Hello,
I have a 1970 Chevelle Malibu on which I have just installed new bushings throughout to include new body bushings. My problem is now the front fender wheel well openings sit about 4 inches above the top of the front tires. I have the complete engine installed, fenders (obviously), hood, and doors installed. Will installing bumpers, interior, windshield, and door glass make enough weight to bring the front end down or do I need to look further? I know when I put the front clip and doors on it came down a little, as it was even higher before that.
Any help is appreciated
Thanks in advance :confused:

Did you replace springs?

4 inches seems awful high

No the only thing that was replaced was the bushings, same springs, same control arms etc...

Sounds like your suspension may be binding. Did you torque your upper and lower control arms already?

If so, that may be the problem, I never final torque my suspension before the car is completely assembled (full weight on the ground).

So if i loosen the suspension bolts a bit will it bring it down or will the weight of all the new hardare bring it down when installed?

So if i loosen the suspension bolts a bit will it bring it down or will the weight of all the new hardare bring it down when installed?
The car should eventually fall close to where it sat previous to tear down.

Loosen the the control arms enough so the bushings are not in a bind situation (free movement).

Assemble the rest of the car then final torque suspension (full weight/completely assembled and all four wheels on the ground).

Write a note and stick it on your D.S. glass or steering wheel as a reminder to do final torque before alignment or first road test.

OK I'll give that a try thanks. I appreciate the advice

Thats probably the most common problem that people incur when they reassemble their front end is torquing the control arm bolts with the suspension hanging, thus putting a preload on the bushings.

Loosen control arm bolts and set car on ground, might even serve you well to bounce the front end up and down several times to get everything to relax. Re torque with weight on the ground and you should be good.


Rocky

Hey man you guys are geniuses. I loosened everything up and the car settled at least 2 inches, I'm hoping installing the bumpers, interior, glass etc... will bring it down some too. Thanks again

Colin, did you use rubber or poly bushings?

polyurethane from Energy Suspension

Poly isn't supposed to bind like that, but this is a good real world example of that not being the case. Glad it worked out.

Yeah I had a reputable shop in my area install the bushings in the control arms. Not sure how well they greased them prior to installation. I gave them the tube of lube with the control arms but who knows. i dont know if that would make any difference as far as the binding but I would think it would.