Adjusting Body Height

[Jim L.]

I noticed my 67 vette is lower to the ground at the right rear (measured from center of wheel well to the ground) as compared to the left rear side. Is there an adjustment to correct this or is it something like weak leaf springs etc.

[Mike M.]

Re: Adjusting Body Height

aspring will need replaced or re-arched. mike

[Chris E.]

Re: Adjusting Body Height

Where the spring connects to the trailing arm, there is a bolt with a castle nut. If you want to raise that corner, you can raise the nut (thread it deeper onto the bolt). If you want to lower that corner, you can lower the nut (thread it out to the end of the bolt).

Certainly, there comes a time when you can't get any more travel out of the nut, and the spring needs to be replaced.

The castle nut and bolt combo I'm referring to is in this picture, straight up and down, near the bottom of the photo.

[Stephen L.]

Re: Adjusting Body Height

Hey Chris, your rear suspension photo looks strangely familiar.....could it be...? LOL

Jim, how much difference is there from side to side? Did you check the ride height per the AIM where you measure various suspension points? The rubber donuts on the springs can be a source of your problem too.

[Jim L.]

Re: Adjusting Body Height

Thanks Mike, Chris and Stephen for your replies. The right side is about 3/4 of an inch lower than the left. Could I get this much out of the adjustment with the castle nut? Would I need to jack up the car to take the weight off the spring in order to turn the castle nut etc. This is worth a try before buying a new spring etc. Haven't checked any other measurements regarding ride height in the AIM

Thanks

Jim

[Stephen L.]

Re: Adjusting Body Height

Check the suspension ride height per the AIM before any adjustments. Now you have a benchmark.
IMHO I don't think the castle nut is meant as an adjustment. The cotter key slots in the castle nut are only so long and are meant to have a cotter key fully in them. If its really leaning to one side then the spring may not be the culprit. I would think the spring condition would be equal on both sides from old age/rust/deterioration, unless a leaf is broken on that side. Take a close look at the rubber donuts. If one is severely worn/missing this could definitely cause your problem. Also, if the struts are way out of alignment, this can contribute too. That would be obvious as the wheel would not be vertical.

Old cars are wonderful!!!

[Wayne W.]

Re: Adjusting Body Height

You should first determine where the problem is, the frame and body or the suspension. Block the frame up level on a level floor. Then check the measurements of both the frame and the body. If the body is now level, then the problem is in the suspension.