Relocating leafs for a mini-tub

Ok so I am actually considering minitubbing the mav. How tough is it to relocate the leafs? Anyone have any pics? I heard from a friend that all I have to do is build a box for the front and integrate it into the frame rail. The rear I can drill a hole through the frame rail and weld an insert into it as it will simply get a bushing that the shackle hangs from. Anyone relocate their leafs? and how tough is it?

Thanks,

AC

 

Huh? Huh? Say what?

 

Well, I thought it was a pretty straight forward question... Has anyone relocated their leaf springs, how difficult was it( from a measuring and fitting standpoint) and can you outline the process you followed. (or point me to a URL that can)

Thanks....again,

AC

EDIT: A friend of mine has tubbed and mini tubbed several cars. He said you basically build a new torque box for the front leaf mount, notch the frame to accommodate it, and integrate it into the frame rail. For the rear leaf shackle, he said its easy as all you have to do is drill through the frame, weld in an insert to press a rubber bushing into, and hang a shackle from it.

 

I am going to do it on my 71. You have it down as far as what needs to be done. I plan on keeping the stock wheel tubs, only stretching them for whatever gain I can get.
Dan

 

Cool. I plan on using the stock tubs too. Im just going to go as far as the frame rail, maybe not even that far. Thats if I even decide to do it. The car is stripped totally right now, so its not like I would have to take it all apart or anything...Its a tough choice for me though. I dont want to get too extreme with this project, but I want to pretty much be able to pick my wheel tire sizes without worrying about clearance issues. I also want max traction on a drag radial or street(ish) tire.

thanks,

AC

 

I am planning on going on the other side of the frame rail. Then I can bring exhaust on the outboard side of it. Probably do a fuel cell too.
Dan

 

I've never done it so I'm talking out my ass, but it seems to me all the weight on the rear of the car is transfered to the frame at 4 points. While reboxing the front mounts would be adequate, It dosent sound like the rear would be strong enough. Currently the mounting system is supported by strattling a boxed frame. By just welding an extension, you'd be hanging all that weight out in the air. When you hit a bump, the weight factor is multiplied. Seems like it would eventually bend your extension or start twisting the frame rails.

 

I thought about your rear mount and if I was going to do it, I'd box in the rear like this picture. Problem with this set up is you will have to go to a fuel cell.

 

I need to go look under the car again. I cant remember how things are set up right now...

AC

 

I tried to figure the same thing out. I'm still working on it. I'm tring to keep the gas tank under the car. I just need about 12 inches of clearence. Not a lot but the leafs are in the way.

 

Dennis, you are a good thinker. I do believe I have it worked out. I am going to make a template of the subframes, then I will get two pieces of stock cut with a fill in the middle which will become a subframe connector. So, in essence I will have a full framed car. Yes the rear is going to be beefed for the increase stress on the new shackle area. Also, will be building a cage. I think I am going more racecar than I first planned.
Dan

 

Ok I went and snapped some pics of the car, and see now that the frame rails spread out towards the back of the car. I guess hanging the shackles from the frame rail wont work too well as they already hang from there I see now what you guys mean by going inboard of the rails. I also noticed that I will only gain about 1 1/2 to 2'' of clearance if I mini-tub this thing. Sounds like too much hassle for that little bit of added clearance.

AC