Anyone Lengthen Their Wheelbase?

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jdakota

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I have a 68 Dart. I'm thinking of lengthening the wheelbase 2" so my rear slicks will center in the fenderwell. Was wondering if anyone has lengthened their wheelbase and if so, what were the issues.
 
This is very common to move the rear back. Most of the time you will see 1-1 1/2". I am in the process of doing the same thing.
 
Only issue would be that weight transfer will be worse. Some thing that is not good to start with. Traction will suffer.
 
BUT..... For handling purposes this allows more weight in the center of the vehicle.

This moves some unsprung weight, and items weighted at 50% unsprung weight back 1-2" and by doing so transfers sprung weight forward offering better front to rear balance.

This is slight, but any amount helps.

If you are worried about too Little rear weight, move your battery to the trunk as far back as possible. This will be a significant amount of ballast and can assist in traction.

I will have my battery installed directly over the axle hump, as my preference is to keep as much weight centralized in the car as possible.

What is your reason for this; are you looking to only gain clearence for larger diameter tires, or are you looking to increase th precision of your handling?
 
My reason for lengthening the wheelbase is for clearance. The stock rear wheel placement is noticeably forward in the wheel well. Thanks guys for the input.
 
How are you guys moving the rear end back? I'd like to do the same thing. With the 255/60/15 drag radials I have about 1 inch from the front wheel lip.
 
Put a block behind your front spring hangers. If you want it 1" back put a set of 1" blocks in there Then check your drive shaft langth and shackle angles.
 
Could you not just drill a hole farther back in the springs for the center pin?
 
I would watch out for the change to the way the springs flex under load when you modify the mounting location of the axle. Not saying it can't be done, but the rear suspension will suffer depending on how much you move the weight off center.
 
Could you not just drill a hole farther back in the springs for the center pin?

I ordered Cal Trac monoleafs with a 1" offset to the rear. All they did was to drill another hole in the leaf pack to accomplish this.

I haven't had any issues getting traction with their CalTrac bars and slicks. My springs were also ordered with 1" less ride height.

DSC_2795.jpg
 
Seems like a hell of a lot of work to gain what you want.

No kidding, but we all know about the lack of space in the wheel well's on A bodies.I am going to mini tub mine and re-locate the leaf's too, I was reading an article on big block dart , I believe last night, where they cut the wheel opening, and moved it forward so it was flush with the wheel tub. It actually looked really nice when done, but I can't see cutting my car up that much for tire clearance.
 
Remember that the spring is an arc and if you move the rear back it will change your pinion angle and cause vibration.Don't ask how I know...........Furyus2
 
you must not be worried about traction I would never go back I have gone forword up to 4inch.but then you have to move the wheel wel.doing this your car will hook on a wet road..Artie
 
No kidding, but we all know about the lack of space in the wheel well's on A bodies.I am going to mini tub mine and re-locate the leaf's too, I was reading an article on big block dart , I believe last night, where they cut the wheel opening, and moved it forward so it was flush with the wheel tub. It actually looked really nice when done, but I can't see cutting my car up that much for tire clearance.
if you do it and its done write no won will even know it unless you park beside sumone that has a stock one.mine was done for two yrs.before it was noticed....
 
I moved mine back 1/2" by making 1/2" thick aluminum spacers for in front of the front spring hangars. With only 1/2", The stock studs to the leaf hangers were long enough. If I had gone any Thicker, I would have had to put longer studs on.
 
If you are minitubbing, just get the kit through RMS, thats what I did and it has holes predrilled for stock location, stock but lowered 1.25", move back 1.5", or moved back and lowered 1.25"

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One reason I want to move my rear back 1 inch is so I dont have to change the 7.25 drive shaft length to install the 8.25 rear.
i know I'll need a drive shaft mod when the A500 trans goes in but I dont want to do it twice.
 
I have a 68 Dart. I'm thinking of lengthening the wheelbase 2" so my rear slicks will center in the fenderwell. Was wondering if anyone has lengthened their wheelbase and if so, what were the issues.
all i did was weld the hole in the spring perch and redill the perch 3/4inch forwardand slid the rear back to center that axle seams to be ok
 
have you ever driled a hole in a spring..if so I need to know were you get your drill bits..Artie

I made a set of leaf springs for an old chevy silverado by reusing the main leaf and cutting/drilling the rest. You'll need a couple expensive bits and the patience to drill the center hole at a painstakingly low RPM.
 
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