Was just doing some research on caltracs, can I have a floating rear end with those? I could just weld the housing to the floating brackets and it wouldn't float anymore, thanks!
To go back to any kind of leaf spring, you need to have leaf spring perches that are welded directly to the axle housing. Your floating housing setup requires some kind of torque arm or linkage to prevent the rear axle from flipping over.
Is your car handling badly with the current setup? I've seen cars with similar linkage and they aren't all that bad, not the ideal for autocrossing, but not bad on the street. The main effect is some corner entry oversteer and corner exit understeer. Once you apply power, the car wants to go straight, steering does not respond so well.
What are your goals for the car as far as handling? Street cruising, or track and autocross? Are you going to minitub the car and run 18" rims?
David, I really just want to drive it on the street and have it handle a little better. It definitely hooks up and goes straight with no problems now! It drives ok, but the rear end clunks and makes a lot of noises going around turns. Additionally, the ladder bar rearend mounts are really low so there is not much clearance and bottom out a lot.
I think for now, I'll probably weld up the floating attachments and remove the ladder bars. Maybe install a sway bar again and some caltracs. Considering the ridetech 4 link as it is pretty reasonably priced and would probably me more than enough for what I need at this time. The torque arm setups are nice as well, lots of choices!
If it's worth the trouble, leaf spring perches are super cheap and you might be able to pick up a few extra bucks by selling those floater cages and ladder bars to a drag guy on racing junk or ebay. http://www.racingjunk.com/