For Those With Gutted Interiors - need some help Options

[JasonWW]

Can anyone tell me what is above the rear spring mounts? The sheetmetal has some large dimples to center the spring but on the inside, there seems to be straight sheetmetal (the area right behind the shocks). Is there a double layer of sheetmetal here? I want to bolt something to the dimple in the center of the spring mount to act as a suspension limiter, but I can't figure out the design.
I know the gas tank is inboard of the springs and is out of the way. Maybe I could cut some access panels into the upper panel of sheetmetal (if indeed it uses 2 layers) then screw a cover panel back over it?
Any info or help would be appreciated.

Jason

[PF Flyer]

I've never opened it up, so I'm not sure I'd want to, for structural reasons. Maybe find one in a wrecking yard and cut it open.

Are you wanting to limit the rear differential travel, say if you went airborne?

[rmackintosh]

Yeah....i would hesitate to go choping things up back there.....need the structural integrity methinks.....

(IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/dry.gif)

[JasonWW]

The salvage yard isn't going to let me cut on their cars, I'm sure.

Randy, you have a removable panel, I think, just above the factory fuel tank sending unit. Is there a second panel of metal underneath it?

In this pic of Randy's car, I'm pointing to about where the dimple should be, but it's smooth instead. I'm contemplating cutting a hole the same size as the 2 other holes nearby and just using a rubber plug to cover it, just like the factory did. I just need a hole big enough to put a nut and socket in there to tighten things up.
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v335/JasonWW/Camaro_Build_034copy.jpg)
PF Flyer, yes. See my other thread.
http://frrax.com/rrforum/index.php?act=ST&f=3&t=2247

I tried using a cable clamped to the axle using a 3" clamp. It worked, but I didn't like it. There just wasn't enough room for the cable slack to move around etc...
I want to try adding a steel rod in the center of the spring and have it extend throught the bottom spring mount. I need the upper rod mount to be in the center of the dimple as well as be able to pivot around some. I'm still trying to find the best design.

[rmackintosh]

Now that you have clarified...where, and how much you plan on cutting.....I don't see a problem.....especially two little holes in that area....

BE SURE TO TAKE PICS and let us know how the system works....I am also looking to limit droop on my rear end.....didn't come out right... :leaving:

[rmackintosh]

Randy, you have a removable panel, I think, just above the factory fuel tank sending unit. Is there a second panel of metal underneath it?

There is NO SECOND layer where my panel is located.....but there may be over there....can't see over there with the tank....

[PF Flyer]

I would just fabricate limiting straps at the shock. It doesn't need to be too overengineered.

What we used on our old 3rd Gen A/S car was something similar to an axle tie-down strap from the inner lip of the wheelwell down around the lower control arm and back.

[JasonWW]

I would just fabricate limiting straps at the shock. It doesn't need to be too overengineered.

I don't want anything touching my shocks, so I won't consider that.

There is plenty of unused space inside the spring, why not use it? You could even use rope inside to limit travel. It would flex much easier than cable. I'd like to get a hold of some collapsing rods or pistons. Kinda of like a small shock but without any resistance. It would simply slide up and down silently with no chance of snagging anything. But I can't think any anything like that. Maybe small trailer shocks? Drill a hole in them to lose the oil and gas pressure. Just an idea.

I might swing by the wrecking yard, they might have a car ripped up enough to let me see in that area.

[#07]

I actually though of the same type limiter inside the coil. It seems doable.My original thought was of a small gauge chain but still enought to handle shock of the weight of diff being dropped.With eyelets or hoop brackets to attach.

I'm using the straps that Coleman carries I think $20 ea. They have the quick connects that Harnesses use in the quick connect applications. You know.

Mine is gutted,but I have not been in that region of the interior hidden recess.Sorry.Under, above but not in there yet. But soon I am replacing the fuel pump and making the access panel. But I think look harder if you want to do this your gonna have to go there anyway. Check schematics of certain items in the area for an idea??

I would think definitely the rod would have to be telescopic/retracting. But just a slide through solid rod seems hoky. And bind comes to mind as a possible deterant.

I think Jas wants over engineered PFMike (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Tony

[SSpeedracer]

Have you considered a two bar linkage at each end of the axle? I have never done this, but I have seen it many times.

[JasonWW]

I don't know what a 2 bar linkage is. Can you describe it or have any pics?

[SSpeedracer]

Just saw your question. No pictures, but very basic. Two lengths of steel hinged together at one end (bolt should work). The remaining ends are hinged to the axle and frame. Each bar is 1/2 the length of how far you want to allow the axle to drop. So as the axle and frame move apart, the angle between each bar increases to 180 then stops. No more travel.

[JasonWW]

OK, like the older style truck tailgate bars.
I don't know if there is room under ther for them plus I'm not sure how you would adjust their length.
I put this idea on the backburner as the local junkyard didn't have any twisted up cars to see the area I wanted to see.
Thank anyway.