Evening out the rear suspension
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,692
Likes: 349
From: Sacramento California
Evening out the rear suspension
Mods, please move to C4 general or tech section (I have no idea how this got into C3)
In replacing my shocks last weekend, I noticed that the left rear sits about 1" lower than the right. I did this measurement before jacking the car, in order to determine the "trim height" required when tightening the rubber bushings on the suspension. I measured the center of the wheel hub to the top of the fender arch, measured each side several times in between bouncing the car to be sure it's settled. So the shocks are installed but the car is still on stands, so I don't know if the new shocks have magically corrected this ride height difference. I will measure again after it's back on the ground. But my understanding is that the springs are responsible for the ride height of the car, not the shock absorbers.
Since each side of the transverse leaf spring has its own rod and attaching nut, I was wondering if I could tighten the right side to bring it down, or loosen the left side to bring it up, or a little of both? Is it even worth bothering?
This left/right height difference is not an issue in my eyes since the car drives great, no clunks or issues with the suspension (other than worn shocks). But if it's an easy fix, then why not? So I'm asking here.... thanks
In replacing my shocks last weekend, I noticed that the left rear sits about 1" lower than the right. I did this measurement before jacking the car, in order to determine the "trim height" required when tightening the rubber bushings on the suspension. I measured the center of the wheel hub to the top of the fender arch, measured each side several times in between bouncing the car to be sure it's settled. So the shocks are installed but the car is still on stands, so I don't know if the new shocks have magically corrected this ride height difference. I will measure again after it's back on the ground. But my understanding is that the springs are responsible for the ride height of the car, not the shock absorbers.
Since each side of the transverse leaf spring has its own rod and attaching nut, I was wondering if I could tighten the right side to bring it down, or loosen the left side to bring it up, or a little of both? Is it even worth bothering?
This left/right height difference is not an issue in my eyes since the car drives great, no clunks or issues with the suspension (other than worn shocks). But if it's an easy fix, then why not? So I'm asking here.... thanks
Last edited by DGXR; May 8, 2017 at 03:43 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 273
From: Dunedin NZ.
New shocks if they are gas type will typically push outwards when in good condition so this may explain the magic. Lengthening the leaf spring bolts lowers the car, tightening raises the car.
FWIW my '70 sat lower on the driver side and was only corrected when I replaced the front springs. The PO had tried to correct it by having the rear spring re-tempered and reset and it made no difference.
FWIW my '70 sat lower on the driver side and was only corrected when I replaced the front springs. The PO had tried to correct it by having the rear spring re-tempered and reset and it made no difference.
