Question: How to measure for proper rake?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Deerbrook WI
Question: How to measure for proper rake?
What is the proper method to measure rake, and how much should there be?
As soon as I can gather enough firewood to heat the shop, I'll be installing my lowering bolts. I'd like to keep from doing myself any ill-fated favors.
The car is stock, not a daily driver, but will hopefully see about 3 days a week on the highway.
As soon as I can gather enough firewood to heat the shop, I'll be installing my lowering bolts. I'd like to keep from doing myself any ill-fated favors.
The car is stock, not a daily driver, but will hopefully see about 3 days a week on the highway.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,344
Likes: 230
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Ride height (rake) is very subjective. Amount of rake is more personal preference ("That looks baaad!") than anything else.
Put it where it looks good to you, get a four-wheel alignment, and enjoy it.
Larry
code5coupe
Put it where it looks good to you, get a four-wheel alignment, and enjoy it.
Larry
code5coupe
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
Originally Posted by tequilaboy
I think the bottom rail/lip below the rocker panels should be parallel to the ground, or level.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 1
From: Manchester NH
From a handling standpoint you need to have 1/4" to 3/8" for high speed stability. That's how most track used C4s are setup I believe, and how I've set mine up.
To measure: make sure you're on a reasonably flat surface and measure from that surface to the frame/body at the rear arrow of both the front and back jacking locations.
To measure: make sure you're on a reasonably flat surface and measure from that surface to the frame/body at the rear arrow of both the front and back jacking locations.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,987
Likes: 26
From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
CentralTX Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
After you install the lowering bolts, you will need to take it for a ride to allow the suspension to settle.
I adjusted mine by setting all 4 tires to the same pressure. Then I measured from the ground to the tallest points on the wheels wells and adjusted until all 4 corners were equal.
I adjusted mine by setting all 4 tires to the same pressure. Then I measured from the ground to the tallest points on the wheels wells and adjusted until all 4 corners were equal.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Principal reason I like my 84 is that it has no rake. It looks square front and rear. One of the very few C4`s with that type of factory stance. I suspect the reason why however is that it`s one of those rough rider bone jarring Z51 packages that was softened up in 85 and later Vettes. 
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