How do I raise the back end of my car? I would like to raise the back end of my 72 Dart Swinger a couple of inches for a bit more "attitude". The cars stance is essentially level with me in it, but rides nose high at speed or with the kids in the back seat. I have seen those rubber insert blocks for the rear springs and would like to know if this is the way to go or anyone have any suggestions. Thanks.

Boy, wish I had your problem. Mine won't set low to my liking! Running helper spring under each leaf. but what I think is the reason for lift is my hefty coil over rear shocks. Wish I knew their orgin, for some strange reason people keep giving these to me! Now, to some actual help, had a set from a 77 Dodge 3/4 ton van Monroe coil overs and I know these are a very tight fit and for my use was necessary to flatten out the seam on the tank flange to get the necessary clearance, this is the one aspect I don't like about coilovers, someday hope to produce a reinforced and boxed top mount to provide some insurance against the shock failing and piercing the tank . Suggest you take rear shocks with you when you go to compare. Other options are air shocks if you up to the additional work to install....Dave

Sounds to me, like you need a new set of springs. J.C.Whitney, ESPO and several others have them. I would look into the 5 leaf HD style.

I think most of the rubber spring inserts are meant for coil springs, not leaf springs. It's hard to see how those would work with leaf springs.

Anyway, I think you have two separate problems. One is that the rear springs aren't stiff enough, and I would fix that with either helper springs, adding some leaves from junkyard springs, or aftermarket stiffer springs.

The other one sounds like you're having some trouble with aerodynamic lift at high speeds. That's a bit harder to solve, particularly if you want stock looks. You could install stiffer torsion bars and set the height accordingly; they will help resist lift. Aerodynamic possibilities include an air dam of some sort or louvering the hood to let the pressure out.

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"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair

Jeep guys that want a cheap lift get longer shackles. If you are just looking to get the back of the car alittle higher and it rides just fine then that might be the answer.

- if you or a buddy can weld they are pretty easy to make a set. Or you can roll over to the local 4X4 shop and see if they have a set that will wotk in your car - get measurments off of your current set before you go to the 4X shop - they might have to use a set intended for a truck...


Joe

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My 63 Valiant
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My son put a set of Gabriel Hi Jackers (orders from JC WHitney) in the 63 Dart. Then he can adjust the "attitude" of the car to his attitude with the air pressure.

Years back( 1977) I had these on my 68 Dart - to hide the sagging springs. Probably not a good thing - but it let me drive the car until I
sold it.