DSE mini-tubs and axle mods

[hamrhed97]

I have a couple of questions hopefully some of you veterans out there may have already had to address. I have a 67 Firebird that I am thinking on installing the DSE mini-tubs. I am considering their complete kit that also comes with leaf springs and their offset shackles. My first question is if I use their leaf springs and the offset shackles will it be necessary to relocate the spring perches (move them inboard) on my axle? Second question: With the installation of the mini-tubs is it recommended that you run a narrowed rear axle width? For you guys that have done this min-tub install on a 67, what axle width dimensions are you running (wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface)? Thanks for the help.

[Whistler]

I can't advise you on the leaf springs, as I'm switching to their Quadralink, but the axle narrowing is up to you. If you don't narrow it, the wheels will have high offset (like a late model) and won't have much lip.
I ordered my wheels with the backspace I wanted (18x12 with zero offset), when they show up I'll mount the tires, mount them on a makeshift axle and center them in the wheelwells. Then I'll narrow the axle accordingly.
If I didn't want to narrow the axle, the backspace would have been around 7.75 inch, not leaving much of a lip.

[hamrhed97]

Whistler, thanks for the reply. I imagine the quadra link set up will provide suffucient clearance to fit a 12" wide wheel with zero offset and still have the tire clear the link bars and the coil overs?

[Madspeed]

I as well Have 18X12's with a 4.5 bs wich leaves a HUGE wheel lip.
we do this dse kit so we can get Huge tires under the car and then we mostly want a fat Lip wheel for the look.
So there is no real answer for what rear end width to give.
And yes I am pretty confident you ned to relocate the leafspring perches, You cant move the spring shackles and not move the perches.

[fladoans]

Yes, you must move the spring perches. If you get the full DSE kit, the kit comes with new bolt on perches. Once everything is set and you know where the perches need to go they can be welded on later. But you existing perches must be moved. And 06T'rex is right the only way to get that nice look on the rims is to narrow the rear end. On my 69 Camaro I have 18x12's on order with a 5.5" bs, once I get them and mock the wheels and tires up in the wheel wells then I can oder the rearend.

[mikey]

According to an old DSE catalog they suggest narrowing the rear about 2 1/2" on a 69. Don't be afraid to give them a call they are very happy to answer any questions. They also hit allof the goodguys shows and told me to call bfore the one I'll be at and they will bring your stuff for no freight.

[hamrhed97]

Thanks very much for the info, I appreciate it. I will give DSE a call about the particulars of my application. I've see a lot of installs of these mini-tubs on coupes and I wonder if there are any special considerations for an installation in a convertable. Thanks again for the helpful info.