Height after shock install [Archive] - Team Camaro Tech

: Height after shock install


BadMrFrossty
May 12th, 09, 07:14 PM
I haven't had my 67 long but the shocks needed replacing. The driver's side sat low, perfect stance to me, but it was because the shock was done. The pass side was about the correct height but shock also needed replacing. So, I replaced both shocks on the rear. The driver's side sits higher now and the pass side is a tad bit higher as well, BUT, there is an inch worth of height difference from the driver's side, which sits lower than the pass side. Could it be the shock being worn causing the mono-leaf spring extra stress and causing the difference in height? Any ideas if not? Also, there was no shock on the driver's front and there WAS a shock on the pass side. Could this contribute to the difference in height too?

Gar's67
Jun 2nd, 09, 10:24 AM
Maybe you have some worn-out mono's. I'm curious too as I am experiencing the same thing. Installed new Hotchkis mono's and Rancho 9-way adjustables. The car sits 1" higher on the passenger side. Placed a floor jack under the front-center of the car and raised both wheels off the ground and still have the problem. Loosened rear shackle bolts and made sure they are pivoting without any bind. Will take the shocks off next and see if that's the culprit. Former owner installed Hotchkis BB springs in the front. Engine has not been installed yet. We may both have the same problem. Is the ft/passenger side coil sitting in its perch properly?

TJS69
Jun 2nd, 09, 12:18 PM
Shocks should not hold the body up , but they can ! Did the previous owner install the front springs correctly ? Were the control arms tightened with the full weight of the car, on the ground ?

BadMrFrossty
Jun 3rd, 09, 09:22 AM
When I got the car in the air, I noticed the driver's side front did NOT have a shock and the passanger side did. I knew both the rear shocks needed replacing so I figure one was weaker than the other and didn't think much of it. So I replaced both the rear shocks and took the passenger side shock off the front. Now the rear sits higher than before on both sides but the driver's side is still lower than the pass by an inch. I'm still wanting to think, as I don't know how long the front shock was missing or the rear shocks were worn, that I do have weak Monos and the lack of front shock and weaker rear shock on driver's side is what's causing the lean. I hope that wasn't too confusing. He's some before and after pics.....

Pass side BEFORE front shock removal and rear shock replacement:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i309/BadMrFrossty/1st%20Gen/S7000006.jpg
Here is driver side:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i309/BadMrFrossty/1st%20Gen/DSC_0320.jpg

Here is passenger side AFTER front shock removal and rear shock replacement:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i309/BadMrFrossty/1st%20Gen/DSC_0385-1.jpg
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i309/BadMrFrossty/1st%20Gen/DSC_0387.jpg
Here is driver side:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i309/BadMrFrossty/1st%20Gen/DSC_0386.jpg

I know they aren't the best pictures and the difference isn't very noticable but if need be, I can measure from center of wheel, from payment to fender/1/4 on each side for further proof.

Gar's67
Jun 4th, 09, 09:13 AM
Like I mentioned earlier, my '67 had the same problem. Your post inspired me to figure out where the actual problem was coming from....thanks! I finally found it. The passenger spring was not seated in its upper pocket properly. I had to look a couple of times to make sure my eyes weren't playing tricks on me. The spring wasn't centered correctly. With the front of the car jacked up in the air, I just wedged a wrench in between the spring and upper pocket area and gave it a few quick pulls. The spring made a loud "tinnnggg" and bounced back into place. Car sits almost perfect now.

BadMrFrossty
Jun 4th, 09, 10:24 AM
Thanks for the update. I'll check it out once I get the car back from the body shop. Getting a few things done to it right now. I need to replace the monos and springs but can't really do it until everything gets blasted underneath and repaired. All in due time I guess.

Fred Ficarra
Jun 4th, 09, 11:38 PM
Good stance! Do what Gary did and look for suspension stuff that's bound-up. You can check your shocks when they're off of the car. Just move them in and out a little and note if they return to a previous position. They probably won't. Shock stay put. But there are exceptions.

zlek131
Jun 5th, 09, 09:08 AM
Also....Check your front body bushings (passenger side) at the radiator support core and make sure the bracket that holds/binds the bushing to the frame is not rusted out. I am currently fixing the same issue. I upgraded my entire suspension and the measurements (ground to fender lip) were perfect all four corners (left front matched right front and left rear matched right rear). Then, I torqued down the solid body bushing which caused my front passenger bushing to pop through the rusted out bracket. Sure enough the front passenger side has dropped down and is now sagging 1 inch lower.

BadMrFrossty
Jun 5th, 09, 09:20 AM
Good stance! Do what Gary did and look for suspension stuff that's bound-up. You can check your shocks when they're off of the car. Just move them in and out a little and note if they return to a previous position. They probably won't. Shock stay put. But there are exceptions.

I checked the old ones I took off. I EASILY compressed them and they didn't move. They were done. As you can see, rears ones are compressed.....
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i309/BadMrFrossty/1st%20Gen/DSC_0324.jpg

I'll subscribe to this thread and check everything everyone suggested when I get it back form body shop. I bought the car on April 4th and it still hasn't see home. :(