Rear shackle input

[Blue Bayou]

Alright guys, I'm looking to glean from all of your expertise. I have a '69 Firebird that I've put 2" drop spindles on the front with disc brakes, a shock relocation kit in the rear with 2" drop multi-leafs that actually raised the rear of my car and disc brakes on the rear. Unfortunately, I've had to tear the car back down and start over with paint and body after the body shop did such a terrible job on the car.

My question is this, when doing the tear down I discovered that the rear leaf shackles were homemade jobbies so I'm looking to replace/upgrade. Should I be looking to use a lowering shackle to drop the car? Should I look at using offset shackles? I know the shock relocation kit is going to provide me with some additional tire clearance, will offset shackles provide me more clearance?

Thanks for any and all input!

[MrQuick]

I get that alot, hey I installed 2" drop springs but now its higher. Everyone forgets old springs sag.

how far do you want to drop it?

the best way is to get the proper leaf but a 2" block maybe too much.

Cant drop the shakle much cause you will hit the framerail UNLESS you have a dukes of hazard style 4" shackle to start with.

[Blue Bayou]

Thanks for the response MrQuick. I'm thinking of taking the springs and having them de-arched before they go back on the car. I tihnk I'd like to drop it 2", that way if I decide I want to go another inch I can add a 1" lowering block.

Also, i should have clarified, i'd like to do some auto cross with the car at some point. Not that I expect to win the competitions or anything, but I think it'd be a lot of fun and a great hobby.

[MrQuick]

In that case I'd go all spring. Heavy lateral loads are not going to do well with the additional leveraging from the blocks.

[Kenova]

You could also raise the front spring eye in it's bracket (see Herb Adam's Mod) and replace the rear shackles with spring sliders. Both changes will lower your car some, although I don't think it will give you the two inches you are looking for.

Ken