I am going to have to build a new frame from the cab back, I know I have found several write ups about it. The frame part anyway. My question is, can I move these rails(and leafsprings) in toward the center about 4" on each side for additional clearance? Any info or even pics would be great!

Thanks.

 

Might search for "inboard springs". I think the advantage is you get more axle articulation for a given spring setup due to the added leverage of the axle on the narrower springs. Downside is that on the road, you get more body roll since the springs are less effective at controlling that.

 

4Crawler nailed it. If you slide your leaf springs and mounts forward its going to be one helluva ride on the road. Your going to wanna take it easy around the corners. But on the plus side the offroad aspect of things will greatly improve...more articulation=more traction and more tire gripping the ground.

 

gonna need a shorter driveshaft too

 

i think hes talking about moving them inward not forward.

 

Ya, I'm just moving them in at this point. They are not the stock springs,the guy I bought this off of bought it from another person who had done a bunch of work to it ad wasn't sure what the springs were out of. I do know that the forward spring hanger is about 5-6" in front of the stock location and the rear hanger is at the back end off the frame. My problem is now as soon as it starts to flex in the back the 36" x 12.50" tires rub the frame. Also this is not a street machine, although at this point it will run about 60 MPH on the highway even with the shortened drive shaft I made due to the extra crawler box I added last month. Man, that thing really made a difference in the gearing!
Here is my Plan of action, if it doesn't sound good please let me know.
Cut the frame off right be hind the cab
Add extra cross beam at this point(extra heave duty)
Make new frame rails to match the old ones
Weld the new ones on about 4 inches in from the old ones
Re-attach the rear end assembly.
Of course there will be cross bracing, fuel cell and all the other misc. stuff.

 

Are you planning on narrowing the frame, not just the springs?

Seems like if all youre trying to accomplish is getting youre tire off the frame wheel spacers would be the way to go. Is this an IFS rear or SA rear?

 

A wider rear axle might be an easier solution. What width axle are you running and what wheel backspacing. My '85 rear tires rubbed the frame until I put on a wider IFS rear axle and also about an inch of wheel spacer with 3.75" backspaced wheels.

 

I do agree with both of you about the wider axel and wheel spacers. That was sort of my plans until I took the bed off and noticed I had more rot holes than I had frame left. So I thought since I had to rebuild the frame anyway I might be able to get more flex and clearance.
Oh by the way, I'm working on an 85 extended cab. 22RE. Stock gears. Dual Cases. Some type of Leafspring conversion front and rear for lift and 3" body lift. 36x12.50 tires.
Welded rear. Stock front.