What size rear tire can a 3rd gen hold with moving the shocks inboard of the leafs and mini-tubbing?

What about just moving the shocks in?? What's it take to do this?

When you do the full mini-tub deal, are the leafs moved in too or left is stock locations?

Pics would be a BIG help...

Thanks!

leaf relocation kit , new shock mounts welded to axle tube and new mounts for top of shocks so shocks are now vertical , mini tub goes in as far as the outside part of the frame rails and are attached to the frame rails either by pop rivet or weld. Rear tire size would be 325/50/15.

Thanks Jay. I had assumed most of that right. But, need more info on the new upper shock mounts. Would REALLY like to see a pic for an example.

How much tire clearance is gained by just relocating the shocks? I've often heard the shocks are what is the way of a decent tire...true or false?

Thanks again!

the wheel tubs are small and yes the shocks do get in the way. They are very similar to a Camaro of the same year. In some cases some of the better "slapper" bars have mounts on them that help relocate the bottom of the shock inward. How big a tire do ya wanna run ?

relocating the top shock mount is really just making a new one by welding a 1" piece of roll bar tubing between the frame rails and welding mounting tabs to the roll bar tube and the same type of tabs onto the axle tube. The type of shock you will use will have the eyelets horizontal both top and bottom....just like coil overs

Check the various chassis builders they offer videos on how to build a back half or fully framed car (Art Morrison uses a Nova in his 30 minute film) that shows how to install every part he sells (including the upper shock mount for narrowed rear ends).

Big Dave

There is an auction for a Competition Engineering shock relocating bar on ebay click here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130142687141&isfrommerc=1&refitem=130142687086&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=bid_confirm_email&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget&usedrule1=CategoryProximity&ssPageName=ADME:B:BCB:MT:43&refitem=130142687086&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=bid_confirm_email&usedrule1=CategoryProximity&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget&isfrommerc=1)

Just don't outbid me on the frame connectors he is selling :D (dispatcher667 is me)

Thanks guys for all the info. Especially the CE shock relocating bar. Makes things easier. I wanna do this at home, without going to a fab guy.

So, let's assume shocks moved, fab 9" rear (can order in any length based on wheel offset) and springs relocated. What size/combo rear wheel and tire has anyone used?? This would be leaving the stock wheel tubs in place for now...

Feel free to post any related pics. Again: THANK YOU!!

This baits the question are you looking for better traction, or the ProTouring look? You can get into the low tens or high nines with CalTracks and wheel offsets that allow an 11"x15" wheel to mount a 10.5" wide slick for traction while retaining the factory shock locations mounting double adjustable shocks.

If you want steam rollers just for looks then a DSE mini tub kit (I believe it includes the spring eye relocation parts along with a narrowed upper rear shock mount along with the mini-tub replacement sheet metal) should provide all the room you need. Though to get the full effect of ProTouring I think you will need 24" aluminum wheel wells and a jungle gym of chromemoly bars to pull it off, and that requires back halving the car.


Big Dave

Well some fool is bidding way to much on the frame connectors. If paying retail price or close to it I will always go with a supplier rather then eBay. Summit sells them for $119 and shock bar for $99.