Raise the rear

[Mike Spano]

Is there another way to lift the rear up on a 1970 GTX without resorting to new or rebuilding leaf springs or installing air shocks. Just want to stiffen her up a bit so I can take passengers as my rear tires are slightly outside the wheel well trim. So the tires rub on the outside rubber over bumps. Just like to lift her up in the rear an 1"or 2" and/or stiffen it a bit.

 

[65-440]

Why are you opposed to replacing the leaf's ?

 

[kiwigtx]

One additional leaf each side might help. Or there may maybe an option of a longer rear link bar for the spring hangers.

 

[Mike Spano]

Why are you opposed to replacing the leaf's ?

Because their in good shape and expensive to replace for an inch of stiffness (that's what she said). The rear end sits well now. I guess it would just be cheaper to get new wheels with different wheel depth. I was looking for an above the rear axel idea like a bushing insert or coil over shock maybe. No shackles not the right look for me and they end up sagging anyway.

 

[Mike Spano]

One additional leaf each side might help. Or there may maybe an option of a longer rear link bar for the spring hangers.

The extra leaf would work but trying to avoid that and shackles.

 

[oldbee]

The extra leaf would work but trying to avoid that and shackles.

Either Kiwis way or buy new springs. Air shocks-NO; IMHO.

 

[dadsbee]

Or put the tire/wheel offset where it belongs....

 

[65-440]

What size tire/ wheel are you running to get the tires outside the wheel well ?

 

[Jerry Hall]

Because their in good shape and expensive to replace for an inch of stiffness (that's what she said). The rear end sits well now. I guess it would just be cheaper to get new wheels with different wheel depth. I was looking for an above the rear axel idea like a bushing insert or coil over shock maybe. No shackles not the right look for me and they end up sagging anyway.

Coil over shocks would be the way to go. 67 GTX'S are especially known to sag with age and use. I have them a couple of my X's. They give them the little extra you are looking for. A little extra height and stiffness.

 

[65wgn440]

Yep, Monroe coil over shocks will do exactly what you are asking.

 

[GetX'd]

You can also get the add a leaf product from Summit. They’re half leafs and are very cheap In price. IIRC less than $50. Gave me the 2” I needed to clear that tire rub and stiffened the ride. Worked great on my 68 GTX

 

[Mike Spano]

What size tire/ wheel are you running to get the tires outside the wheel well ?

I don't have the sizes off hand but nothing radical. The tires and wheels are not really outside the wheel well, they just fill the wheel well really nice. But the inside of the wheel well trim just skims the outside of the tire, if I have people in the back and hit a dip. Nothing dramatic. I was trying to find a cheaper way to stiffen the rear so they wouldn't rub. No Air shocks, no shackle extensions and no new or rebuilt leaf springs. If those are my only options then adjusting the wheel or tire size will be next. The rear wheels are pretty standard deep dish magnums. Thanks for your help.

 

[Mike Spano]

You can also get the add a leaf product from Summit. They’re half leafs and are very cheap In price. IIRC less than $50. Gave me the 2” I needed to clear that tire rub and stiffened the ride. Worked great on my 68 GTX

That's a reasonable option Thank you

 

[Mike Spano]

Coil over shocks would be the way to go. 67 GTX'S are especially known to sag with age and use. I have them a couple of my X's. They give them the little extra you are looking for. A little extra height and stiffness.

Perfect option to look into thank you for your help.

 

[Mike Spano]

Yep, Monroe coil over shocks will do exactly what you are asking.

Perfect option to look into thank you for your help.