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correct ride height?

Old Mar 6, 2005 | 03:24 PM
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Default correct ride height?

The top of my wheel wells are at 29 inches at all 4. Is this to high? Ithink I can lower the rear. What can be done in front.
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Old Mar 6, 2005 | 04:58 PM
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My understanding of proper ride height is 27-27.5 inches at the top of the wheel opening arches. I just replaced the springs on my 80 and was told by VBP that the new springs will achieve original body ride height of 27 inches. The most common way to achieve lowered rear height is with longer bolts on your rear spring and to cut pieces out of your coil springs in the front . Brent
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Old Mar 6, 2005 | 05:58 PM
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29 is to high. 27 is about right for a stock tired car. I'm shooting for about 26 1/2 all the way around. My tires are only 26.1 inches vs the stock of 27 inches tall.
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Old Mar 6, 2005 | 05:58 PM
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My 77 with new springs front & rear is 28 1/2" at all four.Maybe it will come down a little after it is driven some,been snow here and havent been able to take it out yet.
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Old Mar 6, 2005 | 06:28 PM
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Originally Posted by painterman52
The top of my wheel wells are at 29 inches at all 4. Is this to high? Ithink I can lower the rear. What can be done in front.
It's dependent on model year and motor/tire/suspension configuration. Nothing is easy. The AIM for your model year outlines specifically what the ride height spec was depending on the configuration. Different length spring bolts were used in the rear to "fine tune" the height and get it into factory specifications.

Tell us your year and I'll look it up.
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Old Mar 6, 2005 | 06:34 PM
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Here's the AIM sheet from 1970:

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Old Mar 6, 2005 | 06:45 PM
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I have a 75. My tires are also 26.5 so I really need to get it down. I`m looking for someplace to buy longer bolts for the rear.
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Old Mar 6, 2005 | 06:55 PM
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Jughead has everything!
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Old Mar 6, 2005 | 08:51 PM
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Get the 550lbs springs from VBP - these seem to be the only springs that get the front down to acceptable ride height without cutting them.
The 460lbs springs need 3/4 coil cut off to achieve 27.5" ground to fender with stock tires ...
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Old Mar 6, 2005 | 10:21 PM
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Originally Posted by john1977
Jughead has everything!

Yeah, but a shot of penicillin would probably clear it right up.
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Old Mar 7, 2005 | 12:09 AM
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My 76 with original springs and 255/60 tires measures around 28.5". I believe differnet years varied somewhat. It aoso depends a little on what spring or optional springs were put on the car.
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