Puzzled, ride height 70 LS-5
08-25-2014, 09:23 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Puzzled, ride height 70 LS-5
All;
I'm trying to figure out why my ride height is off on just one wheel.
My right rear is about 5/8" taller than the other side.
I just replaced the spring bolt and rubber kit thinking this would solve it but it is still the same.
From the bottom of the spring bolt to the floor it is exactly the same on both sides. However if I measure from the top rear edge of the trailing arm to the floor the right side is about a 1/2" + taller????
Could the spring itself be weak on one side causing the car to have the uneven stance???
BTW the front wheels are very close in height from side to side.
Please help me understand the relationships of the rear suspension.
Thanks
I'm trying to figure out why my ride height is off on just one wheel.
My right rear is about 5/8" taller than the other side.
I just replaced the spring bolt and rubber kit thinking this would solve it but it is still the same.
From the bottom of the spring bolt to the floor it is exactly the same on both sides. However if I measure from the top rear edge of the trailing arm to the floor the right side is about a 1/2" + taller????
Could the spring itself be weak on one side causing the car to have the uneven stance???
BTW the front wheels are very close in height from side to side.
Please help me understand the relationships of the rear suspension.
Thanks
08-25-2014, 11:16 PM
#3
Nam Labrat
Member Since: Sep 2013
Location: New Orleans Loo-z-anna
Posts: 33,893
Received 4,173 Likes
on
2,735 Posts
All;
I'm trying to figure out why my ride height is off on just one wheel.
My right rear is about 5/8" taller than the other side.
I just replaced the spring bolt and rubber kit thinking this would solve it but it is still the same.
From the bottom of the spring bolt to the floor it is exactly the same on both sides. However if I measure from the top rear edge of the trailing arm to the floor the right side is about a 1/2" + taller???? Measure each rear tire from the floor to the top of the tires for differences and check tire pressures
Could the spring itself be weak on one side causing the car to have the uneven stance??? Yes....BUT---something ELSE is causing the top of the trailing arms to be different heights.
BTW the front wheels are very close in height from side to side. That's good.....it helps knowing the front suspension isn't causing the problem/check the front tire pressures also
Please help me understand the relationships of the rear suspension. My first Vette---I'm learning as I go...LOL.
Thanks
I'm trying to figure out why my ride height is off on just one wheel.
My right rear is about 5/8" taller than the other side.
I just replaced the spring bolt and rubber kit thinking this would solve it but it is still the same.
From the bottom of the spring bolt to the floor it is exactly the same on both sides. However if I measure from the top rear edge of the trailing arm to the floor the right side is about a 1/2" + taller???? Measure each rear tire from the floor to the top of the tires for differences and check tire pressures
Could the spring itself be weak on one side causing the car to have the uneven stance??? Yes....BUT---something ELSE is causing the top of the trailing arms to be different heights.
BTW the front wheels are very close in height from side to side. That's good.....it helps knowing the front suspension isn't causing the problem/check the front tire pressures also
Please help me understand the relationships of the rear suspension. My first Vette---I'm learning as I go...LOL.
Thanks
Last edited by doorgunner; 08-25-2014 at 11:34 PM.
08-26-2014, 02:05 AM
#4
Melting Slicks
Lets remember, drivers side; steer column and gear, brakes, pedal assy, battery and oh ya the driver. Springs do settle with time. Yes the drive train is offset to the passenger side which helps compensate the weight [approx. 1"]. You could r&r spring, do a 180 with it. Seen that work on a 68 BBC. T
08-26-2014, 02:59 AM
#5
Nam Labrat
Member Since: Sep 2013
Location: New Orleans Loo-z-anna
Posts: 33,893
Received 4,173 Likes
on
2,735 Posts
Lets remember, drivers side; steer column and gear, brakes, pedal assy, battery and oh ya the driver. Springs do settle with time. Yes the drive train is offset to the passenger side which helps compensate the weight [approx. 1"]. You could r&r spring, do a 180 with it. Seen that work on a 68 BBC. T
BUT....................
maybe we can make 'em look level on the driveway......
then, we won't see 'em lean when we're sitting in them........LOL!
08-26-2014, 03:41 AM
#6
Melting Slicks
Maybe the BBC's are designed that way, then they are level under under torque and acceleration. LOL T Nice project doorgunner when are you going to be done? Last picts I saw showed new type of astro ventilation[No doors]. Keep us up to date.
08-26-2014, 06:16 AM
#7
Melting Slicks
My 70 was the same and I wound up the nut on the low side on the hanger bolt which corrected it but when I replaced the sacked out front springs I no longer needed to have the nut on the hanger wound up go figure. FWIW the PO had the rear spring re set by a local firm who still make and repair leaf springs to try and correct the issue but it didn't make any difference (I don't know if he tried reversing the spring).
08-26-2014, 01:48 PM
#10
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Thanks for the reply's. This give me some starting points to ID what might be out of whack!
I did make sure to park is on a flat and level surface. BAsically if I sat my fat butt on the rear fender the 200 lbs made the car level.
Also my car is a big block with AC but the compressor and stuff under the hood is not there so I am missing some amount of weight on the front pass side.
I can't verify what springs are in the car yet but I do know they have been out of the car and they might be new from a frame-off in 1989.
Will report back over the holiday weekend.
Hope eveyone has a chance to get out and drive some
I did make sure to park is on a flat and level surface. BAsically if I sat my fat butt on the rear fender the 200 lbs made the car level.
Also my car is a big block with AC but the compressor and stuff under the hood is not there so I am missing some amount of weight on the front pass side.
I can't verify what springs are in the car yet but I do know they have been out of the car and they might be new from a frame-off in 1989.
Will report back over the holiday weekend.
Hope eveyone has a chance to get out and drive some
08-26-2014, 10:56 PM
#11
Team Owner
Member Since: Oct 1999
Location: Land of Thunder
Posts: 33,590
Received 217 Likes
on
160 Posts
2018 C2 of Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15, '19
Ok, I've been thinking about this some and came up with this idea:
Set the frame on jack stands, high enough so the suspension hangs. Then measure from the floor to the rear corners of the frame, and also from the floor to the tops of the wheel openings. This takes the suspension out of the equation and if it's still leaning then it's body bushings or possibly a tweaked frame.
If its not leaning then its in the suspension.
Set the frame on jack stands, high enough so the suspension hangs. Then measure from the floor to the rear corners of the frame, and also from the floor to the tops of the wheel openings. This takes the suspension out of the equation and if it's still leaning then it's body bushings or possibly a tweaked frame.
If its not leaning then its in the suspension.
08-27-2014, 01:20 AM
#12
Nam Labrat
Member Since: Sep 2013
Location: New Orleans Loo-z-anna
Posts: 33,893
Received 4,173 Likes
on
2,735 Posts
Ok, I've been thinking about this some and came up with this idea:
Set the frame on jack stands, high enough so the suspension hangs. Then measure from the floor to the rear corners of the frame, and also from the floor to the tops of the wheel openings. This takes the suspension out of the equation and if it's still leaning then it's body bushings or possibly a tweaked frame.
If its not leaning then its in the suspension.
Set the frame on jack stands, high enough so the suspension hangs. Then measure from the floor to the rear corners of the frame, and also from the floor to the tops of the wheel openings. This takes the suspension out of the equation and if it's still leaning then it's body bushings or possibly a tweaked frame.
If its not leaning then its in the suspension.
That would narrow down the possibilities. I'm still wondering why the top of one trailing arm is over 1/2" higher than the other?
08-27-2014, 10:50 PM
#14
Nam Labrat
Member Since: Sep 2013
Location: New Orleans Loo-z-anna
Posts: 33,893
Received 4,173 Likes
on
2,735 Posts
08-28-2014, 09:49 PM
#16
Race Director
Just a couple clues...............
"1. One of the biggest concerns of the evaluation was the body panel fit in the front. The gap on one side of the hood you can fit your entire finger in while its tight at the bottom. He said this would not adjust out and it has to do with the front fender fit. Also several other gaps were questionable.
3. Rear vert deck lid was misaligned so much it would not latch on driver’s side.
9. Misadjusted driver’s side door release (i.e. I had trouble getting out of the car using the inside handle.
13. None of the glass was original (but it looked OK)
14. On the neighborhood test drive the steering has a lot of play and felt a little "rocky".
15. Tires were old (guy said you can't buy them anymore)
16 Drivers rear rim was a replacement
17 Vacuum issue with the wiper, they did not work at all and the grate/vent section was popped up the entire time.
18 Head lights popped up great but when high beams are turned on all four lights did not.
20 AC equipment all missing except for what was in the above pics
22. For not running in a year engine seemed to run OK and did not overheat (although we only ran around the local streets)
23 Side grate on passenger fender was not fit right (no idea what that was all about)
24. Frame looked good and generally clean under the car with no major engine or drivetrain leaks
26. Owner said car was found in a field in the 80's in really bad shape and that they did replace some of the body parts. Said they had pictures but could not find yet.
27. Tranny looked to be correct type by originality could not be determined."
28. Previous owner/restorer was Bubba.
WB
"1. One of the biggest concerns of the evaluation was the body panel fit in the front. The gap on one side of the hood you can fit your entire finger in while its tight at the bottom. He said this would not adjust out and it has to do with the front fender fit. Also several other gaps were questionable.
3. Rear vert deck lid was misaligned so much it would not latch on driver’s side.
9. Misadjusted driver’s side door release (i.e. I had trouble getting out of the car using the inside handle.
13. None of the glass was original (but it looked OK)
14. On the neighborhood test drive the steering has a lot of play and felt a little "rocky".
15. Tires were old (guy said you can't buy them anymore)
16 Drivers rear rim was a replacement
17 Vacuum issue with the wiper, they did not work at all and the grate/vent section was popped up the entire time.
18 Head lights popped up great but when high beams are turned on all four lights did not.
20 AC equipment all missing except for what was in the above pics
22. For not running in a year engine seemed to run OK and did not overheat (although we only ran around the local streets)
23 Side grate on passenger fender was not fit right (no idea what that was all about)
24. Frame looked good and generally clean under the car with no major engine or drivetrain leaks
26. Owner said car was found in a field in the 80's in really bad shape and that they did replace some of the body parts. Said they had pictures but could not find yet.
27. Tranny looked to be correct type by originality could not be determined."
28. Previous owner/restorer was Bubba.
WB
Last edited by Don Rickles; 08-29-2014 at 07:31 AM.
08-30-2014, 07:22 PM
#17
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Just a couple clues...............
"1. One of the biggest concerns of the evaluation was the body panel fit in the front. The gap on one side of the hood you can fit your entire finger in while its tight at the bottom. He said this would not adjust out and it has to do with the front fender fit. Also several other gaps were questionable.
3. Rear vert deck lid was misaligned so much it would not latch on driver’s side.
9. Misadjusted driver’s side door release (i.e. I had trouble getting out of the car using the inside handle.
13. None of the glass was original (but it looked OK)
14. On the neighborhood test drive the steering has a lot of play and felt a little "rocky".
15. Tires were old (guy said you can't buy them anymore)
16 Drivers rear rim was a replacement
17 Vacuum issue with the wiper, they did not work at all and the grate/vent section was popped up the entire time.
18 Head lights popped up great but when high beams are turned on all four lights did not.
20 AC equipment all missing except for what was in the above pics
22. For not running in a year engine seemed to run OK and did not overheat (although we only ran around the local streets)
23 Side grate on passenger fender was not fit right (no idea what that was all about)
24. Frame looked good and generally clean under the car with no major engine or drivetrain leaks
26. Owner said car was found in a field in the 80's in really bad shape and that they did replace some of the body parts. Said they had pictures but could not find yet.
27. Tranny looked to be correct type by originality could not be determined."
28. Previous owner/restorer was Bubba.
WB
"1. One of the biggest concerns of the evaluation was the body panel fit in the front. The gap on one side of the hood you can fit your entire finger in while its tight at the bottom. He said this would not adjust out and it has to do with the front fender fit. Also several other gaps were questionable.
3. Rear vert deck lid was misaligned so much it would not latch on driver’s side.
9. Misadjusted driver’s side door release (i.e. I had trouble getting out of the car using the inside handle.
13. None of the glass was original (but it looked OK)
14. On the neighborhood test drive the steering has a lot of play and felt a little "rocky".
15. Tires were old (guy said you can't buy them anymore)
16 Drivers rear rim was a replacement
17 Vacuum issue with the wiper, they did not work at all and the grate/vent section was popped up the entire time.
18 Head lights popped up great but when high beams are turned on all four lights did not.
20 AC equipment all missing except for what was in the above pics
22. For not running in a year engine seemed to run OK and did not overheat (although we only ran around the local streets)
23 Side grate on passenger fender was not fit right (no idea what that was all about)
24. Frame looked good and generally clean under the car with no major engine or drivetrain leaks
26. Owner said car was found in a field in the 80's in really bad shape and that they did replace some of the body parts. Said they had pictures but could not find yet.
27. Tranny looked to be correct type by originality could not be determined."
28. Previous owner/restorer was Bubba.
WB
WB, I've ;learned a lot about my car since I posted that. Many of the questions have been answered and the car has turned out to be a real Gem IMHO.
I was able to get the original repair records from 1987-1991. In there it shows exactly what was replaced regarding the damage to the left front fender. The poor fit on the hood is still there.
Rear deck lid is fine now. just needed a little lube on latch.
Side glass turned out to be correct date code original.
Etc etc.
08-30-2014, 07:32 PM
#18
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Update
OK, thanks to Zoomin for the recommendation to put the car in the air on the frame to check the body and frame to ground.
Very happy and relieved to report that the frame and body check out just fine. With the car on the stands I had less than 1/16" variance from side to side. I was very happy about that.
While up in the air it was a good time to put some new shoes on.
Installed the Year One 17" Rally rims with the Firestone tires. Same as Zoomin did on his 70 LS-5. Used the Tredware white letter package and am very happy for the look and they seem to drive great
Once back down I still have the issue of the car sitting cockeyed SO, clearly I have a suspension issue.
What is it most likely to be, a rear spring gone bad or an issue with a front coil spring???
First suggestion was to flip the rear spring and see if it is still high on the same side. If so then I know its coming from the front. In that case it's new coil spring time.
PS. When I had the front tires off I looked at the bottom of the spring in the pocket. The end of the spring was in the same position on both sides.
Thoughts??
Very happy and relieved to report that the frame and body check out just fine. With the car on the stands I had less than 1/16" variance from side to side. I was very happy about that.
While up in the air it was a good time to put some new shoes on.
Installed the Year One 17" Rally rims with the Firestone tires. Same as Zoomin did on his 70 LS-5. Used the Tredware white letter package and am very happy for the look and they seem to drive great
Once back down I still have the issue of the car sitting cockeyed SO, clearly I have a suspension issue.
What is it most likely to be, a rear spring gone bad or an issue with a front coil spring???
First suggestion was to flip the rear spring and see if it is still high on the same side. If so then I know its coming from the front. In that case it's new coil spring time.
PS. When I had the front tires off I looked at the bottom of the spring in the pocket. The end of the spring was in the same position on both sides.
Thoughts??
Last edited by donbayers; 08-30-2014 at 07:39 PM.
08-31-2014, 12:14 AM
#19
Nam Labrat
Member Since: Sep 2013
Location: New Orleans Loo-z-anna
Posts: 33,893
Received 4,173 Likes
on
2,735 Posts
It looks great with the new wheels!
Did you discover why one trailing arm sits 1/2"+ higher than the other....being a rookie--I don't see/understand how a spring could cause that to happen.
Keep up the good work........and PICS!
Did you discover why one trailing arm sits 1/2"+ higher than the other....being a rookie--I don't see/understand how a spring could cause that to happen.
Keep up the good work........and PICS!
08-31-2014, 11:06 AM
#20
Race Director
WB, I've ;learned a lot about my car since I posted that. Many of the questions have been answered and the car has turned out to be a real Gem IMHO.
I was able to get the original repair records from 1987-1991. In there it shows exactly what was replaced regarding the damage to the left front fender. The poor fit on the hood is still there.
Rear deck lid is fine now. just needed a little lube on latch.
Side glass turned out to be correct date code original.
Etc etc.
I was able to get the original repair records from 1987-1991. In there it shows exactly what was replaced regarding the damage to the left front fender. The poor fit on the hood is still there.
Rear deck lid is fine now. just needed a little lube on latch.
Side glass turned out to be correct date code original.
Etc etc.
I too agree your purchase has become a true gem!
It cleaned up nicely, and the vin. find was awesome!
Yes, I have been following along with excitement and made several attempts to help along the way, even though they went by ignored.....That's OK. My reason for quoting your early on (first look at the car) post was that the list was long and revealed lots of questionable clues. As Alan71 mentioned, even a small hole drilled into the side louver invites skepticism. That's it, no insult, every car has a past. It would be very helpful if you could post some really good chassis pictures, surely the problem can be seen somewhere? Both front and rear, you'd be surprised how much the rear affects the front and visa versa!
I hope in the future you can try to get to know someone better before casting judgement on them from a couple posts on line.
I can tell you love Corvettes and have the bug! Me too!
You'll figure it out, just takes at least three times putting things back together. Standard Corvette repair procedures!
WB