Raising the rear a little?

[Swedee]

Hi all,

I'm pretty sure this is a no-brainer for most of you but please bare in mind that I'm totally new to all this

I wanna raise the rear a little on my '72 Challenger, like an inch or two. I'm not sure how this is done the easiest way. Any tips for me?

Thanks a lot in advance!


Check out http://blog.familjenjonsson.org/my72challenger/

[ChallengerHK]

Well...the easiest ways are not necessarily the best ways.

The easiest would probably be air shocks. They tend to make the car drive poorly, and the upper mount is not designed to support the weight of the vehicle.

The next would probably be extended shackles. They change the suspension geometry, and they'll impact an unmodified rear valence on harder bumps.

The best way is to get springs that have the right arch for the height that you want. You can pull your springs and have them re-arched, or you can get higher arched new springs. Many of the aftermarket springs settle significantly after they've been on the car. I bought springs from ESPO, and they'll let you spec whatever ride height you want, but there is no information from ESPO on spring rates, in case you wanted to tune your suspension at all.

[aris_unlimited]

Lifted the rear on my 74 satellite, re-arched and added a leaf to the rear springs. Got me a few inches.

[Swedee]

Thanks for the answers!

I think the extended shackles is the best option for me since I have no idea where to get the leafs re-arched,

Any idea where I could get the extended shackles?

Thanks!


Check out my Challenger blog at http://blog.familjenjonsson.org/my72challenger/

[HP2]

Actually, I  don't think extended shackles will work on E bodies because they sit behind the valance and only have a very slight clearance from the factory. Anything longer than stock may damage the valance.

Adding an additional leaf may be the best all around approach.

[Chryco Psycho]

extended shackles will do nothing , the rear of the spring is soft & it will push it down but not raise the car + it will interfer with the valance .
the easiest way is just to add & leaf , I could get them in full length & trim the front to match the leaf spring , remove the center bolt & add the leaf , replace the U bolts & have the job done in 1.5 hrs or so for $200 , this is really the only right way to lift the rear .

[Topcat]

I bought brand new AAR springs thinking it would give me enough spring rate to handle a Dana 60.

Wrong!

So I took em to a leaf spring re furbishment place and had them add a leaf on each side.
It did raise it up some. I expect it to settle some down some later on. Time will tell.

[crash340]

Ok, so in adding a leaf, should it be the second leaf from the main spring leaf and be simply trimmed to approx half way between the main and what was the original second leaf or?

Greg

[aris_unlimited]

I took mine to a shop to have it done. If you ask around at the parts stores someone should know of a place that can do it for ya.

[Chryco Psycho]

I have always added a full leaf approx the same thickness between the main leaf & the rest of the pack , they came with a predetermined curve but generally I was able to get 1" -1.5" or so lift

[crash520]

Chryco Psycho
where did you get that extra leaf and what was if from or for etc so we can chase one down please.

Greg

[Chryco Psycho]

I was fortunate to have a spring shop local to me , the name was standens , they had blank leafs available @ very reasonable pricing , the other option is to use a main leaf from a Moper spring pack & cut off the rolled ends & put it up against the main leaf just below it if you have an old set handy

[crash340]

Thanks, I guess the main thing is to make sure it naturally has more curve rather than flatter and good to go, my Cuda springs dont look like they have saged much but its a soft rear end, and id like it firmer,,,,,hhhmmmmm.

G

[hemiken]

Hey Crash, we can make your ride firmer by putting in another long leaf and get the spring works to set you entire spring pack at the hieght you want buddy.

[crash340]

Thanks Kenny,
Im thinking I wont need a reset as the height is probably ok, just need it a little firmer, I think, the car will be registered the first week of December so I can start to drive it around, spend some time bonding with my new girl.

Greg
thanks for the email as well, yup, easier to pic a girlfriend than wheels.