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Ride Height

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Old 10-13-2018, 12:03 PM
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1970LS5
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Default Ride Height

I have a copy of the AIM specs. My question is about the tire pressure of 24 psi and radial tires. If I recall correctly,bias ply tires had stiffer sidewalls and would stand closer to 26.9 inches tall than a radial with a similarly rated height.

The AIM calls for a measurement of 28.0 at the center of the wheel well arc with the bias ply tires. Should I compensate for the difference in radial tire height by reducing the wheel well arc height? IOW since the specs call for a tire height of 26.9 and wheel well height of 28.0, should the difference for a radial tire height and wheel well height be 1 inch regardless of the AIM spec?

Old 10-13-2018, 12:09 PM
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Strokemyaxe
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I don’t know what the height was on Bias ply tires. Is this for NCRS or just checking suspension ride height in general? Someone here in DFW is selling some OEM Bias ply tires for a c3. They look to be in tip top shape.

-Stroke

Last edited by Strokemyaxe; 10-13-2018 at 12:10 PM.
Old 10-13-2018, 05:44 PM
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7T1vette
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Radial tires need to be aired-up to around 30 psi. 24 psi on radial tires is WAY low. GM found that out in the mid-70's when they spec'ed their radial tires in the mid-20 psi range. Folks had LOTS of high speed blow-outs because of excessive sidewall flexing and heating.

The diameter of 215R70-15 tires is about the same as the stock F70-15 tires. It is also very close to the 235R60-15 diameter.

Last edited by 7T1vette; 10-13-2018 at 05:46 PM.
Old 10-13-2018, 09:42 PM
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1970LS5
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No, this is not for NCRS just setting ride height. I have the 215/70 15 tires on it now. The tire height is about 26 inches with a full tank of fuel and the wheel well arc height is 27 15/16. It is within the AIM specs but just doesn't look quit right. I will recheck the tire pressure adjust accordingly. I just may have to live with it.

Thanks for your reply.
Old 10-13-2018, 11:23 PM
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Strokemyaxe
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Oh, ok. Don’t worry about compensating the height. Just run what feels comfortable/performs well within the tire manufacturers recommended PSI range. probably no less than 30 on most tires. I think I’m currently running 35 all around.
Old 10-14-2018, 08:51 AM
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I would set the tire pressure correctly, then lower the ride height to where it looks good, pay no attention to the AIM on this one

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