Rear Lowering Question...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Saratoga Springs New York
Rear Lowering Question...
I lowered the 2000 FRC today using 7 inch long, 9/16" diameter, grade 8 Fine Thread bolts and hardware.....did the whole deal with the bolts showing the same amount of threads above the locknut.....everything seems good to this point right?.....took the car out, did a couple hard launches, some back and forth deals, and some hard braking, basically some overly-spirited driving....come back to the garage..throw a tape measure up to the wheelwells for the heck of it and to my surprise...one wheel measurement is almost over 3/4 of an inch lower than the other....I guess I am wondering if I need to wait a few days to see if everything settles out...or if I need to compensate with the bolts.....well just for kicks I adjusted everything to the same wheelwell measurements and had way different thread counts showing on the bolts....way more on the passenger side....so the car should be higher on that side right?...WRONG...its still lower than the drivers side which has 5-6 less threads showing....wondering if anyone else compensated for the difference....The bushings are all seating where they should be...so...here we are..
any info would be greatly appreciated.....seems like the simplest things have been giving me the most trouble...thanks in advance for all your help.....Nick
any info would be greatly appreciated.....seems like the simplest things have been giving me the most trouble...thanks in advance for all your help.....Nick
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 12,438
Likes: 919
From: CONCORD NC
Leaf springs settle over time. Don't expect to get immediate feedback.
Also, your fenders are just bolted on to fiberglass inner fenders, when are glued to the frame. Don't depend on them to be 100% accurately hung. It is very common to get the front level, and have the rear "cocked" to one side....just the way it is.
And finally, bolt length has nothing to do with it. Too many variables. Get the car relatively close to how you want it to look, then ideally, you would get it on a set of scales. Even then, you can only get the car somewhat balanced with leaf springs.
Bottom line, don't get too hung up on it. Nothing you can do short of loosening the fenders and moving them around.
Also, your fenders are just bolted on to fiberglass inner fenders, when are glued to the frame. Don't depend on them to be 100% accurately hung. It is very common to get the front level, and have the rear "cocked" to one side....just the way it is.
And finally, bolt length has nothing to do with it. Too many variables. Get the car relatively close to how you want it to look, then ideally, you would get it on a set of scales. Even then, you can only get the car somewhat balanced with leaf springs.
Bottom line, don't get too hung up on it. Nothing you can do short of loosening the fenders and moving them around.
I'm dealin with the same thing, not to the degree you are though.
