Rear ride height uneven [Archive] - Chevelle Tech

: Rear ride height uneven


RitchH
Nov 4th, 04, 11:30 AM
The drivers side is at least 1" lower then the passenger side on my 72 wagon. Thinking I would check this out , I bought new rubber insalators for the top and switched the springs from left to right. My thinking was the passenger side would be the low side. This switch only made less then 1/4 in difference and the the driver side is still the low side. I didn't switch the shocks around, didn't think they would make a difference.
I have compleatly rebuilt the front with everthing new a couple years ago.
There don't seem to be any kind of other adjustments ......
Confused in Vegas....Ritch

GRN69CHV
Nov 4th, 04, 1:05 PM
Double check that both front springs are seated in the lower control arms correctly. In your case, I would bet that the passenger front is preloading the driver rear. Also, take a look at the top of the rear spring pocket to make sure it is not fatigued.

RitchH
Nov 4th, 04, 7:02 PM
I'll check the rear spring pocket....Don't think its the front springs because it was sitting down in the rear driver side before I put all new bushings, springs, shocks, rotors calipers,etc on the front. Thanks for the imfo, I need all the input I can get......

mark2002
Nov 4th, 04, 9:37 PM
I just did all new front end springs shocks and ball joints, rear shocks and rear springs, and my 69 still is lower on the driver side about 1.5"
The only thing left for me to try is the body bushings. After 35+ years of having a driver on one side, I think they have worn more than the passenger side. Have you checked yours?

RitchH
Nov 5th, 04, 10:30 AM
Mark, thats something I never thought of, but that sounds like it could be it. I have to do some more measuring. I think if it is body bushings the car will be lower on the frame on the driver side. And a wagon has the gas tank on the driver side also,adding to the driver side weight.....
I'm originally from S. Jersey 24 years ago.

Bob West
Nov 5th, 04, 10:01 PM
the front springs can and will make the car sit cockeyed in the rear.

RitchH
Nov 6th, 04, 2:33 PM
Thanks, Rapid Robert.......nice Chevelle you have there.

Bob West
Nov 6th, 04, 4:02 PM
Thanks :D its only taken 5.5 yrs to get it where its at,,thanks again

mark2002
Nov 11th, 04, 11:24 PM
Ritch, try measuring the frame to the floor on each side at different points . Hopefully it will be the same on both sides. I'm actually in north Jersey. Where were you from?

RitchH
Nov 12th, 04, 12:25 PM
Mark, I think I found some of the difference, a couple body bushings are mashed about a 1/4" more on the driver side. Thanks a lot for the input.
I have a 330 hp create engine with a factory serpentine kit that I'm gitting ready to install. Hate to get rid of the matching # engine, but it would cost a lot more to build that much HP into the old 2 bolt main engine.
I lived in S.Jersey (Bridgeton) for 39 years moved to Vegas in 1980......My brothers still live there. One races in Cecil County Md.

mark2002
Nov 13th, 04, 10:26 PM
Hold on to that matching numbers motor ! You never know when someone might want to put it back in.
We are up north in NJ, and usually go to Island drag way for kicks. Please let us know how you make out replacing the body mounts.

SSuper Dave
Nov 14th, 04, 11:55 AM
I tried all of the above on a '68 that I had, even had the frame checked at work and it was all good and still .75 low on one side. I got two lines for the air shocks and filled them separately, adding a little more on the low side. Worked good.

RitchH
Nov 16th, 04, 9:43 AM
Dave, that idea crossed my mind. Becauase I have a wagon with a tailgate like a ElCamino except mine drops and swings. Is that where you put your air filler where the tailgate drops, I think thats the original spot as I recall. I had a "64" six cylinder three speed with overdrive.......