Adjusting ride height

[ponkotsu]

I'm going to get my springs re-arched. Not sure how high to go though. I measured from ground to the fender lip. Front is 33.5" and rear is 32". I assume that the rear should be slightly higher than the front. So I'm thinking I should raise it 2", plus maybe another .5" to allow for settling. So a total of 2.5".

Anyone have any idea of the correct ride height? I'm searched the web, and I can't find the published number anywhere.

 

[koda2000]

don't know about ride heigth. i can messure my x's of that helps you (stock heigth with 15 & 16 inch wheels, no sag). as far as rearching your springs, i read others in this formum advise against it, i believe saying it won't hold the new heigth and suggesting you buy new springs with the higher arch (can't speak from personal experience).

 

[ponkotsu]

I talked to a local spring shop, and he said he never had one come back in 20 years in business. I'm a bit skeptical. But seems like an interesting way to spend a Saturday. And it gives me a good excuse to buy a cheap hydraulic press. I'll document the ride height and check it periodically to see how fast it goes back down.

 

[koda2000]

curious what you need the press for? the spring bushings? I've never needed one. just used my vise and/or my BFH with some sort of lube.

 

[masospaghetti]

As an alternative, you could get the Monroe Sensatracs with built in coil spring. These raise ride height approximately 1.5" and are easy to install. Not expensive either.

MONROE Part # 58617 More Info Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting; Sold In Pairs $81.99
Source: Rockauto

I installed a pair and also lowered the front just a bit for better aero on the freeway - I love the way it looks and no issues with ride quality.

 

[ponkotsu]

curious what you need the press for? the spring bushings? I've never needed one. just used my vise and/or my BFH with some sort of lube.

Hydraulic press is the tool of choice to re-arch. Much easier to control than a vise or BFH.

 

[koda2000]

Hydraulic press is the tool of choice to re-arch. Much easier to control than a vise or BFH.

sorry, i must have misunderstood you. i thought you said were taking it to the "local spring shop" to get the springs re-arched. i didn't realize you planned on doing it yourself.

 

[sportblack99]

If you are doing them yourself you probably don't have a way to heat treat the new arch. If that's not done the will flatten back out. If you want to rearch them, go to the spring shop. Doing it yourself could get you hurt or worse.

 

[ponkotsu]

Well, I do appreciate your concern but I won't get hurt. I've got decades of experience around heavy machinery.

As for the permanent effect, I'm rather skeptical myself. But I did lots of research on the web and talked to a couple of spring shops, and this is the prevailing method.

If it doesn't work, I'm not out much except a couple hours work. If it does work, I saved myself about $300. And I'll be sure to accurately measure the ride height and track it over the next few months to see if it goes back.

 

[ponkotsu]

BTW, this is the best article I found on it.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/suspension/129_1207_sprung_out_leaf_spring_rebuild/