I just put new leaf springs and KYB gas-a-just shocks on. Then I put 16x8 Torq Thrust II's with 245/50s on the rear. Now when I take anyone with me in the backseat the tires rub. Can I raise the rear-end by putting an extra leaf spring cushion in? Or is there something else I can do beside air shocks? I've pretty much spent my limit for the year. Any help would be appreciated.

you could try some air shocks and or some extra lenth shackels..thats what they did back in the day

i guess they rub on the quarter lip...
weird. 245/50s are fairly short tires on a 16" rim.

anyway, cheap...

rear shackle extensions

2ndgen front shackle braces (about 1/2-1" lift according to others)

leaf helper spring... truck style load helper.

It just seems strange to me. my rear leafs are still way too high after several years. 255/60/15 (about 1/2" taller radius than yours), cheap shocks... 11"@rocker. no prob with passengers last time i had them.

I would go with the helper springs like you see on ebay all the time. Bjorn tried a set and they did the trick!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7971554458

Is just one of the sets I saw when I searched for "helper springs"

Cheap way to get the results with out the ugly shackels or the stink bug look of air shocks... ( I know you don't have to pump them up ALL the way... but it just brings back bad memories! Lol...)

Hope something like this will help. Are they wide enough where rolling the wheel well lip wont work? Or would that help enough? Might check to see how much of the lip is ribbing, and you might be able to roll it just enough to clear?

Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!

Thanks for your replies. Could it be that mine is a convertible and the brace is missing under the car. Would Sub-Frame connectors help?

Brett, How would I roll the wheel well lip? Is there a tool?

put two passengers in the back seat. See if the tires touch the lip or come close while the car is parked. If so, your springs need more lift. You should put the x-brace back on anyhow. Mine also has welded subframe connectors and still has too much flex.

Thanks all. I put on helper springs and it raised the car about an inch and does not sag as much with passengers. That did the trick, no more rubbing. Again, thanks for all the input. You people are great!!!

RTG, yes there are tools designed for doing just this, but they cost about $200 or more...

What most do is to take a nylon/rubber/brass tipped hammer (something where it wont do damage, but will gently get the job done) and lightly tap the inner lip up starting at the top of the arch and working out to the sides (or down the wheel well) to gently and slowly bend the inner edge of the lip up and out of the way to clear the tire as needed.

But first you'll want to determine IF, this will give you the clearance (say 1/4 inch) But it sounds like you have it all taken care of!

Glad that worked out for you! I may have to do the same soon until I can get new springs for a winters project...

Glad to help when and if I can!

Brett - 67 Drop Top 455!