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Front end done, wheels back on, but something doesn't look right...
Front end rebuild is done, with the exception of torquing the a-arm pivot bolts. Wheels are back on and I set the car down on some ramps. Right away I noticed that the front end seems to be sitting high. It's been awhile since I've seen things back together, but for some reason it doesn't look right. Take a look. I ran a tape from the tire to the fender and I have about 5 inches of clearance. Is this right?
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...28_52_full.jpg http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...28_53_full.jpg |
BET ODDS the coil springs are not seated correctly in the upper pockets...don't ask how I know this...OK???
GENE |
Is the engine in?
You've got a serious problem somewhere. better pull the wheel and show us what you did. Its more than just a spring not seated. |
Good news is you won't have to worry about bottoming out over speed bumps. :D
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Originally Posted by turtlevette
Is the engine in?
You've got a serious problem somewhere. better pull the wheel and show us what you did. Its more than just a spring not seated. I know I had one HELL of a ride height problem on some car in the past...can't remember which...been a while...and that's what it wuz... GENE |
I agree with Mrvette, and don't ask me how I know either!
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Originally Posted by mrvette
Turtle, think so??, what in hell other than a missing engine could cause that much height problem??? nothing I can think of....
I know I had one HELL of a ride height problem on some car in the past...can't remember which...been a while...and that's what it wuz... GENE He needs to take some more picts of his work to give us a clue. |
Originally Posted by turtlevette
I guess he should put it down and roll it around but that ain't gonna lower it 4 inches. Its almost like he has the wrong springs or ball joints or incorrect installation. I agree it may be the spring is not in the pocket too but is that gonna raise it 4 inches. It seems someting else in addition to a spring seating problem.
He needs to take some more picts of his work to give us a clue. |
I'll post some more pics when I get a chance. probably wont be for a day. I'm working a double today. Spring seats was the only thing I could think of too. Tight coils were up. Made sure the end of the spring was seated just before and not covering the drain in the lower arm.
This sucks. I spent so many hours cleaning, sandblasting, painting, wrenching, and now this. Would be nice to drive the car again this summer. Can you give me a list of things to look for and I'll start troubleshooting and snapping pics. Thanks, |
Align the upper spring in the groove. Don't worry about the lower arm/spring/drain hole alignment.
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You might have the 4x4 off road option - it is very rare :D
Seriously - need more pics... |
Originally Posted by Jughead
Align the upper spring in the groove. Don't worry about the lower arm/spring/drain hole alignment.
Isnīt the effect to ride height the same if upper end OR lower end is not properly seated at the pocked (around 1/2 inch max since the pocket is not that deep?)? :eek: |
Let's say I had to rotate the spring. How much do I need to tear down to do so? When I was installing the springs, I was able to use a pipe wrench to turn them into place, but now with the compression on the springs with the spindle back on, I doubt I'm going to be able to do that. I really don't want to pull ball joints again. Might as well order some new boots right away.
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Originally Posted by Custum73
Let's say I had to rotate the spring. How much do I need to tear down to do so? When I was installing the springs, I was able to use a pipe wrench to turn them into place, but now with the compression on the springs with the spindle back on, I doubt I'm going to be able to do that. I really don't want to pull ball joints again. Might as well order some new boots right away.
My new 550 springs are that short that you might be able to turn them without opening anything...Do not know your spring type... |
stock springs.
Just talked to a buddy at work and it's possible I may have snugged up the pivot bolts too tight on the lower arms, keeping the arms from rotating up. I'll try jacking the car back up, loosening those bolts a little more and set the car down and hopefully that does the trick. I find it hard to believe those bushings could hold the car up like that, but maybe it's possible. |
Like Jughead said - gotta align the top end with the 'drain hole'
in the upper pocket. You can use a small 2-jaw gear puller to pop the ball joint out without hammering the boot with a pickle fork. One of those screw/lever type tie rod end removers may work, too. :seeya |
If I do have to break the knuckle, I'll definitely use a puller.
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Mine isnt that high without the motor or trans in it. I do have one spring seated wrong so one side is 1 inch higher.
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Originally Posted by Duke94
I agree with Mrvette, and don't ask me how I know either!
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Originally Posted by Custum73
stock springs.
Just talked to a buddy at work and it's possible I may have snugged up the pivot bolts too tight on the lower arms, keeping the arms from rotating up. I'll try jacking the car back up, loosening those bolts a little more and set the car down and hopefully that does the trick. I find it hard to believe those bushings could hold the car up like that, but maybe it's possible. :iagree: I eliminated that possibility because you stated you hadn't torqued them yet. |
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