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What have you done to it lately? Was it a body off restro? Did you change the A-arm bushings?
The only major change was R&R a crate 396 that had been installed with a 350 ci /300 hp, so a weight diff. may account for the front end being higher if new springs were used to carry the new load. ??
I'll measure the rear hanger bolts and see what length they are. They are new in appearance.
The only major change was R&R a crate 396 that had been installed with a 350 ci /300 hp, so a weight diff. may account for the front end being higher if new springs were used to carry the new load. ??
I'll measure the rear hanger bolts and see what length they are. They are new in appearance.[/QUOTE
Unless something was installed incorrectly in the front suspension (worth having it looked at), your only option is to swap out the front springs or cut coil(s) from the existing ones.
The front bolt is a sway bar bolt, has no effect on right height. In the back of a longer bolt will drop the car down as much as you add to the length of the bolt. 27 and 3/4 front and back is the correct on paper right height from ground to wheel well Arch. Maybe just take the small block out and put a big block in up front. That would probably bring it down an inch or so. Now that is a 396 small block correct? Did you buy springs for a 396 big block engine? Because all small blocks weigh within 2 or 3 lb of the same weight. Except maybe a couple of pounds off for Aluminum Intake or aluminum heads could be about 80 pounds lighter but I don't think 80 lb is going to give you an inch and a half of additional height...
[QUOTE=VETFEVER;1596697919]Unless something was installed incorrectly in the front suspension (worth having it looked at), your only option is to swap out the front springs or cut coil(s) from the existing ones. [/QUOTE
Yes.. I have come to that same conclusion. 8" rear Hanger bolts are needed to lower the needed 2".
The springs come rated with different lbs. I see where 450# is used for small block and 550# for large Block. And then I read with A/c and w/o A/C.....????
I was told by a Chevy dealer service Mgr. that the springs were motor specific....because of the weight...
Yet the 550# can be used and it will lower the Frt end 2"..??? but then that seems too stiff???
Some times I wish I was smarter and not getting older.
The front bolt is a sway bar bolt, has no effect on right height. In the back of a longer bolt will drop the car down as much as you add to the length of the bolt. 27 and 3/4 front and back is the correct on paper right height from ground to wheel well Arch. Maybe just take the small block out and put a big block in up front. That would probably bring it down an inch or so. Now that is a 396 small block correct? Did you buy springs for a 396 big block engine? Because all small blocks weigh within 2 or 3 lb of the same weight. Except maybe a couple of pounds off for Aluminum Intake or aluminum heads could be about 80 pounds lighter but I don't think 80 lb is going to give you an inch and a half of additional height...
If I read you correctly, the rear ride height is correct on paper for the measurement floor to top wheel well arch. And a longer bolt will lower it. I got that.
But the front end? you ask if I bought a spring for a big block 396.
NO, I did not.
It already had, I think it was a 350/396 in the car???? and I did not change out the spring, I did not think of it.
Could the prior owner have put some kind of lift /spacer in it, or longer springs?? heavier springs???
with A/C or without A/C is with or without air conditioning. The compressor and associated parts adds weight to the front end, and is taken into account for the type of springs required...
From: Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Royal Canadian Navy
The rear height is an easy fix with longer spring bolts. Your front is high so you have two options 1) cut the existing springs 2) buy new springs and hope they don't need any cutting. That's why I recommended cutting the existing spring coils because you might have to do it anyway with new springs to achieve your desired ride height. My car was high like yours after removing A/C, adding alum heads. I just cut the existing springs and it worked out.
I have made arrangements to have the front end adjusted.
The rear on the other hand, After making several measurement, it appears it is the correct height and lowering it 2" will cause problems for the exhaust pipes. They will be riding on the ground and only have 2.5-3" of clearance now. I understand some have taken the round pipe and made it oval but that dose not give the needed space, I do not know if a rectangle shaped pipe would be better. There is only 4.3 " of ground clearance to start with. I'll leave it the way it is for now
Thanks for help on this subject. I can sure count on a lesson.
Ride Height adjustment.
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