Arrrrgg! Ride height trouble

blk911 · 02-28-2009, 09:41 AM

Ok, need some help here; just installed new Neatrix rear spring plate bushings on stock spring plates on a 79 SC. As far I know, stock t-bars, (think I measured them at 23MM). Anyway, I used Wil Ferch's calculator and set springplate angle at 38.5 degrees with the door sill indicated as level. When I lowered the car, bounced it several times, even stood on the rear bumper, measurment to to of rear wheel arch is 26.75"!!!!!!! WTF!

I do have Koni sport gas shocks, does it just take them a while to settle back down? I really don't want to have to re-index the t-bars again!!!!

tonythetarga · 02-28-2009, 09:50 AM

If it is drivable you should drive it a mile or two to settle it down to the true height of the adjustment. Then measure where you are. Bouncing on it doesn't quite do it, so don't kick yourself too hard.....at least not yet anyway.

blk911 · 02-28-2009, 09:52 AM

Thanks, Tony. I was also just searching some of Wil Ferch's comments on this and feeling possibly a little stupid. I guess in order for the springplate to hang to the "true" droop, you have to remove the bottom rearmost springplate cover bolt?

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

Yes, the lowest cover bolt has to go.
Gas shocks may need a little time but they would only account for about 1/2-3/4"
Don't feel bad.
Some of us went up and down 3-6 times to get it right.
Go at it again.
Re-index and adjust the eccentric bolt so the shorter positioning lever sits in the center of the spring plate.
That way you'll have some adjustment left later to fine-tune.

blk911 · 02-28-2009, 10:01 AM

Tony and Gunter, thanks again. One more, shouldn't I be able to just lift one side of the car at a time and perform this operation? Originally, I have the car on four jackstands, completely level and shocks and sway bar disconnected. Does it matter?

Fritz Peyerl · 02-28-2009, 10:06 AM

You could do one side at the time, but it would be a guessing game. raise the car, level it and start from scratch.

Fritz

Gunter · Gunter's Garage

Yes, it matters.
Shocks and swaybars disconnected.
I left the front wheels on the ground to do the rear. (Level ground)
To check fender lip to ground height later, the ground has to be level.
I was looking for 25" front, 24.5" rear with the positioning lever in the middle of the spring plate. New Gas Bilsteins in the rear.
Stay about 1/2" higher than you want, it'll settle after a few days.

tonythetarga · 02-28-2009, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blk911

Tony and Gunter, thanks again. One more, shouldn't I be able to just lift one side of the car at a time and perform this operation? Originally, I have the car on four jackstands, completely level and shocks and sway bar disconnected. Does it matter?

I'd do it the same way you started with 4 wheels off the ground, re-check the car is level, disconnect everything as Gunter suggests and re-index. We've all done it before. It is a pain, no doubt. I nailed mine on the first re-index and was happy not to have to do it a 3rd time.
Good luck and patience.....swearing out loud is acceptable (and inevitable!)

blk911 · 02-28-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonythetarga

I'd do it the same way you started with 4 wheels off the ground, re-check the car is level, disconnect everything as Gunter suggests and re-index. We've all done it before. It is a pain, no doubt. I nailed mine on the first re-index and was happy not to have to do it a 3rd time.
Good luck and patience.....swearing out loud is acceptable (and inevitable!)

Ahhhhhh, that's what I forgot!

blk911 · 02-28-2009, 05:39 PM

Ok, if it helps someone else, I'll show my ignorance. Finally figured out that I was using the wrong weight for my 79SC on Wil Ferch's calculator, should have input 2558#, not 3056# as posted on the door jamb. Curb weight is 2558, Maximum gross vehicle weight is 3056. So that changed the springplate droop angle from 38.5 degrees to 33 degrees for Euro ride height. Doohh!!!!