71 convertible, 402

The car currently has some slightly oversize tires on the rear (275/60R15). The previous owner solved potential clearance problems by installing air shocks.

I don't like the hard ride from the air shocks, but the springs appear to be originals and too weak to hold the car up to a decent height. I was considering replacing them with new ones, but I'm not sure if they would provide enough clearance for the bigger tires without the air shocks. Any guidelines on how big you can go on the tires before needing to provide additional clearance?

I also wanted to install a rear anti-sway bar to improve cornering. There appears to be some after market kits that are designed to work with the open channel control arms I currently have. The offical GM option requires boxed control arms, however. Anyone have any suggestions on either solution?

What is the size and offset of your rims? I have the same size tire on my 71 El Camino on 15x7 rally's with no clearance problems, it also has springs 2" shorter than stock.

If you decide to use an aftermarket sway bar you can use an insert to keep the control arm from colapsing. Granted it is not as effective as boxed arms it will get the job done. By the way Year One sells a kit to box your own control arms. Good luck.

Steve R.

I have same size tires on my 72 with 15x8" with no tire rub.I used Moog Load Levelers rear springs they do raise the car a little but I like the dumped look...FRED

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I used Air Lift air bags in my new springs on my 66.Raises the car but doesn't give as harsh a ride as the air shocks.
Summit for about $65.
rick

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66 300 Deluxe 350/330hp
71 350 malibu (project car)
72 Elcam 402SS
78 Malibu Classic (daily driver)

I have 15X8 with 275/60R15 in the rear of my 70 but I have springs from a 77 Impala which raises it about 2 in. My friend also has a 70 and just got 15X10's for the rear with a 3 1/2 backspace with 295/50R15's and has no problems with stock springs with air shocks giving it some raise. I also have a sway bar from a 70 Olds. My control arms are from the Olds which are not boxed. I used a chunk of 1/2 in. pipe in my control arms to keep them from crushing. It works great and I have had no problems at all. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif Good luck with your Chevelle http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

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1970 Chevelle Malibu dark blue 350/TH350
Could always be faster...but there is nothing that is "fast enough"

[This message has been edited by C.W.Mellow (edited 03-25-2000).]

<< I gotcha all beat... When I bought my car it had cadillac coils http://www.chevelles.com/forum/eek.gif under the rear and 15x10" tires (minimal, if any, backspacing) 275/60/R15s I could fit my fist between the tire top and the wheel well. When I loaded it down for a long trip I had to cut fuel hose and put it on my wheel well as the tires had 1" untill SHREADING.

I recently put stock coils, same tires, KYB Gas Shocks and poly bushings. Sits/rides/handles much better!

My friends reffered to my rake as a 30 degree down-bubble http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

You might consider spring assisted gas shock. I have heard that these will give you enough clearance with the trunk loaded. Have you changed you springs? Look for the little cheater helper.

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Thanks In Advance!
John Corbin Member #313
67' Chevelle Malibu Sleeper(Someday):D
San Antonio, Texas

When I let all the air out of the air shocks, the car leans a little to the right and the back end is dragging. That makes me believe the springs are simply shot. They look pretty rusty and old. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/frown.gif

Think I'll just buy some OEM spec springs and look around for some various sway bar options. I don't drive too hard, so I'm sure the kit with the spacers for the control arms would be okay.

Thanks for all the advice! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

I have 275R6015s in the back of my 69 with no clearance problems. Does have new springs though and KYB gas adjust shocks. Also has a rear sway bar from PST. It came with 2 inserts per side to beef up the control arms without boxing them. No problems so far. Handles like a sports car.

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1969 Chevelle Malibu 350/325HP, Turbo 350, 3.73 Posi, Triple Black

I have 295/50/15 on my 72 with 15x8 rims with 3 1/2 inch backspace. No problems.

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Ray (NJ)
72 BB Chevelle
A.C.E.S #3750

I used to have 275/60-15s on my '68 Chevelle and even with 3 adults in the back had no clearance probs with stock coils and shocks.

tony
'68 Chevelle 400