raising ride level

[gafletch]

Want to raise my Cuda about four inches in the back. I have a Dana 60 with leaf springs. Want to have a decent ride too. Suggestions?

[Katfish]

You could get the Super Stock leaf springs, but it would look like crap IMO, 4" is to LOT.

[Changin Gears]

If you really want to do this, weld some spring mounts on the top of the axle tubes.  You can then mount the axle under the springs just like a truck.

[72bluNblu]

Even if your car is currently lower than stock 4" is a lot. Most of the spring companies I'm aware of will only do a +3" spring. Even 3" is a lot. May not hurt your ride quality, but it will ruin your handling characteristics.

[gafletch]

Three inches would be enough to clear the tire.  Thanks.

[Jesus H Chrysler]

I have a background in Jeeps as well as Mopars.  The most common lift kit you see on a Jeep is a 3 in lift with 33 in tires.  This results in approximately 5-6 in lift over stock (remember bigger tires add height too).  If you lift the back of the car 4 in, plus put tall tires on it you'll end up with something that looks like a Rat Fink cartoon.  Jeeps aren't known for handling (that's why the come from the factory with a roll bar).  If you lift the rear of your car this much and put tall sidewalls on it I imagine your handling will go out the window.  Not a concern if you just display it at car shows but it will make it a handfull on the road.  Why do you want to lift it so much?  Saggy springs?  just going for the 70's air shock look?

[Moparal]

I believe he is using the wrong offset rims and trying to get the tire off the panel is all. If so, it's not recomended. You would be shifting all your weight to the front end and no traction in back. You may even be creating a nightmare you don't want to experience.  You will experience vibrations, pinion angle problems, Ujoint breakage, front end wear n tare, and it would be harder on all your suspension parts. 

What are the offset rims you running?  Cuda or Challenger?  What tire size ?

[gafletch]

d   Thanks for the insights. When I bought this '70 Barracuda it had been lowered for drag racing. We took out the rear lowering blocks and raised the front height. It Looks better but still a bit low for my taste. Eventually I Want to go to Maybe 305-45-18 rear and 17's in front. But now it has 15"Weld wheels. So it sits low.  The springs have been moved in.  Need better traction for the 440 at about 415 hp. Don't know the origin of the Dana 60.  Suggestions welcome!
Also, When I get it out to events this year I'll look for a better combo. Greg

[ragtopdodge]

Got pictures?

4"?  Are you serious?

 

[shadango]

GAFLETCH......I was facing a similar issue a while back...couple years/3 now.

My rear had sagged and I didnt want to decide on what height springs to get right then.

Someone turned me on to add-a-leafs.

It raised my rear a few inches.   *I* think it looks great.....like the 70s when guys jacked their rides up with air shocks.

I also used KYB truck shocks.....

It rides firm, no doubt.   

Handling, well, I think it handles fine....tires dont wear any weirder that anything I have seen.

If you are looking to use the car in a twisty road course, maybe this isnt the "right" setup.....

For a cruiser and play toy, it works fine IMHO. I was planning on getting "real" springs one day......but havent yet.  To get the height I have I would need the superstocks I think. 

I cant recall exactly how much higher the back is now versus originally....but yeah something like 4".

If you like the raked look, go for it IMHO.
***Update:
You can find info from my add a leaf install in this thread:    http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=61407.30

I got 4" out of the leafs.

There are pics there too, though no wide shots.   I cant get to my photobucket right now or I would post one.  I know I have side pics somehwhere on this forum.

[Road_Runner]

I bought some stock height xhd springs for my Barracuda from these folks.  Great to work, parts shipped fast. Others here are customers, too.  Highly recommended!  They offer higher than stock as well.

Later, Jim