[OLDYELLER'55]

HELLO YA'LL....Just needing a few suggestions.....I have recently installed a 2" drop spindle kit and power brakes on the front of my 55. I'm wanting to raise the rear up 1-2" and relocate/replace the worn-out leaf springs so I can fit a wider tire and deep dish Cragers. I have found a kit in the Classic Chevy Parts catalog for $449.95 (which is a 2004 catalog so I'm sure it's alot higher now) but is says it will LOWER the rear 2 inches. I have been searching other companies for a similiar kit with no luck. I also can't believe it costs so much to relocate the springs. If anyone has any suggestions as to how I can relocate springs without spending 500 (cause I will need to buy the wheels and tires) and GAIN 2 inches I would sure appreciate it. Also if I can't buy what I'm wanting to do in a complete kit then can you recommend the cheapest source to buy all the parts needed to do this project??? Danchuck is crazy high priced...Speedway wasn't much better on their leaf springs. Thanks for your help and time....God Bless....

[38mike]

Frankly, if the leaf springs are worn out as you indicate, just getting them restored or replaced will probably get you close to the 2" that you are looking for. Keep in mind, gaining 2" in height is not going to do much for you to gain any wheel/tire space -- I don't think things are that much wider two inches lower than where you would currently be having contact with the fender well??. Maybe you would gain more than I suspect, but...just something to think about. Good luck.

[powerrodsmike]

I installed one of those kits a while back, the spring mount pockets that get inserted in the frame are a fabricated part, that adds to the cost, also the rear spring perches are fabricated .


I'm sure that these are not high production items, so having them made up is costly for the manufacturer.

You also get a set of springs, shackles, U bolts and new spring perches.

With a set of 2" dropped spindles the car will sit at about a 2* rake up in the back with the lowered springs that come with the kit. You will need to install a set of 2 or 3" minitubs to take advantage of the relocated springs and and then you can fit some fairly wide tires under the wheelwells. I don't remember exactly what size went under the car, I believe it was at least 12" wide.

If you want to save money, design and make the stuff yourself.


Later, mikey

[OLDYELLER'55]

Yes I think your right. Just replacing my extremely worn out springs might just give me the 2" lift I'm looking for. I found some springs in JC Whitney that I'm ordering and I will see if it will fix my problem. I think its cheaper to order the whole spring relocation kit since it includes the leaf springs and the other hardware but I'm not wanting to lower it 2 inches. Thanks for the advice 38mike........

[OLDYELLER'55]

After going blind spending the whole day on the internet and going through magazines....I see why the kit is priced the way it is. I just wish I could find a company that would sell the kit that would give my car a higher lift not a 2 inch drop. I'm going to start with just replacing my leaf springs for now and when I find the wheel/tire combo I'm looking for..... then I will order the relocation kit and see if I can do some modifying to it to give me that extra lift. Thanks for the advice powerrodsmike...