Ride height and shocks.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 557
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa Ontario
Ride height and shocks.
Question: I just swapped out my factory bilsteins for revalved performance bilsteins from Vette Brakes inc.
I was shocked when my ride height went up probably a good inch or so. Anyone will tell you that springs determine ride height. Any thoughts on whats going on here. The shock length is the same, they are not binding, and of course the ride is a lot stiffer. Could it be that the shock oil holds them raised up a bit more. I don't get this one. Or could it be that they will eventually settle. Very puzzled over this one.
I was shocked when my ride height went up probably a good inch or so. Anyone will tell you that springs determine ride height. Any thoughts on whats going on here. The shock length is the same, they are not binding, and of course the ride is a lot stiffer. Could it be that the shock oil holds them raised up a bit more. I don't get this one. Or could it be that they will eventually settle. Very puzzled over this one.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,141
Likes: 1,729
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
New shocks can raise the car almost an inch, if the rest of the suspension pieces (bushings, springs) are sufficiently worn.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,394
Likes: 393
From: Lakeville MI
The gas charge in the shock will create a force that tends to extend the shock since the piston area is unequal (the rod side has less area than the other side, due to the area of the rod).
This could affect ride height, if the pressure is high enough. How much force is required to slowly compress the new shocks? (Maybe 25 lbf each?)
Also is the suspension fully settled? Mine always takes some time (a short drive) to come down fully after any jacking.
This could affect ride height, if the pressure is high enough. How much force is required to slowly compress the new shocks? (Maybe 25 lbf each?)
Also is the suspension fully settled? Mine always takes some time (a short drive) to come down fully after any jacking.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 557
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa Ontario
Originally Posted by tequilaboy
The gas charge in the shock will create a force that tends to extend the shock since the piston area is unequal (the rod side has less area than the other side, due to the area of the rod).
This could affect ride height, if the pressure is high enough. How much force is required to slowly compress the new shocks? (Maybe 25 lbf each?)
Also is the suspension fully settled? Mine always takes some time (a short drive) to come down fully after any jacking.
This could affect ride height, if the pressure is high enough. How much force is required to slowly compress the new shocks? (Maybe 25 lbf each?)
Also is the suspension fully settled? Mine always takes some time (a short drive) to come down fully after any jacking.
One more thing, these shocks are designed to work with the Vette Brakes leaf springs also. Wonder if that could also be a factor. Its not a huge problem but it is noticible to me.
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 541
Likes: 2
From: Kalama WA
Installing shocks with the vehicle jacked up will change ride height. FSM states rear shocks should be installed at normal curb height. I made 4 ramps so car was at equal curb height above ground for working purposes. Then I installed the new gas shocks (Bilstein) without jacking. This was the second attempt- my first one resulted in the same issue you have.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,085
Likes: 7
From: Kanata ON.
Originally Posted by kize
Installing shocks with the vehicle jacked up will change ride height. FSM states rear shocks should be installed at normal curb height. I made 4 ramps so car was at equal curb height above ground for working purposes. Then I installed the new gas shocks (Bilstein) without jacking. This was the second attempt- my first one resulted in the same issue you have.
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