NOTICE - Dallas Area Classic Chevys Message Board Will Soon Be Deactivated

[Twin5s]

I bought a 55 that had the rear leaf mounts moved to the inside to allow for larger tires and thats a good thing but now I found that the spare tire well is in the way of he springs.Is there a less expensive way to go to coilovers other than a 4 link system????
Thanks
JY

[wheezer]

No one has responded to this so I offer my advice.
There are several alternatives to solve the issue of allowing larger rear tire sizes on the Tri-5 while keeping the spare tire well. Keeping the tire well kinda indicates this is a street car. If that's the case then it comes down to what kind of comfort ride you desire. Probably the best comfort ride is the original leaf springs with shocks. The widest tire that can be fitted on a Tri-5 without narrowing the frame at the back wheels is the mod that locates the rear leaf springs inside a pocket created in the frame box itself. This mod is widely documented and kits exist to accomplish it at the most reduced cost. CCI sells them. Then if you want to keep the spare tire well and opt for a rougher rear suspension ride then the ladder bar with spring coil over shocks is an option. The problem with spring coil over shocks is the possibility of having to penetrate the trunk floor to mount them. Really short spring coil over suspensions are very stiff in case you want them totally under the floor of the car. Hence a rough ride at the rear. Also there are a few other options like coil overs with half leaf springs that can be found in the catalogs. Lastly, the front and rear suspensions should be balance close for street cruisers. A really stiff rear suspension and an original front suspension (even with a torsion bar) will be unbalanced. That means the softer end of the car determines its handling properties.
_________________
"A Classic Car is Not Aerodynamic"

[jaspermaggie]

If you use a kit that puts the spring in the frame you can have the wide 9" wheel and the spare. Ecklers has a spring pocket kit 21-131 $239.99. Ecklers also has a trick kit to use with it that has a 4 link type for around 1100 21-500.