Ride Height
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Ride Height
I've just acquired a 74 coupe. Overall it is in good shape. Does not appear to have been in a major accident (no kinks in the frame).
My problem, for now, is the rear ride height. The right side is at least 1.5 inches higher than the left rear. Yes, the measurement was made after the tire pressures were made the same.
Any ideas as to the cause and how to fix it?
My problem, for now, is the rear ride height. The right side is at least 1.5 inches higher than the left rear. Yes, the measurement was made after the tire pressures were made the same.
Any ideas as to the cause and how to fix it?
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: New Berlin WI
alot of points to try
I would start at the frame immediately in front of the rear wheels, Measure from the frame to a known flat surface, like your garage floor. This would be a general reference. The area has a gusset to strengthen the frame and this is the point where the frame is kicked up going toward the rear of the car to allow attaching of the rear suspension and support of the body.
Next I wouuld drop spare tire cover and assembly and measure from the frame rails to the known/approxiamate level surface from the rear of the car going forward to the rear axle assembly. While under the car inspect the differential cover to where it is bolted to the differential cross member support for evenness. Inspect/measure the differential support going from the differential to both sides of the car. Inspect the frame rails.
Inspect the body mounts, rubber disks between frame and body for age. Do they have cracks in the rubber?
Next inspect the differential cover itself and your rear spring. It may be worn or sagging due to age.
While their, inspect trailing arms, shocks and spring bolts.
Next I wouuld drop spare tire cover and assembly and measure from the frame rails to the known/approxiamate level surface from the rear of the car going forward to the rear axle assembly. While under the car inspect the differential cover to where it is bolted to the differential cross member support for evenness. Inspect/measure the differential support going from the differential to both sides of the car. Inspect the frame rails.
Inspect the body mounts, rubber disks between frame and body for age. Do they have cracks in the rubber?
Next inspect the differential cover itself and your rear spring. It may be worn or sagging due to age.
While their, inspect trailing arms, shocks and spring bolts.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: FL.
I had the same problem with my 69. I set up VB&P rear composite and 10 inch spring bolts. Tightened them until the rear was visually parallel to the ground, until I found The problem , it turned out a body mount was missing.I just shimmed it, may do it right if I ever do a body off somewhere down the road. The body being off like that Caused some minor stress cracks in rear fiberglass area Too.
Last edited by 69vettester; Jul 22, 2005 at 12:57 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,652
Likes: 80
From: Lakeland Florida
Those are some good ideas for you to try.
I was going to suggest the easy way though, which was the first suggestion. The ride height can be changed by tightening or loosening the bolts that go through the rear leaf spring. These bolts can be used to change the ride height by lower the car by loosening the nuts ( making the bolt longer) or increase the ride height by tightening the nuts ( making the bolts shorter )
To offset a difference of 1.5 inches it may be possible to tighten one side while loosening the other equal amounts, or until the measurements for ride height are equal.
Of course, you should still check for other areas like the advice given previous to make sure you are not trying to adjust for something else that is wrong or missing.
kdf
I was going to suggest the easy way though, which was the first suggestion. The ride height can be changed by tightening or loosening the bolts that go through the rear leaf spring. These bolts can be used to change the ride height by lower the car by loosening the nuts ( making the bolt longer) or increase the ride height by tightening the nuts ( making the bolts shorter )
To offset a difference of 1.5 inches it may be possible to tighten one side while loosening the other equal amounts, or until the measurements for ride height are equal.
Of course, you should still check for other areas like the advice given previous to make sure you are not trying to adjust for something else that is wrong or missing.
kdf
