The 41 Pontiac......"Garbage that barfed".......

[silver_bullet]

My only reason for the drop thought is to get rid of the 3" lowering block between the rear axle and factory s10 springs. Believe me- I don't want to do a complete floor removal. I am thinking about changing the amount of spring leaves and relocate the rear spring hanger. I don't like the idea of the 3" block- Didn't some of the first gen Camaros run a mono leaf at the drag strip?

1967 F bodies ran a monoleaf...Have seen several with cal-tracs ...

[RAIV70Judge]

Engine block and transmission are placed to build the mounts, and do the floor repair.

[RAIV70Judge]

Pulled the doors tonight and didn't break any hardware- amazing! I received the steel today to build the "cage" to hold the body together so I can do the floor replacement.

[Deaf Bob]

On the Derby cars we have our local spring shop de_arch the springs I'm sure you could have them do this with yours to your satisfaction it cost us about 40.00 for both springs.

Wow! Just flip some to dearch.. For derbys .. We are allowed 2 clamps per spring..

[RAIV70Judge]

The rear springs on the 41 run directly under the frame. They have a big arch, I'm still wondering about taking a couple leafs out and see how it sits. Remember- this is a s-10 chassis. I've never had springs de- arched Greg, not sure if anybody local has the ability to do it.

[silver_bullet]

Matt,
Removing leaves is an option..also could look for some second hand lowering springs for S-10s...i believe that belltech made a 2" drop spring...

[SuperBuickGuy]

while you're looking at springs, compare them to 4 link kits for the S-10. I have one on my shelf, IIRC, I paid less than $200 for it with the air bags.

[RAIV70Judge]

SBG- I looked getting the 4 link. A few things steamed me away- I'm not sure it would be legal in the class I will run ( nostalgia), and I have a 9" Ford where the original rear was.
Patrick , I was in aware that there were lowering rear springs available. I thought every mini truck was lowered with blocks or bags- thanks, I'll do some looking.

[silver_bullet]

Found!

http://www.jcwhitney.com/belltech-lowering-rear-leaf-springs/p2005961.jcwx?filterid=d50313y1993g2j1

[SuperBuickGuy]

the whole not-allowed-in-class would end the analysis for me too - if you soften the springs (or use blocks, for that matter), how are you going to deal with axle wrap?

as for the Ford axle, they're roughly the same diameter tubes as the s-10 (depending on the rear)... just food for thought

[RAIV70Judge]

Thanks for the link Patrick.

That's my biggest concern right now SBG. Just to get the stance set, I have 3" lowering blocks at the rear. I want those gone. I have everything to make cal tracs, but will a mono leaf ( assuming it would lower the car), be strong enough with the added cal tracs for the intended punishment. I have seen pictures of very early gassers with crude 4 links.

[cstmwgn]

Matt,
Removing leaves is an option..

Shoot here I thought I was going to get some tips on my yard work!

[milner351]

Is it practical to relocate the spring / shackle mounts.... are the leafs "under" the frame or "next to" it.
If they are under the frame - could they be moved inside or outside of the frame and moved up to lower the ride height?
I know the ranger uses shackle/spring eye mounts outboard of the frame - they are riveted from the factory, Dorman sells kits to replace them when they rust out and they bolt through with heavy bolts, grade 8 as I recall - come to think of it I may have a set that I never installed still in a box from Rock auto.
(they have a pesky after 30 days no return policy)

[RAIV70Judge]

The springs are directly located under the frame. If I move them outboard, I would have to run skinny tires on the back.
If I move them inboard, I'd have to do a ton of work to make the shocks work, and the fuel tank won't fit.
So, I removed 3 LEAFS (Alan), went to a mono leaf and removed the 3" block, remounted the axle. The car came down in the rear about 2". I've got the weight of the car on the rear springs for the night, and will see if it comes down a little more.

[RAIV70Judge]

I built framework to hold the car in a true position and square.