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  •  » Front end ride height

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    9/04/2019 2:43 PM  #1

    mark1965
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    Registered: 4/03/2013
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    Front end ride height

    I have a 65 coupe with 302 stock front suspension if I measure from the lip of the fender down to the center of the wheel I have on the drivers side 12 3/4” on the passenger side 13 1/4” .
    The tire is starting to rub the top lip of the fender on the drivers side  could this be the coil springs ?
    My tire size is 215 60 15

     

    9/04/2019 3:04 PM  #2

    TKOPerformance
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    From: Newark, DE
    Registered: 12/15/2014
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    Re: Front end ride height

    It could be.  It could be other things too though.  Has it always been that way or did it just start? 

     

    9/04/2019 4:04 PM  #3

    mark1965
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    Re: Front end ride height

    TKOPerformance wrote:

    It could be.  It could be other things too though.  Has it always been that way or did it just start? 

    Yes just started noticing at this summer rubbing the paint off the inside fender lip
     

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    9/04/2019 5:03 PM  #4

    Nos681
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    From: Atlantic Mine, Michigan
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    Re: Front end ride height

    Silly question...but have to ask.
    Are tire pressures the same all around?
    What backspacing do you have?...are they all the same?

     

    9/04/2019 5:10 PM  #5

    mark1965
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    Re: Front end ride height

    Nos681 wrote:

    Silly question...but have to ask.
    Are tire pressures the same all around?
    What backspacing do you have?...are they all the same?

     35 psi all round
    Magnum 500 15” 4.25 backspace

       •Thread Starter
     

    9/04/2019 5:34 PM  #6

    Nos681
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    Re: Front end ride height

    You didn’t mention age or type of coil springs in front.
    I would carefully inspect springs to see if a failure may have occurred.
    Inspect control arms too.

    What is wheel width?

    Does it drive differently?

     

    9/04/2019 6:08 PM  #7

    TKOPerformance
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    Re: Front end ride height

    Look at the spring perch and isolator as well.  Over time I've seen rubber parts on cars literally disintegrate and fall out.  Its a 1/2" difference, which isn't huge (seems huge in this situation), but it could be one or several things stacking up. 

     

    9/04/2019 6:22 PM  #8

    mark1965
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    Re: Front end ride height

    TKOPerformance wrote:

    Look at the spring perch and isolator as well.  Over time I've seen rubber parts on cars literally disintegrate and fall out.  Its a 1/2" difference, which isn't huge (seems huge in this situation), but it could be one or several things stacking up. 

    Springs are about 10 years old
    I will be checking the front end this weekend to see if I have any failure or worn parts


     

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    9/05/2019 10:12 AM  #9

    MS
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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
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    Re: Front end ride height

    Opposite corner rear leaf can also cause it.  Put rear of frame on equal height jackstands (not under axle) to verify.  I worked on a customer's 70 MACH I many years ago where a similar problem turned out to be a bad rear spring.

    Just offering other options, but usually it is something in front.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    9/05/2019 3:56 PM  #10

    TKOPerformance
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    From: Newark, DE
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    Re: Front end ride height

    MS wrote:

    Opposite corner rear leaf can also cause it.  Put rear of frame on equal height jackstands (not under axle) to verify.  I worked on a customer's 70 MACH I many years ago where a similar problem turned out to be a bad rear spring.

    Just offering other options, but usually it is something in front.

    Wow, it wedged the chassis like in a NASCAR!

     

    9/05/2019 5:16 PM  #11

    mark1965
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    Re: Front end ride height

    Update on front suspension did a check today and found the rubber bushing on the spring perch on the driver side was torn and pushed out and part of it was missing so I’m assuming that maybe some of the problem

    So I’m thinking if I have to go in and replace the spring perches I may want to go ahead and upgrade the front suspension is anyone using anything other than the original upper and lower control arms and spring perches if so what are you using or what do you recommend for an upgrade

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    9/05/2019 7:28 PM  #12

    MS
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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
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    Re: Front end ride height

    The WYAIT MONSTER lurks!!!

    I have GW tubular control arms but I see no improvement over stockers.   
    A pair of Opentracker bearing type perches will help in longevity since all the rubber ones now are crap.

    Rebuild the UCA with my slot and weld technique, drill for Shelby drop, use all MOOG parts and use Bilstein shocks and a 15/16” or 1” sway bar and it will be about as good as it is ever going to get. If you want to spend big bucks, put it in a TCP rack or a Borgeson box.

    If Michael ever sends me his upper control arms to rebuild, I will post another how-to on the procedure of setting up the UCA shafts so they do not bind.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    9/06/2019 4:14 PM  #13

    6sally6
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    From: Surfside Beach,SC
    Registered: 4/02/2013
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    Re: Front end ride height

    Roller perches get sortuva mixed revue on here. Some like.....some don't like.
    I LIKE'em.  Lets the front end rise easier on acceleration and seems to ride/drive easier too. One less "squeak-point" too.
    Opentracker has "everything" roller bearing-ed for the front end.  Take your pick.
    Shelby drop is a "must-do" for the handling benefits and prolly the least expen$ive.
    One piece export brace and Monte Carlo bar are great additions to improve handling too.
    Brang-a-big-checkbook....it goes on and on.
    6sal6

    Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
     

     

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