I have some issues with some tires that I got off the back axle of a 78 Camaro.... They don't fit under my 71?
does anyone know what the difference is in those two years?
are the springs arched more?
Has the frame got a bigger arch to it?
Why is there more clearance on the 78'
fyi: I installed new springs on my 71'

 

No, there's actually less clearance inside on a '78 than a '71. Where is the clearance issue at? Is it at the wheelwell lip, inside, or???
Are your new springs a stock replacement, or lowering springs?

 

I never thought of the possibility that I could have bought lowering springs. I got them from classic ind. Years ago and can't recall that it said anything about lowering.
I am going to have to do some real measuring to figure that out!
The clearance issue is showing at the lip of the quarter panel, but I need to check it at the frame. The tires from the 78 are wider and taller and they clear the lip by one inch on the 78.

 

I doubt you can meassure anything to figure out if they're lowering springs. My lowering springs and the stock springs looked identical when I had them out and sitting side by side. Only difference was the arc in the springs. Lowering springs were flatter than stock.
If they are lowering springs then you've onlt got a couple options. You could sell them and get stock springs; or use shackles to raise the rear; or add air shocks and raise/firm the rear up to keep it from rubbing.

 

what is the clearance supposed to be on the 71?
looking at the car today, I could definitely tell the back was lower than the front. I feel so stupid about this whole thing. I got these springs when I was a teenager back when my dad and I were doing the whole rear end of the car.
I just figured that it was finished.
thanks for your help!!!

 

will the air shock actually hold the weight?

 

Ran them from around 1973 to this year on my '71, and yes they will hold the weight fine. They will firm up the suspension, but they don't lift it a huge amount like the old hijacker airshocks did in the 70's.
I'm building a street project right now, and also put air shocks on it. Mainly to adjust the rear suspension, and get the ride firmness, and height I want dialed in. Airshocks are about $69 a pair, and I always use dual feed kits, which are another $10-$11. That gives me the ability to really dial in each shock, plus not have one working against the other with a single feed/fill line.
As for "what is the stock clearance". There's no measurement I know of. Most people run 275-50-15 tires with the right wheel and don't have an issue. But with the wrong offset, even those wont clear. Anything narrower will work with more offset options.

 

thank you for all the help!!!
I have installed the air shocks and the bring the back end up and give the cara rather tough stance with the tires and rims.