Gentlemen I want to make some “ultimate mink and raccoon traps out my #11 Sleepy Creeks I bought when I discovered they were going out of business.

I have #2 machine chain and an thinking of using JC Conner swivels on them but would appreciate any advice, as long as it isn’t “get a bigger trap” I’ve used them before and they’ve held every that got in them. I’m just a hobby trapper that has been out a few years and wanting to start back. I’m at a point where I can set up the few dz I have any way and would appreciate any ideas.

I put Mike Kelly's wild river pans on a few. Had some left from putting them on some coil springs. Just need to add some washers.

https://www.wildrivertraps.com/products/1-5-double-post-pans-dozen?variant=1525674442776

Honestly they are fine just as they come. Some prefer to have the chain on the spring.
I've never had a coon or mink break a regular swivel, unless excessively worn out.
The only thing I would recommend is a shock spring, of the simple cheap variety, not sure if it helps but doesn't seem to hurt.

I never had the newer model sleepy creek 11s but the older style in 90s were awesome coon and mink traps. Dry land, water, didnt matter those held coon very well. Had small round pans on mine. Took a lot of mink, rats, and coon at pocket sets with them. Held big beaver several times by front feet in them too, and I have a pic of a bobcat in one too...blind set for coon turned into a cat catcher on that little trail.
Very fond of this trap. Pics included for you...all older style sleepy creek 11 catches.
I left setup as is, filed dog and trigger to a nice crisp throw and used bolt to adjust tension. Keep it light for mink of course.
Swivels...
For coon always have multiple swivel points. Mine had one at trap, one mid chain, and one at anchor point.
Jim

My first otter a few years ago in a #11 SC in a blind set, using the stock setup, just want the best set up possible. I do have some of those big pans I remembered buying them when I bought the traps.

You really don't have to modify these traps,mink and coon aren't large hard fighting predators.Having said that,No.11's fall into that group I call bulldogs,11/2 coils,No.2 longsprings,and No.11's.Very under estimated traps that can do awesome things.

I ran a bunch in years past, changed some out to round pans, nite latched them, added swivels. Great traps, never had a critter get out of 1.