4WDVETTE
Well-known member
OK - for those that don't remember, front ride hight on my 66 coupe left side seemd too low especially when the tire impacted the fender lip on a left hand turn and tore off a piece of the fiberglas fender lip. Front coil springs were Vette Brakes products from about 10 - 12 years ago. Purchased a gymkahana suspension package that would lower ride height about 1". Am riding on Pirelli P4000 215/70 ZR 15 super touring tires on Cragar SS 5 spoke wheels with 3/8" spacer. I purchased new replacement springs from Ecklers that were supposed to return car to normal ride height. After installation, I drove for 10 to 15 miles then measured the left at 25" and right at 26" (from ground to fender lip). Picked up almost 1" on both sides.
I understand 25 1/2" to 26 1/2" is normal. A view from the front shows a visual difference. I disconnected the Carrera adjustable shocks just to see if there was any bind - no change. Disconnected the sway bar - no change (didn't expect any).
During the reconstruction, the frame was on a chassis rack and all points were good or made good. No rust outs as the chassis has been inside and 'resting' since it was gone over and painted black Imron back in the late eighties.
Also, I have a 360 lb composite rear monoleaf spring set so the rear ride heights are about 26". Could an adjustment on the ends of the monoleaf transfer excess weight to the front the same as with the jack screws on a race car suspension? My thoughts are that it could but, I don't have a set of scales anymore to check the corner weights.
Because of the spacers on the Cragars I don't feel comfortable with 25" on the left side - especially after impacting the fender already. The only other part that might come into play is the lower control arm. I still haven't gotten the alignment yet but I really don't think that should matter as I have it pretty close using a hub gauge.
Any thoughts would be helpful. I am considering VNV's theory of throwing more money at it by getting the new lower control arm. If that doesn't work, a 1" rubber spacer in the bottom spring pocket might just end my discomfort.
Steve
I understand 25 1/2" to 26 1/2" is normal. A view from the front shows a visual difference. I disconnected the Carrera adjustable shocks just to see if there was any bind - no change. Disconnected the sway bar - no change (didn't expect any).
During the reconstruction, the frame was on a chassis rack and all points were good or made good. No rust outs as the chassis has been inside and 'resting' since it was gone over and painted black Imron back in the late eighties.
Also, I have a 360 lb composite rear monoleaf spring set so the rear ride heights are about 26". Could an adjustment on the ends of the monoleaf transfer excess weight to the front the same as with the jack screws on a race car suspension? My thoughts are that it could but, I don't have a set of scales anymore to check the corner weights.
Because of the spacers on the Cragars I don't feel comfortable with 25" on the left side - especially after impacting the fender already. The only other part that might come into play is the lower control arm. I still haven't gotten the alignment yet but I really don't think that should matter as I have it pretty close using a hub gauge.
Any thoughts would be helpful. I am considering VNV's theory of throwing more money at it by getting the new lower control arm. If that doesn't work, a 1" rubber spacer in the bottom spring pocket might just end my discomfort.
Steve