69 20x9.5 with 275 35 20 tire (Rubbing need help)

[96t/acj]

I have a 1969 camaro with a 20x9.5 wheel with 5.81 Backspace with 275-35-20 tires. Also someone added a 3inch lowering block to the rear. The wheel is rubbing on the inner fender on the drivers side and the shock tower is very close to touching the wheel. Pics below

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/maross69-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/marosss-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/08/maro-1.jpg

I'm thinking if I remove the lowering block, It will allow me some shock clearence? Then I may be able to add a small spacer with longer wheel studs to clear the inner fender on the drivers side?

[SR71]

it's going to take more than a small spacer if you are already rubbing. those leaf springs swing like jump ropes in the curves......time to get out the BFH.

as for shock clearance, I bought an new set of lower plates from a roundy rounder shop that had shock mounting holes on the side that were even with the bottom of the plate instead of hanging down low.

[96t/acj]

it's going to take more than a small spacer if you are already rubbing. those leaf springs swing like jump ropes in the curves......time to get out the BFH.

as for shock clearance, I bought an new set of lower plates from a roundy rounder shop that had shock mounting holes on the side that were even with the bottom of the plate instead of hanging down low.

Yeah only light rubbing on the drivers side... I've continued to search and found out that the shock tower moves lower with the lowering blocks so if i remove them the towers should rise out the way... I have room to space the wheel as im not yet close to the outer lip... Also you made a great point about the shock plates that hold stright and not dip. I will look into that this weekend...

[SR71]

you haven't moved the shock tower lower. you have moved the rear and wheel up into the body.

be aware that you currently still have full shock travel. if you move the lower shock mount up with a new mount, check you travel. you may need a shorter shock to avoid bottoming the shock.

[96t/acj]

you haven't moved the shock tower lower. you have moved the rear and wheel up into the body.

be aware that you currently still have full shock travel. if you move the lower shock mount up with a new mount, check you travel. you may need a shorter shock to avoid bottoming the shock.
That makes since, how would you suggest moving the shock tower for clearence at the wheels?

[SR71]

the new lower plates will do it. or if you have enough room between the shock and spring, you could redrill the lower shock mount closer to the spring and trim the excess tab off.

[MarkM66]

If you plan on removing that lowering block, you'll have to cut out that piece of metal someone welded in there too.

[keithq69]

I think the first thing I would do is cut that piece of 1/2" plate off the lower spring mount and ditch the leaf that is in the car now.
The amount of leverage you get with a 3" block acting on the spring is not good.
Then order yourself a set of lower springs that are lower already so you don't need to run a block.
This will solve the problem with the shock mount hitting the wheel.
Once you have the new springs installed you can start to evaluate your wheel spacing again.

[streetnova74]

What wheels are those? Thanks

[96t/acj]

So i removed the 2inch block of metal and the lowering block...

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/10/photo2-1.jpg

Now i just have to deal with wheel spacing on the rear end, because the drivers side tire is rubbing the inner fender on the rear.

[geberhard]

Chris, how is the 69 coming along? How are you going tolower her back down?

Gui