'54 ride height

[Brian W.]

The rear ride height on my '54 is too high. Rear springs and mounting perches are all correct. Rear shocks have been changed in the past and I suspect that's the problem (most likely gas shocks). Does anyone sell original operating shocks other than gas? i'm more concerned about restoring the ride height than numbers matching shocks. Thanks

[Richard M.]

Re: '54 ride height

Brian,

If you suspect the gas shocks, just remove the lower mounts and swing them out of the way. Do a few roll-outs to settle the suspension and re-measure the stance.

Are the rear springs arched(hold water?), or do they appear flat or negative arched(can't hold water)? The '53-'55 springs were unique and when looking at the sides they appear bowed upward at center.

See this thread re '53-'55 rear springs.

The blueprints are there, and look at Jim L's '54 photo of the rear springs in Post#11.

Rich

[Brian W.]

Re: '54 ride height

Rich:
Thanks for your response. I will remove the lower shock mounts tomorrow. If the ride height measures correct at this point does that indicate that I have the wrong shocks and if so, where can I get the correct shocks?

[Chris S.]

Re: '54 ride height

Questions
Did you replace the springs are they original
Did you restore the springs? Take them apart?
Did you have them rearched?

[Brian W.]

Re: '54 ride height

Chris:
Springs have not been replaced and are original grooved springs.
Never been apart or re-arched.
Any thoughts?

[Richard M.]

Re: '54 ride height

Rich:
Thanks for your response. I will remove the lower shock mounts tomorrow. If the ride height measures correct at this point does that indicate that I have the wrong shocks and if so, where can I get the correct shocks?

Gas shocks can raise it a bit, but not extremely. Can you get a few photos underneath at the side of the springs like what Jim showed in his photos?

BTW, Chris is THE expert on these early cars, so whatever he says or advises..... take to heart. I wish I knew a fraction of what he has forgotten.

Rich

[Dan L.]

Re: '54 ride height

I put all new suspension on my ‘54 and I purchased NAPA Brand shocks. I’m happy with the ride. It took a better part of a driving season for the suspension to settle. I’m running a 205/75R15 tire
IMG_1736.jpgIMG_1732.jpgIMG_6777.jpg

[Brian W.]

Re: '54 ride height

I removed the rear shocks and the ride height did not change. I don't think there's a problem with the shocks. When I measure from the top of the front wheel arc to the floor it's 26". At the center of the rear wheel arc it's 27 1/2". Is this normal? I have pictures but I don't know how to post them. help required.

[Richard M.]

Re: '54 ride height

Brian, Click on the FAQ button above. Scroll down to the "How to post a photo" link.

It'll show you how.

Rich

[Brian W.]

Re: '54 ride height

Thanks Rich, got it.
Picture of the car with shocks removed. The ride height did not change. Other photos are the suspension. Can anyone see anything wrong here?
five.jpgfour.jpgtwo.jpgone.jpgone.jpg

[Jim L.]

Re: '54 ride height

What I see is that the springs under your car do NOT have the negative arc they should have. That positive arc of your springs is what's raising the rear of your car. It is also causing your axle to be right at the limit of the rebound straps.... not good.

[Leif A.]

Re: '54 ride height

What I see is that the springs under your car do NOT have the negative arc they should have. That positive arc of your springs is what's raising the rear of your car. It is also causing your axle to be right at the limit of the rebound straps.... not good.

Jim,
Are the spring installed upside down? I know the pictures are upside down but the springs appear to be installed incorrectly. Also, can't see the spring ends...are they installed incorrectly there, as well.

[Jim L.]

Re: '54 ride height

Jim,
Are the spring installed upside down? I know the pictures are upside down but the springs appear to be installed incorrectly. Also, can't see the spring ends...are they installed incorrectly there, as well.

I don't think so, Leif. With the picture rotated to be right side up, you see that the shorter leaves are on the bottom, as they should be:

one.jpg

Compare to one of the springs under my '54:

8755.jpg

[Richard M.]

Re: '54 ride height

Another possibility is the rear shackles are BELOW the frame crossmember, instead of ABOVE.

A photo of those rear shackles please?

Rich

[Jim L.]

Re: '54 ride height

To my eye, the two pictures in my posting #13 explain it. His spring has a positive arc (holds water, I think is the term) while correct springs, as on my '54 have a negative arc (sheds water, so to speak).