leaf spring mini-tub crossmember to 4-link conversion

[dplenzig]

I am converting to the quadralink setup and have had several people ask me what to do with the crossmember when the diagonal is already installed, so heres a picture of how I did it.

Daren

[67bird]

It looks as if you used two crossmembers? Is this the case? Can you tell me how much farther back the new crossmember is compared to the previous one? Also is the crossmember the same as the original mini-tub kit? The reason I am asking all these questions is I am installing my kit in a 67' and am planning on installing the crossmember horizontally instead of at an angle. I am considering going to the quad kit, but I had to draw a line of when to stop buying parts and when to start building.

[67Steven]

Did DSE send you the same cross member for the 4 link as was sent with the spring kit?

I am going the same route as you, and can't decide if I should hold on to the cross member (not installed) or send it back for the new one.

Steven

[dplenzig]

The crossmembers are the same other than the length and the one that came with the Quadralink was prenotched on the ends much easier to install than the first one.

Daren

[speedster]

dplenzig-
Any pictures you have of your Quadra Link installation would be appreciated very very much. We are starting right now on the quarter panel/deep tub/crossmember installation on a 68 Firebird. It too is a Quadra Link and any tips you have would be great.

[67bird]

Daren,
Was the new crossmember shorter? (Due to it being horizontal instead of at an angle). Also, can you give us an idea on positioning?

[dplenzig]

Yes the crossmember is shorter. From the tail panel its 36.25" on 69s and 34.25" on 67/68s.

[jamesg602]

Did you have to cut the brackets in two pieces to get them around the axle tubes? If so how was the realigning of the two pieces? Was it pretty easy or did it take some refabbing of the link brackets? I also have a twelve bolt with the housing ends still in tact and am curious about getting the brackets on the axle tubes.
Thanks
James

[dplenzig]

Yes I split the brackets and installed them. It was easy they go right back together.

Daren

[OHCbird]

Daren-

Thanks for posting these up; you've inspired me.

[speedster]

Daren -
Thanks for the extra pics.
I am printing them out on the laser printer right now and taking them down to the shop.
Thanks again.

[murtah]

Daren,

I am trying to finish up my own Quad Link install and I have a question. How did you locate the coil over/ Shock mount tabs inside the cross member? Did you just center them between the front and back of the cross member? I am assuming that is what DSE intends.
Thanks,
Jim

[dplenzig]

Jim

I just set the rearend in place where I wanted it and used a small level to set them in place and tacked the brackets in place.

Daren

[murtah]

How did you figure the location of where you wanted the rear? Did you just "eye ball" where you wanted the rear in relation to the wheel openings?

Thanks for the help.

Jim

[dplenzig]

I just put it back where it was originally with a 108" wheel base. You can mark your axle centerline before you remove it.


Daren

[murtah]

That's my problem, it never had a rear. It's one of those crate bodies. I think my best bet is to get someone to tell me what the distance is between their axle centerline and the center of the front leaf eye bolt hole.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

[EFI69Cam]

That's my problem, it never had a rear. It's one of those crate bodies. I think my best bet is to get someone to tell me what the distance is between their axle centerline and the center of the front leaf eye bolt hole.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

My 4-link is still on its way so I have not even been able to look at DSE's intructions. However, from looking at how the setup works, it seems that axle centering in the wheelhousing is not a huge issue. The lower bars use the leaf spring mount, and the bracket welds to the axle. The axle should be able to be set perfectly perpendicular to the axis of the car on an alignment rack when the system is completely installed.