Houston we have a Wheel/tire clearance problem

the tire doesnt really deflect towards the leaf spring. if the wheel and tire move side to side then the whole rear axle assembly is moving and the leaf spring moves with it. i have had my tires about 1/4" from the spring and it never touched it. it just touches the inner wheel well on bumps.

 

just grind a lil bit off the leafspring thats what i did and you can weld up the part that you grinded down if you wanted to

 

Thanks for the reassurance Bryant:Handshake

And grinding on leaf springs sounds like a bad idea

 

Didn't you do that already.......

 

Am I crazy here?? I know it's early, but 1/25th is NOT a quarter of an inch. 1/4th is a quarter.

If you drive that car with only 1mm clearance the first time you go around a corner and the tire sways it will rub and eventually fail. Don'y do it. Like has been suggested, put a spacer on if you have the room.

 

Your not crazy ... but to recap:
Justin has adjusted his claimed clearance from 1mm to 1/4".

Bryant stated he has had no problems with 1/4" clearance.

Justin feels better about his situation.

I caution that variations in Bryant's and Justin's wheel/tire setup and tire pressures, driving style, etc. could be the difference between trouble free cruising and trouble trouble trouble.

Not to mention the method of measurement that lead to the belief that they have the same clearance. Either or both may have used a tape measure or the old eyeball technique ... Justin may actually have 25-50% less clearance OR he may have more.

 

This is 5/8". Not "about 5/8" or "approximately" or "eyeball". And you will never guess how I know this.

Use a tape measure and get the exact measurement.

5/8" has been no problem. I personally would not be comfortable with anything less than 1/2".

 

Weld the leafs? How can they slide on each other if you weld them together?

 

When I had my 73 with Keystones I had to put a spacer on to get away from the leafs. I don't remember how thick cause it was 38 years ago but I do remember having to roll my fender wells because of it.

 

Don't know about your state but in PA we're not allowed to add more than 1/4" spacer.