[Dan Stryffeler]

I did the conversion to the 4 link during the winter of 2002. Was never quite happy with the handling or the stance of the leaf spring set-up... too big a gap between the top of the tire and the wheel flares - wanted that 'ERA' squat.

I kept the 8" rear only because I don't beat up the car that much and the rear tires don't hookup, i.e. they tend to spin, so why spend the $$$ - If I was doing it from scratch, would pony up for the 9".

We also narrowed it quite a bit, probably about 4 inches and moved the axle forward about an inch so that the tire sat forward in the wheel well a little.

Handling and apearance have greatly improved, very happy with the result. The only problem is that the panhard (panard?) bar wants to hit the trunk floor on hard bumps... we ended up putting a "Gurney Bubble" in the trunk floor to get rid of most of the problem. The side of the trunk towards the front also had to be relieved a bit to accomodate the tire, but no big deal.

Yeesh... third edit - but, I also did the conversion to a disc brake setup at the rear while I was at it.

If you go this route, be careful... EM has the coil over shocks pretty much straight up/down. You want some angle in there or you will have a very bumpy ride - follow the installation instructions from the coil over manufacturer.

Not a great picture, but if you look at my gallery, you can see what she looks like now, (have added a roll bar since the picture was taken).

- Dan