Ride height

[cliffcadle]

Newbie here with his first project.

How do you measure for proper spring/shock length to get the desired ride height?

Thanks in advance

[GregWeld]

Newbie here with his first project.

How do you measure for proper spring/shock length to get the desired ride height?

Thanks in advance

Set the car without shocks etc --- using metal 'bars' with holes drilled in it to mate up with your mounting postions... You can make various holes in them - say every one inch or so... that way you can see what looks best...

Once done - then you measure from mounting hole to mounting hole -- let's say it's 14" - just to pick a number - then talk to the manufacturer or dealer - and find what they have that fits your car for that RIDE HEIGHT... because they have to extend beyond that - and of course - collapse as well - so you actually still have a suspension!!

Your set ride height is generally in the "middle" of the shocks extended to collapsed travel.

If you look at some of the projects here - you might see what I'm saying -- look for builds and see you you can see their suspension being set up - some guys use square steel tubing - some use threaded adjusters with eyes on each end etc -- but these cars are generally set up on frame tables so can be easily worked on and sorted out.

By the way - I'm assuming you're using COIL springs not LEAF springs... either way - you may have to remove the springs in order to DROP the car to where you want to look at it.... as it's the springs that are holding the car "up" not the shocks...

[GregWeld]

If you look closely at this photo you'll see that where the "shock and coil spring" should be - there is only a square piece of tubing -- he's using this to set his ride height --- to build around - and this will also tell him his length of shock -- and coil --

The coil will have to be ordered based on the weight of the car etc -- but if you have a "known" car - then you can find the weight of the car via the interent - or the manufacturers website etc (of the coils etc - not the factory that built the car...)



http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/data/500/IM000788_Small_.JPG