Author Topic: Question about rear of car being to low  (Read 6775 times)

Jeffro19

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Question about rear of car being to low
« on: July 09, 2023, 03:11:45 AM »
Hello this is my first post. Just got my first 1st gen camaro. I am trying to figure out why the rear of the car is sitting so low? It has the multileaf springs with a total of 5 leafs. The car has had a total frame off restoration and everything is new on the car including the leaf springs, shocks and everything to do with the rear suspension. Trying to get some ideas what I can do and what might cause this? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

x66 714

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Re: Question about rear of car being to low
« Reply #1 on: July 09, 2023, 04:06:32 AM »
I think it sits great. There are some measurments in the assm if you want to check further.....Joe
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1968 Z/28 Corvette Bronze. Black Hounds Tooth. 02E Los Angeles born 3/13/1968 pnt OO. Purchased March 1976
1969 SS396 Yellow/Yellow 08E Norwood born 8/28/1969 pnt 76E. Purchased April 1981

Gars68Tux

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Re: Question about rear of car being to low
« Reply #2 on: July 09, 2023, 05:35:16 AM »
I'd say the front is a bit high. It likely will settle if the restoration is still fresh. Of course the rear may also. :-\ Suspension components (a-arms in front, shackles in the rear) should not be tightened until the entire vehicle weight is on the suspension.  You could try loosening the front a-arms and leave it that way for a few weeks to see if it settles.

 A photo of the rear suspension from underneath may be helpful...
Garth

68 RS L30 AA 749 Fred Gibb Chevrolet

MO

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Re: Question about rear of car being to low
« Reply #3 on: July 09, 2023, 05:48:39 AM »
Agree, rear looks good (maybe a little low, but not bad), front looks high.

69Z28-RS

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Re: Question about rear of car being to low
« Reply #4 on: July 09, 2023, 11:35:31 AM »
I have to agree with Gars and Mo....  front is an inch too high....  :)
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camaronut

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Re: Question about rear of car being to low
« Reply #5 on: July 09, 2023, 12:08:07 PM »
Yeah it’s the front.  If you’re inclined, I would remove the front springs and remove one coil each.  I have a friend who just finished his with the same problem.  He cut off one coil and it sits perfect.

KevinW

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Re: Question about rear of car being to low
« Reply #6 on: July 09, 2023, 12:45:11 PM »
Congrats on the purchase!

For me, I like a little rake in 69s.  I like the height of the car to have the rear tire top even with the top of qtr panel lip. And the top of front tire just a little below the fender lip.  When measuring the bottom of the rocker panel, the rear would be around 1 inch higher than the front.

The only way to change how the car sits is to work with the springs.  For my 69 vert, I used Moog 6320 springs.  Same specs as a z/28 6308 coil spring, but has a bit more height for the heavier convertible.  I had stock mono leafs re-arched 1.5" over stock height. This put my camaro just where I wanted it.

For your car, I agree start at the front, determine what spring height/coil diam. you have.  Then move on to the rear.

You said the front springs are new, measure the coil diameter & free height to see determine the spec, i.e. you might have big block springs in a small block car.  If they are just too tall then cutting a little bit will lower the front.  But if the spring is too soft, you could bottom out.  Small adjustments are key.

Then once you have the front where you want it, then work on the rear.  You new rear leafs might have been ordered with a drop.  If so, you can get them re-arched to the height you want.  Otherwise you can order new springs at the height you are looking for.

Yes, changing out all the springs is a bit of work, but it will pay for the look and handling of the car.  Shame the PO did not put in the work and just grabbed random springs to install.     

David K

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Re: Question about rear of car being to low
« Reply #7 on: July 09, 2023, 02:08:59 PM »
There are measurements in the AIM that will confirm what the stance is supposed to be.

Fred Mertz

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Re: Question about rear of car being to low
« Reply #8 on: July 10, 2023, 02:55:52 AM »
I see no problem here..

Jeffro19

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Re: Question about rear of car being to low
« Reply #9 on: July 10, 2023, 04:01:07 AM »
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. The car has a 427 big block so I’m sure the front springs are correct. I need to get the actually measurement to make sure. I checked and the passenger side rear is about 3/4 higher than the drivers side? So maybe just change the drivers side spring? It has the correct springs I’m sure which are the multi leaf with 5 leafs and are new and they both look the same. I guess I could get them re arched. Not sure of the process to get them re arched as far as taking measurements goes. I just hate to buy new and I get the same result. Anyone know where in the assembly manual where the measurements are and what it should be off the ground to the start of the wheel well? Thanks

MO

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Re: Question about rear of car being to low
« Reply #10 on: July 10, 2023, 04:53:10 AM »
Trim heights, UPC 0 A10. This is info is on sheet/page 10.

69Z28-RS

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Re: Question about rear of car being to low
« Reply #11 on: July 10, 2023, 12:07:48 PM »
One needs to understand that NEW Springs purchased today are NOT the same as new springs installed in '69...
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69 Corvette, '60 Corvette, '72 Corvette
90 ZR1 red/red #246, 90 ZR1 white/gray #2466
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David K

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Re: Question about rear of car being to low
« Reply #12 on: July 10, 2023, 01:12:14 PM »
Accessories/options effect the overall stance measurements.

69Z28-RS

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Re: Question about rear of car being to low
« Reply #13 on: July 10, 2023, 01:56:55 PM »
DavidK posted..  "Accessories/options effect the overall stance measurements."

As they do the *springs* utilized by the factory..  based on weight over front and rear ends of the car..
09C 69Z28-RS, 72 B 720 cowl console rosewood tint
69 Corvette, '60 Corvette, '72 Corvette
90 ZR1 red/red #246, 90 ZR1 white/gray #2466
72 El Camino, '55-'56-'57 Nomads, '55-'57 B/A Sedan

MO

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Re: Question about rear of car being to low
« Reply #14 on: July 11, 2023, 05:25:36 AM »
Absolutely, new springs are nowhere near the same as original. When you buy new springs it is anticipated that you note all accessories, options, drivetrain and model specs. If you don't, you have no idea what you have bought or how your car will be effected.