How do I get the lift I need without shackles?

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Ever try to bend a leaf spring by hand to make it fit?
 
It sucks for sure. I can see it kind of working, Can the OP post pics of the block in place?
 
Rustyratrod and Eekvanzipper you guys just made me very happy telling me that the wheels will stay centered with the SS springs! I had read a couple other posts that said that but I wasn't sure.

Toolmanmike I love your ride and I know your advice is solid... I've been considering reducing the size of my rear wheels, really considering, but I just can't help but love the wide wheels on the back. PS - I don't think you could get a 275 tire on an 8" rim can you?

I am running a 275 60r15 on a 15x8 neutral backspace from Wheel Vintiques with small bolt pattern on my Demon. Work very well with untouched stock rear suspension.


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Ill get a pic or two... I looked at the block, it moves the top of the shackle centerline forward two inches (2" square block), and the shackles are now 5" center to center.... Now 5" is longer than stock correct?? So, maybe not so tough to spring them together??, and i can see where it would allow the rear to move without restriction, more so than with a short shackle and a stiff spring. Shocks have 3" extensions on them as well.
 
you can use booster shocks, you can easily get those from summit, however they do wear out fast . But they will give the rear a boost. Other than that there used to be places that would re- arch your springs to the desired height. I have not had the need in many many years so no idea if anyone still does that. Have you tried espo again to see if they can give you more rake. Another thing to consider the ss springs are very stiff. I put those on the back of a 64 dart 4 speed car once and I would ( at least I am sure that's what it looked like) fly up in the air on every bump. I would feel every bump in the road, Had to change those out as I could not take it anymore. I then took them and put them on a 65 barracuda and it seemed to be less bumpier on that car but it is diffidently a more firm ride for sure.
 
Why don't you go "the other way" and get the front end down a bit?

But just so ya know, that is NOT "good handling." pointing these girls on their noses is not what you want for handling.
 
66Dart273 - I will never forget how much you helped me with my 360 build 10 years ago. Your advice is always sage. And in this case you are right again that I should lower the front end a bit but the problem is the cheap headers I installed are already banged up beyond belief from hanging so low.

I think I'm going to go with the suggestion by 66340Sedan with the modified front hanger brackets and also wait to see the pics from Lefty71 with the block installed at the rear leaf hanger to see if I can raise the rear that way.

Also now seriously considering not going with the SS springs due to always seeing people talk about how stiff the ride is. Maybe just try to get my flat espo springs re-arched and hope these other mods do the trick...
 
Sure does!!!!!
On any other body, the S/S spring needs extended front spring hangers.

I don’t see how that would work. The front & rear segment as stated earlier of an S/S spring is the same as an A body.

I dont get it , 002-003 springs wil bolt right on a 66-67 belvedere/satelite body , just moves the wheel 2'' forward , rear shackles can be a problem .
 
I dont get it , 002-003 springs wil bolt right on a 66-67 belvedere/satelite body , just moves the wheel 2'' forward , rear shackles can be a problem .
OK, I must have missed where you were bolting these on a 66/67 B body. I’ve never owned one or worked on one. Sorry to hinder. I’m out.
 
Ill get a pic or two...

Here's a rusty pic or two.... The stance of the car is much the same as the sweet yellow Demon in post #28.... and much of that is attributed to the big tire... I'm sure this setup picks the rear up slightly, but the real purpose is to allow the rear to rise when launching without topping out as easily.... Here's a video of the rear springs at work doing exactly that while making short work of a Dinan modded BMW;
69’ Dart vs BMW - YouTube Off the subject, keen ears will pick up on the true power secret here, which is none other than HallifaxHops' Tach drive copy recurved distributor this car is running!! Thanks again Ray!! :thumbsup::usflag:

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Rustyratrod and Eekvanzipper you guys just made me very happy telling me that the wheels will stay centered with the SS springs! I had read a couple other posts that said that but I wasn't sure.

Toolmanmike I love your ride and I know your advice is solid... I've been considering reducing the size of my rear wheels, really considering, but I just can't help but love the wide wheels on the back. PS - I don't think you could get a 275 tire on an 8" rim can you?

275's on a factory 7" rim. Mancini XHD springs with a 1" lowering block.
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Isnt there aprocess where you send them to a truck spring shop and they "re arch" them or get more bend in them? I m not sure how the bushing holes would like up but the brackets sway anyway Im thinking...
 
I agree with the Toolman
I run a 275/60-15 tire on 8 inch wheels with ESPO + 1 springs stock hangers
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Lefty71 thanks for those pics!

ir3333 - I like some rake but really I just want to stop the wheels from rubbing when I have people in the car or go over bumps

After all of these responses (which I appreciate so much!) I think I just need to bite the bullet and buy some new rims. I didn't know my 275's would fit on 8" rims, or even 7" like Sireland67 has done and looks great.
 
PS - any suggestions for 8" wide rims, (15's with with large bolt pattern) that will fit my 275 tires and fit underneath without rubbing the wheel wells?
 
I llike that block idea cheap and way better than shackles for a bit more lift. Agreed could be a PIA to get the springs into the mounts.
 
I agree. That is kind of neat it puts a bit more "arch" in the spring. Might try it on my dart had the springs re arched a few years ago and are starting to sag a bit.
 
I agree. That is kind of neat it puts a bit more "arch" in the spring. Might try it on my dart had the springs re arched a few years ago and are starting to sag a bit.

yeah, my calrac monoleafs have sagged too
being it is almost all street car , have thot about putting my reworked s/s springs back on it , would handle a little better on the street.
 
Please elaborate, I've never heard that one before. Will they de-arch them over time? How long are we talking?
Throws all the geometry off, usually the long single spring will slightly bend a bit like a recurve bow if that makes sense.
 
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