Whats the best way to increase rear clearance?

Hilljack68 · Sep 2, 2017

My 68 Coronet has a factory 4-leaf rear suspension and 14" wheels. I'm poised to do a rebuild of the rear suspension this Fall, and I want to allow for a change to 15" wheels. That being said, what's the best way to raise the stance just a bit to allow for the bigger wheels, and a slightly more bad-*** look? Nothing radical... just a bit.
I could add a leaf or install longer shackles. Any thoughts?

Dennis H · Sep 2, 2017

Inserted one Summit truck leaf each side. Resulted in just over 1" lift.

65-440 · Sep 2, 2017

2 456 super stock springs

toolmanmike · Sep 2, 2017

Or contact ESPO. They will get you exactly what you need.

http://www.springsnthings.com/

Kern Dog · Sep 3, 2017

Hilljack68 said:
My 68 Coronet has a factory 4-leaf rear suspension.
I could add a leaf or install longer shackles. Any thoughts?

Say NO to leaf spring shackles! That is a bad way to go for several reasons. If the springs are sagging, the shackles do not change the height much. The axle is also mounted forward of the center of the spring anyway so a 4 inch change in the rear spring eye mount does not result in even a 2 inch height increase. Plus, you still have soft springs.
You can have your springs REarched at a spring shop. OEM steel seems to be better than anything we get from CHINA nowadays. You can have the shop add a leaf at the same time.

MoparLeo · Sep 3, 2017

It is not the change to 15 " wheels that require any mods to fit. That is just the size of the hole in your tire. Width change and offset change make it necessary to increase vehicle height. Use the proper offset rims and you can fit a very wide tire under the fenders and not have to mess with springs and such. It will also ride and handle better keeping your car low.

Hilljack68 · Sep 3, 2017

Thanks Dog - After some thought (and your post), common sense kicked in. I think REarching is the way to go. I happen to know a good spring shop about 20 minutes from where I work. Thanks for all the input fellas.
I'll be getting my car back from the trunk pan surgeon this week, so I'll probably be starting the leaf/rear end project next weekend.

Whats the best way to increase rear clearance?

Hilljack68

Well-Known Member

Dennis H

FBBO Gold Member

65-440

Well-Known Member

toolmanmike

Henchman #2

Kern Dog

Life is full of turns. Build your car to handle.

MoparLeo

NRA BENEFACTOR LEVEL LIFE MEMBER

Hilljack68

Well-Known Member

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