Installing 12 bolt rearend

[Chicane 73]

I'm replacing the 10 bolt with a 12 bolt 3;42 posi rearend. At this point I need to know where to buy the brackets,etc. to re install the new rear in the car. I am also considering changing the rear sway bar to a 1" bar and installing adj. Koni shocks in the rear. I have replaced the front springs with Eibach sport springs,which made some improvement in handling,but the rear needs help. Please let me know if I am headed in the right direction. I am new at this so any help will be appreciated. Thanks.

[dhardison]

I'm assuming that this 12-bolt is going in your '73 Camaro?

When I installed my 12-bolt, instead of using factory 'saddle' type perches I used the Mopar-type perches from Jeg's.

http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=2632&prmenbr=361

I had these perches set up with pinion angle at 0 degrees and use CE 2 degree stackable wedge plates to adjust the final pinion angle. The Mopar perches make it MUCH easier install/remove the shims and IMHO it's a cleaner install than then factory 'saddle' perches.

HTH,
Dan

[qwik1320]

The u-bolts and shock mount brackets that held the 10 bolt in will work for the 12 bolt...or do you mean brackets for the rear sway bar?

Did you get new springs for the rear too? My 73's rear springs were shot when I replaced them (one side had a broken leaf). 1" for the rear is a lot of bar, why don't you try the new shocks (and new springs if you don't have them) with the stock bar first and see how you like it.

[Chicane 73]

Yes,this is going into the Camaro,I will checkwith Jegs on the Mopar perches and wedge plates it sounds good. Thanks Dan.

I want to leave the 10 bolt as is to sell to someone else. I was told there are kits available for the install regarding shock mounts,etc.I have not changed the springs in the rear yet,what springs are you using in your Camaro Todd?

[qwik1320]

I bought a set of PST's "Ground Zero" stock height, 4-leaf rear springs back in late '98. I also put a G-Max 7/8" rear bar on, KYB Gas-A-Just shocks, and PST's poly bushings. I wouldn't recommend my set-up, while the car doesn't roll in the turns it doesn't ride very nice...REALLY stiff.

Take a look at what the 2nd gen guys are using on here, there are a lot of sweet set-ups on here. I wish this site was around when I did mine.

[Chicane 73]

Thanks for your advice Todd I am not in a hurry to finish the car so I will look around at what might be best at this time. I really don't want it too stiff but I want the car to handle well.

[chicane67]

Catchy name you got there..............

You may want to look at and possibly consider the available leafs and different rates available from Hotchkis for you second Gen.

http://www.hotchkis.net/cgi-bin/EDCstore.pl

[Chicane 73]

I have heard there are biased springs that prevent the rear end from winding up. Have you heard of them and is it still necessary to run a traction bar. I would like to be able to eliminate the bars if possible. I will check out Hotchkis springs . Let me know if the biased spring is a good idea for a handling application versus a straight line appl.

I didn't know there was another Chicane when I registered. Thank you for the advice.

[chicane67]

Funny that you should ask....... I just might know a little on this subject.

You answer is within this link:
http://www.geocities.com/tholt67/springsheet.html

.......and no, you dont need the typical 'traction' bars anymore, as it can be built into the spring itself.

........and yes..........they have excellent lateral manners. I myself use a 320# of this spring design.

[zbugger]

The Hotchkis springs are slightly biased to the front. Some people have had wheel hop problems still, but you can tune that out with pinion angle as well. The one thing that will really improve ride is the use of rubber bushings in the front eye. The Hotchkis springs, while a little pricey, are good springs. Another set to look at is the Global West units. I think the L-2 may work for you.

What front bar do you have in the car? That 1" bar may be too big for you. I'm currently gonna be running a stock Z28 rear bar, but I'm not sure if I'm gonna be using it for long. I'll be testing and playing with it to see if it would be good without it. Some cars don't need it, but it all depends on the wheel choice and spring choice you make.

You could use the simple perches like Dan suggested, but check out the mounts that Moser sells. They keep the stock look. It would be up to you though.

[Chicane 73]

I will check out the Moser mounts and Global West. I was really impressed w/Hotchkis product info looks like he really knows 2nd Gen. cars . I saw his car----wow.
Thanks for the info on the spring rate chart. It is interesting how much the eye configuration changes ride height. I will weigh my car at the rear,I haven't done that yet.
I have the stock Z28 fr. bar in there now with the small stock rear bar.Have not changed the bushings yet. I was thinking of a much heavier bar on front and back but you guys are making me take a better view of this. Thanks very much you're all great!

[zbugger]

You could easily run the 1 1/4 front bar. It's quite possible that you will be that with no rear bar, or a small rear bar. There's a lot to take into account though, so it's really testing it for yourself. Everyone is different and likes their car a different way.