C2 Ride Height

[Robert T.]

Working on a 66 BB Coupe. I know an exact equal side to side measurement would be nice, but is there an acceptable standard or norm. How much effort should I put into this. Currently the RS is 1/2 inch higher than the left. Is that typical. Is that disgusting . How close should I strive for. FYI, my Z measurement is right on.

Thanks

Bob

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 Ride Height

FYI, my Z measurement is right on.

Thanks

Bob

Okay, what does that statement mean? What are the exact numbers? What's the side to side difference? What about the rear "D" dimensions? What measurement is yielding the 1/2-inch side to side difference? I can't read your mind.

Z and D must be measured on a flat surface, like a typical home garage slab that doesn't show any obvious cracks from shifting.

If both D and Z dimensions are very close side to side then any significant side to side variation in other dimensions like floor to fender lip could be a tire or body tolerance issue. Another issue could be unequal rear spring link bolts or cushions that have significant unequal compression. A suspension bushing issue could also be a cause.

Frankly, I wouldn't even bother to measure D unless the spring link cushions are no more than five years old. If more they likely have significant compression, which will cause an equal loss of ride height.

Duke

[Robert T.]

Re: C2 Ride Height

Thanks for the quick reply, Duke. I can measure all that other "stuff" and I will, but my main concern was, is it necessary. Will I ever get one side within 1/2 an inch of the other. Is that factory tolerance. I'll go digging, but if all I hope to gain is a 1/4" I'll save that exercise for another day. If 1/2 inch is way more than "normal" then I'll get to work on the root cause now.

[Robert T.]

Re: C2 Ride Height

Hey yea, I should have stated that the side to side measuring points are from the floor to the bottom of the fender wheel lip. One side is 26 in. The other is 26.5. Sorry about that.

Z is 2.2 on both sides, and D is 3.7 both sides. Bushings are all new.

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 Ride Height

Front and rear or just one end? These are the P and R dimensions, which can be affected by the tires, and your AIM should have the tolerance.

Make sure TP is equal side to side. Take off the tires, measure the circumference with a tape measure and compute the radius. You'd be surprised what you might find. (I'll assume they are all the same make/model/size.)

I'd also check the rear spring link bolt lengths and cushion condition.

Duke

[Robert T.]

Re: C2 Ride Height

Good ideas. I'll check some more points. It was pretty late last night when I started this witch hunt so I'll need to look at the rear again. I believe side to side was about 1/4 inch of each other, to the fender lip, but I'll have to recheck to be sure.

Thanks for taking an interest, and the time to respond.

Bob

[Bob R.]

Re: C2 Ride Height

My 63 is off by 1/2" on the rear similar to your car excapt the passengers side is lower. The front is within 1/8". I have replaced the rear bushings and the spring liners. I have also replaced the front springs. I never thought of measuring the circumference of the rear tires, good idea. I wanted to replace the tires this winter anyway they are at least 15 years old and I don't feel comfortable with them on the highway.

[Robert T.]

Re: C2 Ride Height

Thanks for your input Bob.

Bob

[John H.]

Re: C2 Ride Height

The factory checking dimensions have a tolerance of +/- 3/8"; if one side is on the high end and the other side is on the low end, you can have 3/4" difference between one side and the other and still be technically "in spec".

[Robert T.]

Re: C2 Ride Height

Thanks John. As always, it's great hearing from you. I wish I was closer than a half inch, but I doubt anyone but me will notice. If I squint, I could say I was 7/16 from side to side.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Bob

[Bob R.]

Re: C2 Ride Height

With my car having the drivers side higher then the passengers side I've been told that with me in the car it rides level.

[Robert T.]

Re: C2 Ride Height

Thanks Bob. I can believe that. Unfortunitly, it is my passenger side that is a little high.