The subject is a 1947 Chevrolet coupe it has a Chassis Engineering rear leaf kit that has left the top of the axle tube of the 10-bolt GM rear end approximately 5 1/2" from the bottom of the frame. There is no bump stop in there now but I am planning on adding one before too long. I have plenty of tire/brake drum clearance to the top and inside of the fender (it would clear with virtually no travel) and exhaust over the rear will be relocated underneath. I pretty much drive normal paved city roads and highways though there will undoubtedly be the big pot hole that will come along. I am more low and slow than fast and furious. I would like to go as low as possible. This is all home built and a c-notch is not in the budget/skill set. I am looking for a safe recommendation for minimum travel so I can determine how thick a lower block I should order. Thanks for the input.
How much clearance is there when you have it loaded with the family and the tool box, picinic basket, etc?
Depends on how much travel the springs have or should I say squishyness. The top of the spring travel will be pretty soft and progressively get stiffer. Adding weight will lower the spring into its stiffer zones, drooping the mounts will lower the car yet still be in its softest zones and bottom out easily, hence the c notches. 2-3" range with a stiff spring and it will be a stiff ride.
Stock suspension travel was probably 8 or 9 inches so you must be about stock height. 2" blocks are considered reasonable, any lower and you risk bottoming, dragging the chassis or bumper , killing yourself if you hit a pothole etc.
I have 1 1/2 loaded in my hudson but I like where it sits so I just put in air shocks to up the stiffness a bit if needed
I was hoping I could get away with 3 1/2" by using a 2" block. I never considered 2 total inches I have some 3" blocks on the shelf.......Stiff shocks sound like a good idea. Thanks for the thoughts.
Don't forget you will sit an inch or 2 lower with a full load of passengers and baggage. 2" clearance in the garage can quickly turn to 0 on the road.
The Jalopy Journal
