C4 Rear Suspension: Need Input Please

[ryans67deuce]

I am tossing around the idea of putting a C4 rear suspension in my 67 ChevyII. I honestly don't have a lot of knowledge on this suspension, so I would appreciate any input. Originally, I was going to go with a 4-bar similar to what JP is using, but have been interested in this all along.

I have a Wayne Due front clip on it now, and like the idea of C4 suspension all around. I've talked to Wayne about this and he hasn't done it - yet, but thinks it can be done with having it narrowed a little (stock is 61", but can get it down to 58-59"). One of the cons to this (other than needed fab work) is that I would be limited to a Corvette style wheel, without much dish. What do you guys think, and what do I need to know before diving into this too far??

[ryans67deuce]

Anyone.... Bueller?? Bueller?? Bueller???

[MrQuick]

Hi Ryan, Well we are doing this 67' Nova and after going with the custom 3 link we did entertain the idea of a Vette rear, even a Viper rear and we determined the only (probably not) way it would work properly was to keep it as close to stock length and widen the rear quarters by 1 1/2"-2" on each side. This car could have used new quarters anyways so it was fesable. This was also to allow for 315's but the client wanted wider so we went the other route.Would be intereesting to see a wide body II?

[SLO 65]

PHR had a feature car with a 1988 C4 rear end that was narrowed 4" on each side. I believe the 84-87 rears are 62.9 hub to hub and the 88-96 are 64.9 hub to hub. Narrowing the rear is fairly basic. Follow the links.

http://popularhotrodding.com/features/0409phr_pigford/

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...692&uid=465705

The rear toe links need need to be narrowed as well. (easy)

Nick

[Reckn8]

While it is possible to narrow the C4 rear quite a lot, one thing to keep in mind if you are going for the handling aspect of the IRS is that the shorter you make those half shafts the more the tire is going to want to negative camber on large suspension movements. For our 69 Camaro, I know that the car is wider, we narrowed it about 3 inches over all and have found that handling or ride has not been adversly affected. I would like to say that it handles and rides just awesome and be sure that if your are going to be doing this project to properly support it with some sort of cage.

[ProdigyCustoms]

We narrowed 7 inches in Prodigy without narrowing the bat wing, however it did require some hogging on the spindles for clearance. Allows for a 12" wheel with a 7 1/2" backspace. Running it through the travel, the camber situation is there, but does not seem unreasonable, particularly at just squated levels, like in a corner.
Here are couple pics mocked up with Jagarangs 335/ 30/ 18s on 12" rims.
One thing though that does have to be done with a IRS rear, the inner tubs from DSE will not work because the top of tire goes in as it goes up, so the tubs either have to be wider, or lean in towards the center of the car at the top. So a custom, non stock looking, mini tub will be required for monster meats.

[Jagarang]

Damn I like those wheels!! Good choice Frank!

[ryans67deuce]

Thanks for all the info guys - I really appreciate it.

Prodigy - I'd really like some more info from you if you don't mind... Could you PM me your email address??

I have already minitubbed my ChevyII, but had only gone to the stock rails. I intend to replace those with aftermarket rails, and move them in a good 1.5" from the stock location, but I'm not sure if it will affect the mounting of the batwing. I'd like to run an 11" wheel with 315's, but not sure how feasible with the IRS. Lots of info needed in a short amount of time - I have an opportunity on a IRS but need to move quickly....

[ProdigyCustoms]

[email protected] or call
Four O Seven Eight 3 Two, one Seven Five Two
8AM to 10PM Eastern tiime

Kevin, we just could not resist. As you can probably tell since the roll bar is not in this pic, it was when they hit the door. I think Michael put them on his before yours, LOL!

[ryans67deuce]

Thanks again for the help guys - I picked up an '86 IRS on ebay Saturday for just $300!!! :icon996:

Hope to dig into this thing in the upcoming weeks. It should really go well with the WD front clip I've got already.....