I'm installing a 4th gen rear in my 3rd gen once I get a new gas tank and figure out something with springs, since the tires will stick out I was trying to think of how to make it so the tire won't actually rub, I was thinking about putting front v6 springs in the rear, since the weight of the engine will be missing I figure it'll make it stiffer and ride a little higher..... Good idea bad idea? Any other ideas?

 

bad idea, why you swapping to a 4th gen rear?

 

3:42 posi and rear disc. I could put these into the 3rd gen rear but I don't have the know how and doubt the tools to do it, not to mention the axle shafts would be in better condition on the 4thgen rear I assume.

 

You can't run front springs in the rear. They are two different types of set-ups. Even if you could, V6 springs have softer rates and won't dampen the same a stiffer spring. What weight advantage are you talking about?

 

I thought that the front springs were made to hold a certian weight, like if you put v8 springs in the front of a v6 car then the front of the car sits high cause the motor weighs less. So I figured if I put springs made to hold a motor in the rear then it would hold it higher and they would be stiffer because they are meant to hold a motor while going over bumps. Just trying to figure out a way to make it so the tires won't rub on the wheel well....

 

I understand what you are saying. I always thought it would be a funny joke to switch some front springs (either v6 or v8) into the rear. However I figured the ride would be a pain but might help with traction.

 

There is a ride height difference between V6 and V8 springs but that doesn't have much to do with the intended deisgn weight of the vehicle. The spring rates are much lower in the V6 cars and its takes less force to compress the springs than with V8 springs. That means that your suspension won't rebound as quickly and will be more likely to bottom out. You cannot use front springs in the rear on any 3rd gen. They are completely different. The only thing close would be a coil over conversion for all four corners.

 

I did the 4th gen rear end swap too. It's a great mod, I did it as my first mod (besides Open Element)

My tires stuck out but I never had any problems with rubbing really...or if I did I never noticed anything wrong. However, a set of 4th gen wheels will solve the problem completely and look good doing it.

 

I have the fourth gen rear, posi, 3.73, 16" iroc rims with 245/50's and they come even with the fender and do not rub.

 

I just put a pair of 16inch trans am rims on the rear of my car and they already look close to the fender so I've been trying to figure a way to prevent rub, guess I'll have to wait and see how close it is and everything.

 

This is what mine looks like with the 16's on the fourth gen, not close to rubbing.

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/att...postid=2313965

 

If you don't plan on using 4th gen wheels, I wouldn't bother using a 4th gen rear.

you can use WS6 rear springs, that should keep the rear up higher, just get a low milage pair or a new pair.

 

since I have no idea how to install gears and a differential but I do know how to put a new rear end in, at least in theory, I figure it will be cheaper and easier to put the 4th gen rear in then paying to have someone do it and not have my car for like 5 days. As far as 4th gen wheels go that one is still up in the air if I'll use them or not.

 

Why would you not bother if your not using fourth gen wheels?

 

Because sometimes it is cheaper to work with what you have than to buy/implement a 4th gen rear. People often opt for the 4th gen rears because it comes with the bess stock stuff the 10 bolt had to offer already installed. Besides the brakes there isn't much special about it other than that. Your current 9/10 bolt is just about the same rear.

 

except my current rear is 3.23 open and the 4th gen I already bought is 3.42 posi.

 

Some wheels will end up sticking way out there,


With the stock 3rd gen rear, these wheels sat fine.

 

I have a 1998 3:42 w/ the 1991 brakes on it and it works great but I also have 1996 17" Corvette rims on it.

I dont know why anyone would use a 4th gen rear in a 3rd gen with out using the proper offseted wheels unless they want their car to look like Joe Dirts. JMO

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