Spring Replacement and/or Relocation??? What to do?

[msherma5]

I have a 68 RR that spent much of its life as a racer. My intention with the car is to drive it around and enjoy it. I don't really plan on racing it. Someone did a very nice "mini tub" job, and the springs were moved inside to accommodate larger tires. Somewhere along the line the original bracket on the axle was cut off. Trouble is that the springs have seen better days. Should I:
A) Replace the beaten up springs with something more beefy, and leave them in the current orientation?? If so..... Which springs are the best?
or
B) Figure out a way to move the location back to stock?? By either replacing the axle or welding another bracket back on?

See pics attached.
I try to show:
1) The relocated bracket on the axle
2) The current stance of the vehicle
3) The "mini tub"
4) The poor beaten up spring.....

Thanks!

Mike

 

[mmissile]

New springs and other pieces. Just to tighten it up and work well. It's nice to have that extra tire room, already there....should you decide to be more aggressive. NICE LOOKING CAR! Hemi?

 

[msherma5]

That is the way I am leaning. Back to its purpose/heritage. The attached pic is from the early 80's. I tracked it down from a previous owner.

I know a bunch of spring options exist. Should I opt for the super stock springs, or can I just go with stock even though the location is changed?
Thank you for the compliment! Yes, I was very fortunate to stumble into a J code car. My dad has always wanted one, and the Opportunity presented itself. Trouble is..... now he is afraid to drive it! Ha!!!

 

[65hemi]

I like fat tired cars. Keep the minitubs and replace the springs; I have used ESPO and was happy with their springs. Put some rubber in the wheel well

 

[ckessel]

Just remember nothing lasts forever. Replace the springs. The springs sag over time from losing their strength just like our 6 pack abs are now pot bellies.

 

[msherma5]

ESPO looks solid. I will give them a try! Thank you!

 

[GTXperience]

It looks like you have a direction, I'll add a vote to just replace the springs (ESPO. Detroit, Eaton, etc.) or if it's just going to be a tooling around car and you are emotionally connected to the ones already in there, you can have them re-arched and even add a leaf if need be (the latter may require a new/longer u-bolt setup but probably wise to replace them with any new spring addition). Btw: That car looks pretty bad ***! Love the steelies/dog dishes. I wonder if my 15x14 steelies would fit under there. ;) Really like the old track photo too.

 

[msherma5]

It looks like you have a direction, I'll add a vote to just replace the springs (ESPO. Detroit, Eaton, etc.) or if it's just going to be a tooling around car and you are emotionally connected to the ones already in there, you can have them re-arched and even add a leaf if need be (the latter may require a new/longer u-bolt setup but probably wise to replace them with any new spring addition). Btw: That car looks pretty bad ***! Love the steelies/dog dishes. I wonder if my 15x14 steelies would fit under there. ;) Really like the old track photo too.

I will look into that.
Thank you! I wish I could say I had more to do with putting it together. Someone else did all of the "fun" work. Here are a couple of other old photos that are pretty cool. I love that this community is so helpful, and that previous owners....etc are so helpful!

 

[GTXperience]

Great pics. Is that track still around by any chance? Little tracks like that have unfortunately gone the way of the dodo bird.

Where is/was it located? I can't make out any names/locations.

 

[msherma5]

Great pics. Is that track still around by any chance? Little tracks like that have unfortunately gone the way of the dodo bird.

Where is/was it located? I can't make out any names/locations.

If I remember correctly, it was Lapeer Dragway in Lapeer, MI. http://www.lapeerdragway.com/
I will ask.