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TR2/3/3A Is there a way to get more clearance between tires and back fender on TR3A?

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TuffTR250

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Is there a way to adjust (probably lower it closer to the frame) the ride position of the back axle relative to the frame to give greater clearance between the tires and the edge of the back fender?
I am running 205/50-15 Hoosier tires with TR6 wheels on my "driver" TR3A. They are very close to the outer edge of the back fenders and I'm concerned that when I go over a large bump the tire may rub against the edge of the fender. I'm not positive, but looking at the tires it appears that they may have rubbed a couple of times. I really want to keep using the Hoosiers, so I'm looking for a "fix" that would allow me to continue to use them so I don't have to buy narrower tires for my TR6 wheels. I have attached a couple of pictures showing how close the fender is to the tire. Thanks for any ideas!
Regards,
Bob
 

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Try reshaping the lip of the fender just a bit. I was able to pull mine out by 3/16" or so just with my hands; you could probably get a bit more using a piece of wood without doing any serious damage.

No easy way to increase the ride height, except new springs of course. Since the springs run under the axle, the usual spacers will decrease rather than increase. And turning the shackles over would be way too much. You might be able to get away with making some shackles that are about 1/2" shorter, but I'm not certain that would leave enough travel. Another approach might be to add shims between the body & frame, but that will cause other problems (like the tubes for the rear bumper mounts won't line up).

I've been running 205/55 on TR6 wheels for a long time now. They do rub a bit on my car (after spreading the fenders as above), the sidewall gets polished up, but it doesn't seem to hurt the tires. If you look close at this photo, you can see how the tire surface is shiny, and the fenders bulge just a bit.
 
My rear shocks could very likely be weak. They look like they could be originals. I did check the fluid a couple of years ago when I got the car and I could see fluid in them when I removed the filler plug. Would rebuilt rear shock increase the rear ride height?
Regards,
Bob
 
I agree. Besides, if you drive at all, the rear axle is going to work throughout it's entire range, from hitting the bump strap to hitting the frame. Mine also deflects sideways in a hard corner.
 
I have a question about the shackles. When the car is setting after driving the top of the shackles are pointing toward the back of the car (see first picture below). When I jack the car up under the frame, the shackles are in a straight up and down position (see second picture below). Am I correct to assume that the weight of the car makes the shackles lean back,and then when I jack it up the weight of the axle and wheels push the springs down and make the shackles go straight up and down. Is this the way they are designed to work?
Regards,
Bob

IMG_6042.jpgIMG_6033.jpg
 
The eye-to-eye length of the spring changes as the spring bends. The shackle takes up the difference in length (since the attachment points on the frame obviously don't move).
 
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