moving leaf springs inside the frame?
 

ok here it is I am building a 73 chevy stepside and am trying to stuff some larger meats underneath the rear and am thinking of moving the leaf springs to the inside of the frame. Who has done this and what are the draw backs if any? It is just an idea that i thought maybe some of you guys and gals might have some imput on.

Re: moving leaf springs inside the frame?
 

i can see one issue from the start and its increased stress on the axle tube

Re: moving leaf springs inside the frame?
 

I did it several years ago on an '87 K-20 to make space for the wheels to turn....as in steer. It had 12" of lift and 42" tires to boot. Of course at that height, it wasn't used for hauling anymore, but the owner put well over 50K miles on it before selling it. (lift laws were coming)
I moved the springs directly below the frame, which put the width very nearly the same as the fronts. The front axle fit under it w/o moving the mounts. I used the factory front frame brackets and the factory front shackle mounts. (Requires cutting a hole in the frame for it to pass through)
You are looking to do it for a different reason, but it will work just the same.

Re: moving leaf springs inside the frame?
 

We inboarded a set of rear springs to directly under the frame rails on a rock crawler, but with a 14 bolt you don't have enough room to go further in. If you're running a half ton axle, there might be enough room. Moving the springs in that far can cause it to handle much differently.
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