Ride height too high

[David H.]

Ok, I give up. I’ve tried everything I and anyone I know can think of to bring the ride height down from 18” to 15” on my 1960.
Measured from wheel cover center to the edge of the fender.
Here’s what I’ve done so far.
New rear springs and shackles and bushings. Checked all measurements of these before installed. All correct.
Replaced all drag link bushings, stabilizer bushings.
I first tightened everything and set it down but it was still 3” high, so someone suggested loosen everything and set it down.
Still 3” high.
Nothing seems to change the ride height to where it belongs. My ‘61 sitting next to it is perfect and appears to be set up the same way.
I’d be grateful for any suggestions anyone has. I know I’m missing something, just don’t know what it could be.

[Joseph L.]

Re: Ride height too high

Hi David

The dimensions I look for are 27 1/2 +-1 from the ground to the center of the headlight and from the ground to the lowest edge of the fender opening above the wheel cover center. Look in ST-12 and the JM. What is the diameter of your tires if you want to use your datum?

Joe

[Chuck G.]

Re: Ride height too high

Rear spring shackles upside-down?

[David H.]

[David H.]

Re: Ride height too high

That thought has come up, but no.

[Terry D.]

Re: Ride height too high

Pictures might help. Is there a spacer between front suspension and frame? Are body mounts correct? Since you have a 61 to compare something has to be different. Did you measure frame height on both cars?

[Jim L.]

Re: Ride height too high

Hi David

The dimensions I look for are 27 1/2 +-1 from the ground to the center of the headlight and from the ground to the lowest edge of the fender opening above the wheel cover center. Look in ST-12 and the JM. What is the diameter of your tires if you want to use your datum?

Joe

Joe, your numbers are very close to what I measure on my '60: 27 1/4 front, 27 rear.

Jim

[David H.]

Re: Ride height too high

What pictures would help to see?
Spacer?
Removed all body mounts up to the doors. Nothing out of the ordinary. Replacing with new.
Measuring frame heights.
One suggestion was to use ratchet straps hooked to my lift and pull the body down to the correct ride height, then tighten everything up in the rear suspension.
This might hold everything in the correct position. Then remove the ratchet strap.
Any thoughts on this?

[Thomas H.]

Re: Ride height too high

Are the rear springs originals? Replacement springs typically cause the ride height to increase.

Both my 58 and 60 ride heights agree with the AIM and both have original rear springs (new liners, but original leafs).

Pics of the spring attachment points at the rear shackle and axle area might shed some light.

If the front springs are not seated properly in the lower control arm, this could cause the front to ride a bit high.

Tom

[Joseph L.]

Re: Ride height too high

You have a car with the same suspension for comparison. Look at them side by side. Observed the location of the front spring mounting bracket and where all the holes are. There are four fine thread bolts and one bolt through the spring eye. Are the brackets custom home made? Are the lengths of the rear shackles the same.
What is the arch on the spring in the loaded condition. I had my springs reconditioned. The unloaded arch was about 4". In the loaded condition, they are about flat.
You said there are new springs. Were they purchased from a vendor or a local spring shop? Did you measure the spring arch prior to installation? There is something that is different.

Joe

[Thomas H.]

Re: Ride height too high

Did you measure the spring arch prior to installation? There is something that is different.

Joe

The unloaded spring arch may be the same but the spring rate may be different (greater) which would keep the ride height elevated above factory specs.

Most of the cars I've seen with aftermarket / reproduction springs sit too high.

Tom

[David H.]

[Terry D.]

Re: Ride height too high

You should not have to use rachet straps. The spacer up front goes between the front crossbeam and the frame, back in the day if you wanted the front end up you put extra spacers in there. There should only be one per side. As mentioned you have a car to compare, should be easy to see what's different. Start with frame height, then go to suspension mounts, shackles, front springs, etc. Take measurements of upper control arm height. You never said if the car has always sat high or after you did something to it.

[Thomas H.]

Re: Ride height too high

The replacement springs measure exact to factory.
.

Where did you get the springs from? How did you determine they match the factory specs? There are published eye to eye and arch to eye centerline specs out there (I have them somewhere but not here at work).

The only thing you wouldn't be able to verify is the spring rate, which if it is too stiff would raise the car.

The one pic you have of the rear shackle I'd expect to see the spring end more rearward if the car is sitting on the ground. Maybe its in the air since the axle is at the bottom of the straps?

Tom

[David H.]