Complete Rear Suspension / 12 bolt + more - Lateral-g Forums

6D9 Matt · #1 07-19-2011, 03:06 PM

I am in the process of installing my 6-speed, so what the heck, might as well start planning the next mods, right?!

In the fall/winter, I plan on beefing up the suspension and rear end (dropping in a big block next yr w/550-600 rwhp). I am going to be minitubbing the car at the same time I will be putting in this suspension and rear end (seemed logical). The car wont be doing any autoXing, and might make the drag strip once a year, if that. Once I get the ride height/comfort I am looking for, I probably wont be messing with it much. It is mainly a cruiser. Right now the suspension is pretty much stock with monoleaf/air shock rear and a 10-bolt.

Here is are the two options I was looking at after searching around a bit:

1. DSE minitub KIT (tubs, 2-3" rear leafs, shackles, etc) - which I would also be purchasing new shocks as well as a narrowed fuel cell (im seeing is necessary with the rear leaf setup when installing minitubs). Then also a complete Moser 12-bolt rear end (33 spline, 3.73's, etc).

OR

2. Im hearing if I buy a Gbar or Quadralink, I wont have to get the narrowed fuel cell, and is actually a nicer ride than the rear leaf setup. I would also be going with the complete 12-bolt rear end on this option too. In this option, would I need the full minitub kit, or just maybe the deep tubs since the Gbar/Quad would be relocating my shocks?

Thanks and any input/advice would be great! I know Option 2 might be a little bit more money, but would it be worth it for the extra comfort in the ride/adjustability/handling/etc?

BBC71Nova · #2 07-19-2011, 04:25 PM

1. There is/was a nice tank for sale in classifieds...

I'd recommend calling Marcus @ SC&C and talking to him. He was very very helpful when I was trying to make the same decisions. It sounds like you and I have somewhat similar goals.

I've pretty well decided on the G-link myself. It seems like for an all-around setup it works great. It has probably the largest amount of adjust-ability available with the popular rear suspension options. There is some give and take but for mixed use I think it should work well. It is also priced comparable to others.

The Quadra link is awesome. Proven performer, well engineered, etc. I don't think anyone would disagree with any of that. I don't think it has a lot of adjust-ability that could be beneficial when going from strip to auto-x, etc. However, when I was at DSE a couple weeks back I was impressed/shocked to find out they do have a customer in the 9's using this setup on the strip. It setup probably has the most install labor though which add$$$ up. Honestly, if it weren't for the labor cost I'd more seriously consider this over the G-link.

The torque arm setup from Blake and the guys at Speedtech is also a good option that has a pretty straightforward install and is proven to ride and handle well. I think cost wise it would be inline with the G-link.

With any of these I think the 12-bolt would be tough decision if you have to buy a housing anyway. If you have a housing then I guess it makes financial sense. Otherwise, the 9" is nice option for virtually same money.

**Sieg** · #3 07-19-2011, 06:23 PM

What about SpeedTech's torque Arm setup?
http://www.speedtechperformance.com/...rod/prd170.htm

Blake Foster · #4 07-19-2011, 07:46 PM

And a complete 9" is slightly less money than a 12 bolt AND the pinion being lower and shorter it allows more clearance in the tunnel.

6D9 Matt · #5 07-19-2011, 08:15 PM

Does the Speedtech kit allow you to keep stock tank when you minitub the car? Im not seeing that when reading, and the pics dont look like a stock tank (kinda a plus to offset the higher price when looking at the Gbar or Qlink).

BBC71Nova · #6 07-20-2011, 08:23 AM

I think the "mini tub tanks" are only necessary when running leafs. That's because the leafs get moved in and intrude into the area occupied by the stock tank. It could also be helpful for exhaust clearance though. All of these 3 popular suspension options have crossmembers, coilovers, etc behind the axle which can complicate exhaust routing if using larger tubing.

BTW, I believe there are some non stainless mini tub style tanks available in the aftermarket. Maybe Spectra makes one? Not sure about that though.