DSE Quadra Link Upper Pocket Measurements 1st Gen Camaro

[zdub]

Hi all,

I'm trying to figure out where these upper link pockets are supposed to go for my 69 Camaro. I've got an AMD full floor pan, but the seat belt bolts that DSE uses as a datum are not symmetric on the car's centerline.

I'm guessing that since the upper link brackets on the diff housing are to be 14.75" off centerline, this should be the same for the pockets? I'm assuming these upper links are parallel, but if someone knows that can chime in, I'd appreciate it. If these links are to be parallel, then probably would be a good idea to somehow check that the bolt holes in these pockets are concentric on either side?

Thanks!

Zach

[572Camaro]

Hey Zach,
I have a 68 Camaro that I installed DSE’s Quadralink.
It’s been years ago and the car is not easy to access.

My point is let’s see who chimes in and if nothing happens,
I’ll access the Camaro and give you the best info I can.
Jim

[camcojb]

They are supposed to be parallel. As close as possible anyway, the joints allow for a bit of misalignment. Bummer that the floorpan isn't identical to the original as that's how they locate the brackets (off the seat belt holes).

I would think DSE could answer this if you get the right guy. I found the guy below who did the install on a new floor pan.

[572Camaro]

The bushings on a Quadralink do NOT like misalignment.
Although I cannot help otherwise,
I learned the hard way that you need to keep front bar(s) spacings as close as possible to your axle bracketry.
IMHO, it is tough to install top bars with even 1/4” offset.
Jim

[camcojb]

Yep, by "bit" I meant a very small amount. As close to perfect is what you want.

[zdub]

Originally Posted by camcojb

They are supposed to be parallel. As close as possible anyway, the joints allow for a bit of misalignment. Bummer that the floorpan isn't identical to the original as that's how they locate the brackets (off the seat belt holes).

I would think DSE could answer this if you get the right guy. I found the guy below who did the install on a new floor pan.

This is great info. I am surprised that DSE doesn't call out some kind of measurement check or spacing. The links pivot along their axis, but if the bolts aren't concentric they can bind (when the links are parallel).


I was able to find this:
https://www.camaros.net/threads/rear...rement.410122/

Sounds like someone else had a seat belt mount problem too with AMD panels. They seems to fit pretty well, but there is always some small detail that isn't right. They are definitely some of the better panels I've used, though a seat belt mount probably has a pretty loose tolerance.

Edit: I contacted DSE a couple of times. No response, kind of disappointing. They are going through the ownership change, so everyone is probably busy.

[zdub]

Originally Posted by 572Camaro

The bushings on a Quadralink do NOT like misalignment.
Although I cannot help otherwise,
I learned the hard way that you need to keep front bar(s) spacings as close as possible to your axle bracketry.
IMHO, it is tough to install top bars with even 1/4” offset.
Jim

Yea, those arms only rotate around their axis. I think the pivots are hard Delrin, so there probably isn't much side to side flex like poly.

So I should measure the spring pocket spacing before welding in the axle brackets. Probably check the lower and upper arm measurements on centerline too, make sure something doesn't favor one side.

[69C40Hx]

This probably isn't very helpful but I installed my DSE quadralink in my car with original floors and used their stencil to cut out the holes according to the seat belt mount hole. Bolted the DSE quadralink pockets parallel with the factory groove/line on the floor pan next to the wheel tub, welded it up, and everything came out perfect. I bought the DSE 9" housing with the quadralink brackets already welded on and everything lined up perfect. Let me know if there is anything specific that you want me to measure and I can take a look for you.

[zdub]

Originally Posted by 69C40Hx

This probably isn't very helpful but I installed my DSE quadralink in my car with original floors and used their stencil to cut out the holes according to the seat belt mount hole. Bolted the DSE quadralink pockets parallel with the factory groove/line on the floor pan next to the wheel tub, welded it up, and everything came out perfect. I bought the DSE 9" housing with the quadralink brackets already welded on and everything lined up perfect. Let me know if there is anything specific that you want me to measure and I can take a look for you.

So you bolted the links to the rear end and then welded the pockets in? I don't have my diff yet, so I'm trying to get these geometrically as close as possible to something.

The assumption that I'm making is that these links are parallel, meaning the spacing on the differential is that same as the link pockets. The link mounts on the differential are 14.75" off centerline, or 29.5" center to center. I've been measuring off the rocker panel to set my left/right position. (EDIT: Don't use the driveshaft tunnel for centerline. It's not on centerline... should be off because of the pinion. That gave me a few seconds of panic) I think I am going to make a jig to align the bolt holes so that they are perfectly concentric.

I feel like they supplied more detailed measurements for the mini tubs.

[Gmachine1911]

Here’s a couple of pics of my 68 Camaro Quadralink pockets and they’re positioned along the floor pan body line and parallel as well. Installation was done according to the templates DSE provided so I’d say the moral of the story is definitely that they have to be squared up to each other in the car. If you’re in doubt, I’d wait until you get your rearend, then mock it up and mark where the link pockets need to be. This isn’t something you’re gonna wanna get wrong.

The only other thing would be to get measurements of where the seat belt holes are supposed to be and use that to double check where you suspect the link pockets should sit. Might be easier to get those measurements as they could be gotten from under a finished car. Might even be able to find them online. DSE uses body indentations for reference so just take your measurements from the closest indentations and you should be fine. These cars weren’t built to exact specs so there could be slight deviations no matter what…just remember to keep the pockets square to each other.