Im using a TH400 transmission in my 84 Z drag car project, and want to go at least 29x12" on tire size without the tires sticking out of the car, so I'll probably have to narrow the rear end. What I was wondering is - would it be better (and how much more expensive??) to go to a 4-link suspension with coil overs when narrowing the rear? Does the 4-link eliminate the need for the rear LCA's? I know it eliminates the torque arm so that'll save me having to buy a spohn torque arm kit, I can just buy their TH400 powdercoated crossmember n be done with it. So I'm trying to work out the most cost effective way of getting this done. I also figure that if narrowing the rear end, I can go to a larger tire size and keep it all under the arches. What kinda cost does this usually run? 4 link kits seem cheap enough at Jegs, and resplining the axles isnt too expensive from what I hear, and I'd save around $300 from not having to get a torque arm.

Would ladder bars be cheaper? They seem to cost more on parts but is the labor cheaper? I'm outta town right now so I can't go over to the chassis shop to discuss it, and I hate doing things like this over the phone.

Also, they are building a 10 point cage that extends into the engine bay for the motor plates - what would be involved in converting the front suspension to coil-overs? I'd like to get rid of the inner-fenders and just have coil overs from the A arms to the cage - is this possible or do I need a whole new front end suspension?

Thanks for any help anyone can offer.

 

What will the car be used for? If you're going heads-up racing many of the classes require ladder bars or 'stock stlye' suspension. If it's a bracket car go with the 4-link. Tubbing it will require a fuel cell, aluminum work and carpeting in the interior. If you go with too much tire you'll kill your times with the extra weight and contact patch. This may be better in the drag racing forum...

 

It would be bracket racing and would see some limited street use. a fuel cell isn't an issue, was gonna go with that regardless - but you mention needing aluminum work? can't go with steel? its difficult welding aluminum to steel and its still a stock chassis car.

 

Call up jay billingsley

www.billingsleyracing.biz

he can help you out. he told me you can narrow the rear end up to 3" per side with the stock wheelwells without having to tub. You need drag brakes though

As for the front suspension....

www.paracing.net or www.pa-racing.net

they sell everything you need for front suspension including:
tubular kmember
tubular a-arms
a manual steering rack conversion
coil over conversion