Uneven Rear Height

[rjsmith530]

While am am at it, I have also noticed a driver's side sag in the rear height based on bumper measurements from the ground. It is off by 3/4". I recently installed new 140# springs from PP with the existing shocks (that are in good condition). The is no rust in the shock towers and the tires are identical. I know how to adjust the height in the front, what can I do to adjust out this 3/4" in the back?

RJS

[madd_dogg_914]

Had you just done work to the car and had it jacked up? If so the rear gets all sorts of wierd. The only thing you can do is to roll it around (or better yet drive) for a bit and it should straigten things up. AFAIK there is no height adjustment to any one side of the rear of the 914, but I could be wrong.

-Chris

[chrisreale]

After I installed new springs and shocks, the rear was sitting uneven with the engine out. After the engine was put back in, it was fine. It probably just needs to settle.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Also, messing with the ride height adjustment in front will also affect the rear to some extent.

And make sure the springs are actually seated on the spring perches.

--DD

[mskala]

Originally posted by Dave at Pelican Parts
Also, messing with the ride height adjustment in front will also affect the rear to some extent.
--DD

Dave is right, adjusting the front changes the back. I had the same issue as you, I thought there was something wrong, until I changed the torsion bar adjusters.
Mark S.
'70 914-6

[Kevin Powers]

rather than using the bumper as your reference try the points at the wheel wells where the rocker panel covers meet. measure the two front points first. if you have a level concrete surface a carpenters framing square works great, much more accurate than a tape measure. if the problem is the front adjusters you may find the diagnal front side from the low back side is higher. these measurements can be more accurate with a full tank of fuel,spare tire in place, check the air pressure in the tires and get that correct, if you have a tire that is much different (low) it throws everything out of wack and the measurements mean nothing,start with an even field. write down the measurements, when you adjust start with 1/2 of the difference, bounce the car a couple of times and roll it back and forth a bit. this is not a 5 minute adjustment, take your time. if you want to get real nit picky have someone take the measurements while you are in the drivers seat. the question of overall balance is the key imho.

kevin

My car has always been 1/2" low on the rear drivers side. We had it up on a four point scale and it showed that corner to be off. I'm getting ready to rebuild my rear suspension and I plan to install new Bilstein shocks with adjustable perches for the springs so I will be able to corner balance the car and hopefully level out the rear.

[Brad Roberts]

Drew,

before you buy your springs, you should look into the threaded coil over conversion that utilizes the 2.5 ID springs. This will give you a very precise adjustment and doesnt cost much more than buying the Welt springs. I run Eibach and H&R springs.

The range for the 2.5 springs is much better than 140's or 180's.

B

Thanks Brad, that's the way I was going to go. I plan to order them from Patrick Motorsports in AZ. I'm going to get the 175# 2.5" springs with new Bilsteins and perches in a package deal.

[Brad Roberts]

Perfect. I use the 175's on our 4cyl cars at Thunderhill and Buttonwillow race tracks. Laguna and SearsP require a stiffer spring (200).

I use 250's and up on our sixes.

B

Brad, I'm running a 6. I didn't want to go too stiff on the springs but maybe I'm making a mistake if I get the 175#. What would you suggest for a car that is mostly driven on the track but used for weekend road trips? I mostly run at Willow Springs. The track is more important than the street driving. Thanks for any advice.

[Brad Roberts]

225's all the way. The 250's is what I run on a narrow body 3.0 9146 that sees the street once or twice a week and the track 2-3 times a month. Its very smooth on the street with the 250's and the roller bearing suspension (oh Bilsteins F+R)

I think the 225's will be a decent compromise. Our 3.0 car has everything in place, including a full cage tied in.

B

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Drew, you might also consider supporting the BBS by getting your adjustable spring perch kit through Pelican.

--DD

[Brad Roberts]

Dave,

send us a link to the sales page for the perches.

B

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

They're not in the on-line catalog. (Unless they've been added since last I looked.) But that doesn't mean we don't carry them.

--DD

[Brad Roberts]

Ha ha.. that was my point. ChrisC informed us a few weeks back that the "racing" section hasnt been "installed" tell Don to get the on the stick.

B