Tubbing with leaf springs
#522407
11/10/09 12:14 PM
11/10/09 12:14 PM
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,325 Truckville, the capital of NY
85_Ram_4speed
OP
master
|
OP
master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,325
Truckville, the capital of NY
|
This is not so much of a race car question, but hoping you guys can post your thoughts.
A friend of mine wants to tub his 71 Charger. This is basically a cruiser, has never seen the strip, but might maybe once or twice just to see what'll run. So a little thought session came up with the idea of useing another set of stock rear rails (his are not in the best of shape to try and remove from the car in one piece), and basically move the rails in farther, and put the springs back under the rails as they are now.
The whole point in doing this is a couple of things, we can run a 29x18.5 tire and rework the stock trunk floor (and still have a very usuable trunk)and rework the stock tubs and not have to mess with the outside of the car using after market tubs or cutting the quarters as it has been painted (car is currently mini-tubbed, springs moved in with 29x13.5 tires). This will also allow use to slightly rework and keep the backseat also, and basically keep it all unibody and keep the intergrity of the car without a rollbar or cage.
So what are the thoughts on this? I have seen leaf spring tub jobs in the past, that still seem to perform decent, so it doesnt seem out of reach to me.
Outcast Dodge guy.
|
|
|
Re: Tubbing with leaf springs
[Re: WilliamHall]
#522411
11/10/09 09:03 PM
11/10/09 09:03 PM
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,325 Truckville, the capital of NY
85_Ram_4speed
OP
master
|
OP
master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,325
Truckville, the capital of NY
|
Cab, we already mini-tubbed the car, now we want to full tub it. But we want to cut and move the full frame rail in about another 4" or so. And then still take the stock tubs and stretch them even more than the mini tub job. I hope that explains it better, i know sometimes my posts can be confusing.
I don't see any reason why this wouldn't work, i just want to see what you guys think about it. I had a friend that had a similar setup and his only complaint was the springs "wore out" faster being that they were closer together and had much mor moevment than being farther apart---but he raced his and it had aftermarket rails and a rollbar---something were trying to not due with this project.
Outcast Dodge guy.
|
|
|
Re: Tubbing with leaf springs
[Re: 85_Ram_4speed]
#522412
11/10/09 10:07 PM
11/10/09 10:07 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,300 Northern Indiana
Dunnuck Racing
master
|
master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,300
Northern Indiana
|
My Challenger is race only,tubbed with leaf springs.I had superstock springs for years,and went to monoleafs with caltracs. With the springs and shocks so close to the center of the car,I still have trouble getting the car to 60' as good as it should. he best I have gotten is a 1.42,and it should be in the 1.35-1.38 best I can figure. It does roll ove on the right rear some. All this being said,I think on a street car with good shocks you would be okay?
|
|
|
Re: Tubbing with leaf springs
[Re: 85_Ram_4speed]
#522413
11/10/09 11:13 PM
11/10/09 11:13 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 554 Florida
65HemiCoronet
mopar
|
mopar
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 554
Florida
|
I bought a 69 Dart last year that was set up with tubbs and leaf suspension. Here's a pic or two of it, maybe it will help....
Yeah, it's got a hemi........a REAL hemi.
|
|
|
Re: Tubbing with leaf springs
[Re: B1MAXX]
#522419
11/12/09 01:13 PM
11/12/09 01:13 PM
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,325 Truckville, the capital of NY
85_Ram_4speed
OP
master
|
OP
master
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,325
Truckville, the capital of NY
|
On the inner side of the rails, i will have to redo the flange to meet up to the floor, so the rails are welded to the floor pan on both sides. On the trunk floor, there is no tire well, and he already has a fuel cell in it---basically the trunk floor is pretty much flat--typical B-body. That helps a bunch in this process. The springs will be put under the rails, just as they are now on the first mini tub job. The rear bumper crossmember will allow me to attatch the rear of the rail--just like factory. On the front sides of the rail, i was thinking of getting the typical ladder bar front crossmember so i can run it rocker to rocker with the front of the rails attached to it. This seems like the most solid way to do things to keep the rigidity in the car--in my mind anyways. I appreciate all the thoughts on this, thanks guys
Outcast Dodge guy.
|
|
|
|
|