How do I shorten the rear end of 02 Blazer frame w/ leaf springs in the way?

[thanksbe2]

How do I shorten the rear end of 02 Blazer frame w/ leaf springs in the way? I'd like to have a tucked rear end look to my build by lopping off the rear part of the frame to about the rear of the wheels as shown in the picture. Please see the attached picture.

Unfortunately the leaf springs stick out a foot or so past that. Is there a shorter leaf spring with more arch that can be used to avoid moving the rear end? Has anyone fabbed up something like this? Any suggestions welcome. I'm trying to avoid buying a 4 link setup.

I've seen some trailer springs that were quite a bit shorter and thought that might work if I weld some tubing coming down from the rear of the frame to serve as an attachment point.

I'm new to this stuff so assume I don't know the obvious stuff a seasoned custom builder would know.

Thanks!

 

[Country Misfit]

1st think that pops in my head ,would be to use air bags. Maybe there is a kit to change it to bags?

 

[hankthebigdog]

swing arms, coil springs, panhard bar.

 

[Bamamav]

You could probably use the arms and coils out from under a 67-72 Chevy pickup.

 

[Old Iron]

swing arms, coil springs, panhard bar.

Yep X2 parallel 4 bar with panhard bar

 

[thanksbe2]

Thanks for all the ideas.

 

[rvreddog]

Wouldn`t it be possible to use a panard bar coil springs(I like the ones out of the ford aroestar van) then just cut the springs off behind the axle?[P

 

[kenny c]

I would think if you used the front half of the leaf spring it would allow for axle wrap and you would get wheel hop.

 

[05snopro440]

Wouldn`t it be possible to use a panard bar coil springs(I like the ones out of the ford aroestar van) then just cut the springs off behind the axle?[P

Yep he could use a 4-link style suspension with either coilovers, air bags, or springs.

Shorter leaf springs aren't a good solution, you will have to take out the leafs and change the entire suspension in order to do this.

 

[Country Misfit]

I dont know what kind of cab you are using,but you might be able to shorten the frame in the middle-straight-part of the frame.