Anyone running DSE mt w/ridetech 4 link...

[redbull396]

On a 67-68 camaro. I am running a stock width 12 bolt on my 67, just installed DSE mini tub and ridetech 4 link, and wanted to know what are others with this setup are running for rear widths, wheel and tire, and offset/bs? Just from looks, it appears the lower bracket of the 4 link may limit the width of my wheel by up to an inch. This was just all some preliminary measuring, but it just looks like it will be in the way of running a 12" rear with a 325/335 tire. Also, I will most likely be running a 19" wheel. Thanks for any help or info!!

[Z06vet]

I just ran into this on a 67 w ridetech 4 link and narrowed 12 bolt. I know yours is stock length, but i did not move my perches initially so it should apply to yours. I have a 12" wheel w/ 315 tire. The tire hit the lower plate for the shock that mounts on the factory spring perch. You either have to cut the perches off and install the ridetech brackets (moved inward, I can take some measurements for you), or go with an 11" wheel. You might get away with using the 315 on an 11" wheel, but a 305 would be safer. Each car is different, so be sure to measure. Scott

[redbull396]

Outstanding!! Would be nice for ridetech to disclose that to potential buyers! Thanks for the info Z06! I have a c6 Z06 btw!!
I will have to do some more measuring, but will also look at the option of moving perches inward. I will not be buying anything else ridetech makes tho, we had such a nightmare getting the 4 link to fit properly. Had to mod the **** out of it to make it fit.

[Z06vet]

Sorry to hear that. I have installed 4 or 5 of their 4 links but this is the first time I ran into an issue. I had a couple C5 Z06's. Awesome cars- its what inspired me to put an LS in my 69. Moving the perches inward would do the trick. I kinda trashed mine trying to get them cut off. It wouldn't hurt to ask if they will swap brackets out for you. Scott

[badazz81z28]

Mixing parts always makes it challenging. May I ask why you just didn't go detroit speed?

[Schwartz Performance]

We've done several RT 4-link installs with 335 tires, haven't had a problem with it hitting anything.. even with the factory leaf perches. It can depend on your back spacing too of course.

Unfortunately in this world not everything is a perfect bolt-on, because every car is different. We run into the same thing on our chassis; there's always a few cars out there that don't match up to our data & jigs 100%.

-Dale

[redbull396]

Thanks for chiming in Dale, I bought the kit from you. Can you give me some more info on the sets you've done? Wheel width and bs? It looks to me that a 19x12 may work and clear the lower shock mount, barely. Not sure about an 18".
And I understand about all cars being different. However, this is an unwrecked, unmolested, bone stock car, and we really had to do quite a bit of fabricating to get everything lined up correctly. Would have had much less money in having my builder custom fab a 4 link like he normally does on his builds. I went with this kit to hopefully save time, but ended up costing more shop hours due to all the fabbing that was needed.
As for the DSE, seemed a bit overpriced, not that the others aren't as well, DSE is just substantially more.

[badazz81z28]

The reason why I asked because obviously with the mini tub you are looking for big tires, but many of the kits I looked at to include ride tech use the stock leaf spring mounts location. I just saw this on my car car as the real problem big tires wouldn't tuck. DSE was the only kit that literally relocated the springs or control arms inboard. The cool thing, the only thing that will hit the tire in my wheel well is the inner wheel well it self.

[Z06vet]

You can specify when ordering the ridetech kit to come with either their axle brackets or the stock leaf spring style brackets. On a 69 you can probably get away with the stock location because the rear end can be an inch or so wider due to there being more outer fender lip clearance. Either way I like the axle tube brackets rather than the leaf spring brackets. If the DSE system was easier to install, I probably would have gone that route. Now that I have ventured out a bit more with measuring, cutting, & welding, I would not be worried to try installing it myself.

[redbull396]

Thanks for the info fellas. It was a spur of the moment decision on my part, and lack of homework that got me here. I didn't realize this was an issue on the leaf spring mount kits when I ordered, nor that there was even an option to do a axle mount, which would have definitely raised a question. Well, poop!!

[MuscleRodz]

As mentioned above, you have to specify you have minitubbed the car and you will get weld on brackets and offset lower bars. You can probably get them exchanged for the parts you need if they are still in perfect condition.

[redbull396]

^Thanks Mike! I was never asked that when I ordered, nor do I see anywhere on their product description that it is an option. Problem is, everything has already been set up, rear has been painted, etc. Not to say it all can't be done again, it's just going to cost more shop hours...nothing like doing things twice!!

[redbull396]

Dale, I'll ask again, can you give me some details on the setups that have 12" wheels w/335s? Was this done with the stock spring hanger location mount, or was it moved inward? Thanks.

[MangeMD]

I am looking at the exact same setup on my 68. I emailed RideTech and asked about running their 4 link with a DSE mini-tub, and this is what they told me:




"The combination of those parts will work just fine, no worries at all. On a mini-tubbed car, you’ll have to shave off the edge of cradle brackets, where the front of the frame rail is cut out. Other than that, no other modifications are needed."


Now, that being said I did not ask about rim/tire size combos.

[TheJDMan]

How about some pics?

[redbull396]

Ok, luckily, I have a friend with a set of 18x12 Boze on 335s, he brought those over and they fit the rear. They are 7.75" bs. I'd post a pic, but can't figure out how to on mobile app.
As for the dse tub working with the 4 link, yes, those parts have zero effect on one another from what we saw with installation. The issue is the lower shock mount bracket on the 4 link sits an inch out towards the outter fender further than the inner tubbed wheel well. Initial measurements showed that it would be very tight to run a 12" wide wheel. After test fitting one, it works, it's tight, but it will work with 7.75" bs. Sits perfectly in the wheel well tbh.

[redbull396]

Can't get pic to download

[Z06vet]

Ya, with the stock perches an 11" wheel is much more comfortable. On mine a 315 tire on a 12" rim- tire hit the shock mount. This was on a 17" wheel, so I can say for sure about any other diameters. I talked to Josh @ ridetech about the situation, noting it should be covered in the instructions. Most important is when ordering the kit. I had my rear end all painted and installed, and had to rip it out, cut the perches off, install new ridetech brackets, repaint, reinstall.... lol you get my point. On a mini tubbed car, I would just ask for the ridetech weld on brackets in the future.

[redbull396]

I emailed ridetech shortly after discovering this issue, and have yet to hear back from them, or Dale from Schwartz.
My rear and everything has been stripped, new uppers welded on, cleaned and painted as well! I don't wanna have to do it all again. Luckily, it fits.!!

[csouth]

I emailed ridetech shortly after discovering this issue, and have yet to hear back from them, or Dale from Schwartz.
My rear and everything has been stripped, new uppers welded on, cleaned and painted as well! I don't wanna have to do it all again. Luckily, it fits.!!

FWIW, I have had success contacting Dale and Ridetech via phone in the past. Just a thought.....