How to raise the rearend???

[MikeDVC]

I'm not real happy with the stance of my 75 Camaro. The car sits about level, but sometimes looks lower in the rear then in the front. I would prefer a little rake, but not sure how:

I have Hotchkis springs front and rear, and have already cut a full coil from the front springs. (Springs have been on the car for about a year, so I don't think they will settle anymore). From what I've read, and considering the way the car handles now, I don't think it's wise to cut off anymore from the front coils.

So, is there a reasonable method to raise the rear of the car using my current rear springs and shocks (Bilsteins) ???

I thought about a taller tire, but afraid of rubbing issues. I already have a slight rub on rough roads; top of the tire hits the inner well.

Thanks,
Mike

[shanekennedy]

gabriel hi-jacker air shocks from jc whitney

[79T/Aman]

never use air shocks, shocks are not made to support the weight of the car and can damage the top shock mount that is part of the body ( read big $$$ to fix ) take a look at our web site www.pro-touringf-body.com you will find the super duty shackel kit that will let you raise the rear by about 3/4".

[RobM]

What ever you do, do not use lift blocks. They will rattle your teeth out from the wheel hop you'll get. Go with the shackles

[zbugger]

What ever you do, do not use lift blocks. They will rattle your teeth out from the wheel hop you'll get. Go with the shackles

In this case, the "lift blocks" turn out to be lowering blocks. The spring is already under the axle.

Mike, I kinda like the way your car sits. But, if you want to lift it a little, you could also get the springs re-arched a little more.

[TonyL]

the shackles are the way I'd go.

But if it were my car, I'd lower the front more. (alot more, but im sick like that) and change the front tires.

[TonyL]

Like that.

[CAMAROBOY69]

I would lower the front like Tony said. The rear sits perfect IMO. Front needs to come down mabey 1/4"-1/2". Looks very very good the way it is but would look even better.

[wendell]

air shocks would be amazing! Then add some bright yellow slapper bars that hang way down bellow the front spring eye. The girl at the Orange Julius would sweat!

Or, get the springs re arched. Adding too much shackle can raise hell with rear roll steer.

[MikeDVC]

I was thinking of trying the shackles in the rear, but after seeing Tony's photoshop pic (thanks Tony)...I really like the front lower. Guess I try to cut the springs a little more and see what happens. Just worried about changing spring rate too much, and what it may do to the ride quality. I'll try and see what happens. Hope I can get out of the driveway when I'm finished, lol.

I have a Baer brake system and Speedtech UCA's on order, I play with the springs while the car is apart.

That's for everyones' input.

[CAMAROBOY69]

I cut my front coils as low as I could get away with and I dont have a single compaint at about the ride. Actually I dont have a single complaint at all with the front cut coils on my car. I wouldnt change a thing and I will do this on ever vehicle I lower the rest of my life.
You are only going to cut a little more off of what you already cut. You probably wont even feel any difference in the ride by cutting another 1/4 -1/2 coil off. If anything it will help it corner a little better.

[MikeDVC]

I cut my front coils as low as I could get away with and I dont have a single compaint at about the ride. Actually I dont have a single complaint at all with the front cut coils on my car. I wouldnt change a thing and I will do this on ever vehicle I lower the rest of my life.
You are only going to cut a little more off of what you already cut. You probably wont even feel any difference in the ride by cutting another 1/4 -1/2 coil off. If anything it will help it corner a little better.

Which springs are you using? I'm using Hotchkis, and have cut a full coil so far, due to all the weight reduction on the front of the car. It drove pretty rough at first, unitl I replaced the shocks (KYB's) with Bilsteins. Now it's much better.

[CAMAROBOY69]

Which springs are you using? I'm using Hotchkis, and have cut a full coil so far, due to all the weight reduction on the front of the car. It drove pretty rough at first, unitl I replaced the shocks (KYB's) with Bilsteins. Now it's much better.

I just took the original springs out and cut them with a cutting wheel on a grinder. Didnt cost me a single penny to lower the front.
Here is all the information on my stance.
http://www.adfabdesign.com/Illusion/...uspension.html

[zbugger]

Mike, Hotchkis had to do the same thing on their F71 Camaro. They even recommend cutting the coils to achieve the desired stance. It shouldn't be too bad on the ride.

[MikeDVC]

Mike, Hotchkis had to do the same thing on their F71 Camaro. They even recommend cutting the coils to achieve the desired stance. It shouldn't be too bad on the ride.

Thanks Allen and Adam, that gives me confidence in cutting more.

[wendell]

Your back tires rub so your going to cut your coils? I don't get it.

[CAMAROBOY69]

Your back tires rub so your going to cut your coils? I don't get it.

He has front coils. He was going to raise the rear to even the stance but I am sure he is going to cut the front coils instead so the stance will look better.

[MikeDVC]

Rear tire (drivers side) rubs occasionally on really rough roads, but only a slight rub. Top of the tire hits the inner well. I can fix that with a specialzed inner well adjusting tool, otherwise know as a hammer, lol. The car was nailed in the qtr panel a many years ago by big ole Thunderbird (not sure what year, one of the larger models, maybe 70's). Anyway the panel and inner well was replaced, maybe it's not correctly aligned.

But what I was really getting at was changing the stance, so the rear does not sit lower then the front. Lowering the front will take care of that.

edit: Sorry, I was posting same time as Adam, we're both saying the same thing.

[KWIKND]

How low is low enough?

Just a little more.

Dan