Ride Height - How low is too low?

[NoLift911]

So for the folks running lower ride heights (Lower than euro) what tricks are you using to keep from rubbing?

My example - 84 Carrera 22/29 t-bars, Sport Bilsteins, max camber front and rear, running 17 inch Fikse 255 rear and 225 front.

I am at about 24.5 in the rear and 24.25 in the front (fender to ground, I know not super accurate but close enough for comparo purposes.

As it stands now I need an adjsutable bump steer kit (have rack spacers) but tie rod angles are still off.

What are other folks running?

[Joe Bob]

Well, legally when something hangs lower than tire height. Mechanically when shocks bottom out or when the steering is compromised.

Around 23 inches or less at wheel arch to ground is where it gets iffy.

[tobluforu]

How low is to low? When a CHP pulls you over, pulls out his billy club with a notch on it and checks to see if the center of the head light is below or above notch.

[mholbrook38]

I think mine is stock. I know I've never change the ride height and the PO did not either. 25" front and 24.5" rear. Seems just right to me. I'm also running stock tire/wheel sizes. Only the sway bars are a little larger but that wouldn't contribute to a height change.

[NoLift911]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Well, legally when something hangs lower than tire height. Mechanically when shocks bottom out or when the steering is compromised.

Around 23 inches or less at wheel arch to ground is where it gets iffy.

Right - so let's say you are right at 24 - does that require bump stop cutting? I guess if there was a chart with ride heights and what that would entail, that would help. Knowing that all cars are different that has to be some givens that need to be doen at certain ride heights.

[Joe Bob]

That's about euro ride height. Should be OK unless you do something stoopid like run 24s with rubber band tires....

[r_towle]

When your front control arms are level or the inner most point is lower than the ball joint, that is to low.
You want to keep the front a-arm at an angle so that the inner bushings are higher than the ball joint.

RIch

[wildcat077]

Parker,

I have pretty much the same setup as you on my 89 including the steering rack spacers and everything is fine,even on the track...
My hand does not fit between the top of the rear tire and the fender in the rear and in the front my knuckles just clear it.
Your car looks perfect the way it is !

Cheers !
Phil

[nesslar]

"So for the folks running lower ride heights (Lower than euro) what tricks are you using to keep from rubbing?" ...16" Fuchs.... Mine is a little lower than real 'Euro'; not much though. I think your front needs to go up maybe 1/2". Just IMHO. But then I don't like 17s, but just my opinion of course. Your car looks pretty sharp (otherwise)!

[Canada Kev]

I'm at about 24.75 FR and 24.25 RR. I have no rubbing on 225/255 on 17s, though my front fenders are rolled. To combat bump steer, my front spindles are raised 3/4 of an inch with Elephant's bump steer kit. I have no bump steer at all now. The pic below is about a quarter inch higher than these measurements. It wouldn't hurt my feelings to get back up to that height.

[drola]

Originally Posted by syzygy

I'm at about 24.75 FR and 24.25 RR. I have no rubbing on 225/255 on 17s, though my front fenders are rolled. To combat bump steer, my front spindles are raised 3/4 of an inch with Elephant's bump steer kit. I have no bump steer at all now. The pic below is about a quarter inch higher than these measurements. It wouldn't hurt my feelings to get back up to that height.

that is a sweet looking ride

[J.J.]

its never too low, slammed with everything else stock, no rubbing at all. used to rub with 225's at the front now with 205's all good.

[wildcat077]

Now that looks low ...
Nice picture !

Cheers !
Phil

[will hung]

Originally Posted by syzygy

I'm at about 24.75 FR and 24.25 RR. I have no rubbing on 225/255 on 17s, though my front fenders are rolled. To combat bump steer, my front spindles are raised 3/4 of an inch with Elephant's bump steer kit. I have no bump steer at all now. The pic below is about a quarter inch higher than these measurements. It wouldn't hurt my feelings to get back up to that height.

syzygy, Are you running stock torsion bars and swaybars, or did you upgrade them?

[Canada Kev]

Torsions are 22/28, but sways are stock.

[will hung]

Originally Posted by syzygy

Torsions are 22/28, but sways are stock.

Thanks. As you already know, it's an awesome ride.

[Canada Kev]

Thank you very much.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by P-Dawger

Right - so let's say you are right at 24..

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

That's about euro ride height.

That's actually a lot lower than Euro ride height. I wouldn't care to run that low on the street. I had a car 30 years ago that was lowered to that point when I bought it and it was a pain, in normal driving. I think there is a tradeoff between what looks nice and what works well. I think that most people that lower a 911 run too low a ride height.

Just my .02..

JR

[will hung]

syzygy, not to be a pain in the butt, but I have another question. You say in your original post that in the picture posted above that your car sat a quarter of an inch higher, front and rear.

Was the suspension at that time as you have it now (raised spindles and 22/28 torsions) or was it stock? I ask because I'd love to get a set of Zuchs for my car and it currently sets at the ride height in your pic. Thank you.

[NoLift911]

Originally Posted by r_towle

When your front control arms are level or the inner most point is lower than the ball joint, that is to low.
You want to keep the front a-arm at an angle so that the inner bushings are higher than the ball joint.

RIch

I think that is the issue - my control arms are level, the tie rods are at a ridiculous angle.

I think I need the bolt on bump steer kit.