Ride height too high

[David H.]

[Thomas H.]

Re: Ride height too high

The pic that shows the frame to the centerline of the axle is the only measurement you need. It's way off with relation to the spec in the AIM. I stand by my original theory (and others have suggested the same) - its the springs.

Tom

[Patrick H.]

Re: Ride height too high

OR - call Eaton springs and discuss with them. I have heard of a few people that were able to get springs from them where the car sat at the correct ride height. Again Eye to Eye and arch measurements are one thing, but spring rate comes into play also. These cars don't weigh much in the rear so if the rate is too high, the car will sit high irregardless of arch or eyelet measurements.

Tom

I wouldn't waste your time.

A friend hand-delivered his original saggy 1962 springs to Eaton to be re-arched. After the process the car sits just as low as the day before he did this. It was a waste of a lot of money.

Unfortunately correct original springs are not easy to find.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Ride height too high

The pic that shows the frame to the centerline of the axle is the only measurement you need. It's way off with relation to the spec in the AIM. I stand by my original theory (and others have suggested the same) - its the springs.

Tom

Yup.

He could swap them between cars and prove the point.

[David H.]

[David H.]

[Dennis C.]

Re: Ride height too high

Just an FYI, I have discovered replacement springs at Ecklers that say”returns your car to original ride height “.
I spent some time with tech support and he convinced me that their springs would indeed do that for my ‘60.
I ordered and received them and indeed they seem to do as advertised. They are vey close and once I drive it and they settle I believe it will be correct. Priced reasonably as well. They also have a 5 leaf version.

David,

How is the appearance of the spring? Would the configuration pass judging scrutiny (grooved bottom, banding, etc.) Would you be able to post some photos?

Description indicates they are painted gloss black, does the paint appear like it could be corrected without dismantling the spring?

Thanks for the info.

[David H.]

[David H.]

[Gary C.]

Re: Ride height too high

David,

IIRC Eaton springs is the only manufacturer for C1 leaf springs?

https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/leaf-springs/

Gary
....

[Joseph L.]

Re: Ride height too high

I had my original springs redone by Eaton two years ago. The springs were badly bent in the front. They asked what height I wanted and I replied, stock ride height. They were formed to shape, heat treated, and tempered. Same as the original process. When I installed them, they were low by an inch. If I sent them there again, I would request +1".
I am going to look into having them cold formed to a higher arc and see how that works. Those three roll machines can do that.

Joe

[Dennis C.]

Re: Ride height too high

I doubt they will pass judging but I really don’t know. Someone here can tell looking at the pictures. Paint seems ok, but again, I’m not to judge.
Here are a few pictures. Sorry I didn’t think to take them before installing.

David,

Thanks for sharing the photos.

Dennis

[Terry D.]

Re: Ride height too high

Am I the only one the seems to see that the black car wheel opening is round at the top and it shouls flatten out like the red car? Also have you checked the body mounts?

[Terry D.]

Re: Ride height too high

I just reread your measurements for the rear crossmember. Did you compare the way the two are welded to the frame rails? Does it look like the car was wrecked in the rear? If everything is the same then I would try to borrow another spring and install and see what effect if ant that has on it.

[Rod K.]

Re: Ride height too high

I might point out the OP says the black car is a '60, the red car is a '61. Rear wheel openings ARE different so measuring to the top of the opening wouldn't necessarily correlate.