Koni to Bilstein ride height compensation?

[Rich Lambert]

After doing a search on Bilsteins, it looks like I can expect a ride height increase when I replace the worn front Koni's with Bilstein HD's on my '66. I just paid a bunch for an alignment and corner balance and I don't want to do it again. Yes, I should have replaced the front inserts when I had everything apart, but I didn't...ok?

There's 2 ways to adjust the ride height: the adjustment screw on the T-bar cap and re-indexing the T-bar. I'm thinking that using the adjustment screw will mess with the camber, but if I re-index the bars so that the ride height remains the same as before, the alignment won't be affected.

If re-indexing the bars is the way to go, how much will each spline at the rear of the bar affect the ride height?

Any thoughts?

One more thing, the brass ring that's taped to the bottom of the insert...do I just leave that taped on when I install the insert?

[Chuck Moreland]

Rich

Ride height will go up. Since you are only doing the fronts, this is easily resolved.

Before you put in the inserts, take careful measure of the ride height. And mark the position of the tires on the floor.

Put in the inserts. Put the tires back in the same position on the floor.

Now restore original ride height by turning both front height adjuster screws an equal amount, until you are back to the starting height.

This should get you very close to original corner weight and alignment.

Keep in mind ride height changes slightly all the time; with passengers, luggage, changing fuel load. And with each change so too changes the alignment.

[Rich Lambert]

That's too easy...thanks Chuck.