rolling chassis question

[Kevin H.]

I recently reassembled my 63 chassis after stripping frame etc including new liners in the read spring, and new front springs. I have everything back together, and having a problem with the frame setting high enough that the half shaft is at such an angle that the yolk of the half shaft and the yolk of the differential rub. It seems the frame is maybe an inch or so too high. The shocks helped hold it down some. I didn't rember this rubbing after the body was lifted before the teardown. I have looked over and over to see if I have something wrong, but everything looks ok. If I have some weight on it, everything is fine. Is this normal without the body on? Thanks much!!!

[John D.]

Re: rolling chassis question

Kevin,Tell us about the new front coil springs. When my 63 sat for about 15 years the front end was really sagging. You could barely see the tops of the white walls. Luckily though I found a pair of NOS front coil springs from a close friend as I understand that some of the repros may make the car stand too tall for sure.
Also rear spring liners. Did you omit the top two liners? Is it the original spring. Of course the body is going to lower the frame. If it didn't it would be like a Z51 buck board. One inch isn't much at all. Good luck, John

[Stephen L.]

Re: rolling chassis question

I don't think you have a problem... Without the body weight the whole frame is fairly light. That, coupled with new rubber bushings on the spring mounts tends to raise everything. When you get it back together it'll settle down.
DO NOT attempt to tighten the rear spring center plate until you have full weight on the suspension (complete car) Otherwise you risk breaking the tabs off the differential housing.

Also, DO NOT tighten any suspension bushing bolts (Front and Rear) until you have a completed car. This way the rubber bushings will be in a "neutral state" when the car is at rest.

[Alan S.]

Re: rolling chassis question

Kevin,
On my 71 the ride height was high by several inches, even after I put the bare body back on the chassis. It gradually came down as I put the car together. The glass, interior and bumpers made the biggest differences. The spare tire and gasoline brought it down the final 1/4 inch to ride height spec.
Regards,
Alan

[Kevin H.]

Re: rolling chassis question

Thanks everyone, it seems from all the comments that the new height is just from the newness of all the new springs, bushings and such. The Delco shocks did bring it down enough to wher is just barely rubs. I did have some major sag with the old front springs. With the new front springs and the rebuilt back spring it sits level, just about an inch above where the u joints rub. I found an old archive where the delco only shocks will lock it down enough until the body is put on. I was afraid I had something wrong. Thanks for all your input!!!!!!!