :lol: