Mocked up DSE rear suspension

[67ragtp]

I Set the rear in my 67 camaro today, using the 3 inch drop springs and a moser 12bolt which I had them cut to an axle flange to flange measurement of 54 inches. I am also using the shackle relocation set up and mini tubs with 315 17 35s. I was quite surprised to see how much room I have in the wheel house, the scary part is how close the tire is to the leaf spring. There is maybe 1/16 on the drivers side and a 1/32 clearance on the passenger side. What is acceptable clearance? Is there anything I can do to correct it? Will a wheel spacer of a 1/4 inch do it, and is this enough clearance, are wheel spacers dangerious?



I did take into consideration the thickness of my baer rotors when I came up with the rear measurement. So I dont understand the clearance issue although the leafs were not in the car, maybe thats why. I figured the shackles would move them in a bit more. I would really appreciate your thoughts and suggestions on this and perhaps you could tell me how much clearance yours has.

Thanks Rich

[baz67]

Rich~ the problem lies in your backspacing. What is the BS on your rims? Did they shorten your axle correctly? You should also have that same clearance on the side of the inside wheelhouse as you do with the leaf. The DSE kit is engineered well and I have not heard of that problem before.

No 1/32-1/16 is not acceptable. 1/2 is the clearance you should be shooting for.

[67ragtp]

Brian,

I guess I just measured a little to tight on the rear measurement. I just got off the phone with Stacy from DSE and she told me 1/4 inch will be ok. So I have no other recourse and have to pick up a set of spacers for the wheels. I used Kyles recommendation of 5.25 inches of back spacing on an 11inch budnik. If I only had moser make it 1/2 inch longer-- Oh well! Its tough getting that measurement perfect, especially when your laying on your back in a garage with primitive tools. DSE didnt think a 1/4 inch wheel spacer was so bad. I wish I could have my Baer rotors modified in some way to push the wheel out a 1/4 inch. If you have any creative ideas let me know. Thanks for replying -- Rich

[BRIAN]

Do you want to sell the rear? Just an idea.

[67ragtp]

No, its brand new, never even had fluid in it. It will work out nicely.

Thanks Rich

[capbuster]

Rich,

Not to hijack the thread, but I have a couple of questions for you, I have almost the same setup, but have not purchased the wheels or the Moser 12 bolt yet. Mine is a '67 coupe.

1. You said you were surprised at how much room you had in the wheel house w/ the 315's. Although you were close to the leaf inside, how much room did you have to the fender lip outside?

2. When I spoke to DSE they gave me the indication that a 7" BS was recommended for the 17X11 wheels I was thinking about for the 315's. Did DSE tell you 5.25 b/c you already had your rear end narrowed? I wonder why I got a different answer?

Thanks, any other info would be appreciated. This is one of my biggest question marks right now.

Dave

[67ragtp]

Dave,

I have approx. 3/4 of an inch in the back and 1/2 inch in the front although I rolled the lip alot And welded it shut to the outer wheel house. With the tire in the wheelhouse it appears to be further in than it really is, I cant explain it, other than the radius of the quarter panel is tricking my eye. There is not alot of tire sticking out even across the bottom of the quarter where it dips back in.

Im surprised Kyle or Stacy told you 7 inches. Perhaps they were under the impression you were going to use a stock length rear end. The wheels/tires came first because you need to measure for the rear end length once the tubs are installed. I just checked my notes and they said 5.25 BS on a 17x11 budnik. As a matter of fact Kyle ordered the wheels for me. The fronts are an 8 inch budnik with a 4-7/8 back space 245-17. This is only true when using his mini tubs, and offset shackles. I think a 5inch back space would have been perfect, because of the leaf.

Im using his 3 inch drop leafs as well and with no weight in the car, no engine, trans, interior, glass its sitting high. And I dont like it! I hope it comes down. You may want to think about 18s. They sure look like they will fit nice in there.

Rich

[rockdogz]

I have a similar setup on my '68, 315/35/17 budnik in the rear with 5.5" bs on a 17x11, 17x8 in front with a 245x35x17, 3" drop DSE. It looks like a lot of room between the upper wheel and wheelwell, but I have been told that it takes some driving time to settle, and to even put some sandbags in the rear to lower the springs (temporarily that is!).

[capbuster]

You're right, they did say that the 7" was for a standard rear end. I looked at my notes again too! I've also been told several times, as you said, that the tires/wheels come first then measure. I was thinking about 18's but worry about the ride. Any idea if it gets too harsh with 18's and lower profile tires? Really don't want to roll the lip if I don't have too. Does everyone that has 315's have to go that route?

[67ragtp]

Dave,

I cant speak for how firm the 18s ride, since this is my first pro-touring build. I do believe when you jump up to 18s the wheel gets really pricey. I thought the 17 inch budniks were very reasonable in terms of cost, especially when you look at some 18s going for 800 to a grand per wheel. With limited knowledge of handling cars, I figured I cant go wrong with a well engineered plan such as DSE. Kyle did tell me the 315s should fit with out rolling the lip, but adds extra insurance against the possibility of cutting a tire.

Rich