81' Malibu in NJ

[BabyJohn]

Hello everyone!

I'm new to the Gbody forum (I'm sure you've never heard that one) hehehe.

I recently purchased a 81' Malibu.

I want to put 315 radial tires in the rear and leave the stock suspension. I'm mini tubbing it and moving the frame in, but stock lower control arms are in the way, can I move them in or straighten them in any way?

Anyone got suggestions / ideas?

Thank you!

 

[jeremyandthemonte]

you can fit a 315 with just a small frame notch

 

[BabyJohn]

you can fit a 315 with just a small frame notch

I have a 315 with a 12 inch rim and hits the control arm

 

[BabyJohn]

What size rim are you talking about?

 

[liquidh8]

Ok, I am running a 315- 35/17 on a 10.5' rim with a notch to the seam. The lip are rolled and I have clearance. Now this is on a wagon and the wheel wells have more room.

As far as the lower arms, I have seem a few folks just cut the lower control arm brackets off and move them in. On the rear that is. If you move them in too far, the lower control arm pivot points will be in farther than the front pivot points of the upper control arms. Not good for the geometry of the suspension.

So, if you were to move them in an inch or so, I don't think that would be bad.

There are calculators online somewhere where you can lug in the control arm dimensions and the like.

Websites like pro-touring and lateral-g have some knowledgeable guys with this type of suspension modification.