Ride height?

[kels87gn]

My car sitting with no passengers in the backseat is around 26 3/4" high and it's the factory springs and shocks. I know I have to change them. When my kids (120 lbs total) are in the back it's a lot lower. I was planning on bilstein shocks and maybe those cargo springs. I'm not racing or any of that just want to enjoy the car with the family but it sits low with them in it. I want it to have the raked look but not drastic. Give me your opinions.

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[earlbrown]

Measure it unloaded and then measure it again with 120#s of crotchdroplings in the back seat. (to me more accurate stick on on the seat and one in the trunk)
Using some basic math you can figure out the spring rate of what you have. Then get a spring with a higher rate and you're have less drop between loaded and unloaded.


Or you could just get some gas charged shocks and see what that does.

 

[notacarlo]

Air bags work well. Easy to install. Can charge and discharge at will.

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[charlief1]

Ride height is measured at the rocker panels 24.5" behind the center of the front wheels and 21" in front of the center of the rear wheels. It should be between 9 & 1/8" and 10 & 5/8". This is measured without anyone in it Once you get these measurements then add the kids ect and see where it sits so you know if you've got spring issues or something else going on. Have you replaced the body bushings or at least checked them yet?

 

[earlbrown]

That's interesting Charlie. I never knew there was a published height speck with datum points. When I did my body bushings it raised the body a little over 1/2" from the frame.

 

[charlief1]

That's interesting Charlie. I never knew there was a published height speck with datum points. When I did my body bushings it raised the body a little over 1/2" from the frame.

Believe it or not, that's the factory locations but for the 4 door it's measured at the wheel from the ground to the top of the arch center of the wheel. Same with the wagon. Don't know why they did it that way makes no sense and they should've put the measurement at the frame and one from the bottom of the frame to the rocker panel so you could check bushing condition.

 

[1952ray]

Ride height is measured at the rocker panels 24.5" behind the center of the front wheels and 21" in front of the center of the rear wheels. It should be between 9 & 1/8" and 10 & 5/8". This is measured without anyone in it Once you get these measurements then add the kids ect and see where it sits so you know if you've got spring issues or something else going on. Have you replaced the body bushings or at least checked them yet?

Good info, thanks, have always wonder about factory ride height. Thanks again.

 

[kels87gn]

Thanks I'll measure it tomorrow. I know springs shock and body bushings have not been replaced. It has 14,000 miles and supposedly stored long periods with suspension unloaded. There is no way for me to verify that though. I was told for long periods it would be on jack stands somehow. Not sure if that was good or bad. It handles great compared to others I test drove before buying this one. The suspension is stock with the exception to some type of triangular sway bar under the front. The body bushings are not crushed but it is on the to do list along withe the 2 missing ones. Has anyone used those cargo springs from highway stars or kirbans? I'm definitely thinking bilsteins unless there are other similar options. My dad had them on his 20 years ago and it handles great from what I remember.


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[charlief1]

Depending on where they put the stands will depend on whether the springs are in need of replacing. If the stands were under the front arms and axle then they're shot. It does keep the tires from developing flat spots though.

 

[buickGN3:16]

Air bags work well. Easy to install. Can charge and discharge at will.

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deffinately agree with the air bags because i have them & select my prefferd ride height & i dont have to hope the new springs gimme what i want..


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[1952ray]

My car has 12,000 miles, I did change the rear springs with Kirban's variable springs plus billeting shocks all four corners.also the body bushings, as far as I know ride height is the same. It does ride better.

 

[earlbrown]

Keep in mind Charlies measurements are based on stock tire heights (which I believe to be rated at 27"). If the centerline of the hub isn't 13.5" off the ground make sure to adjust your measurements accordingly.

 

[kels87gn]

So with air bags does it raise the car any or just stiffen it up? This is the way it sits right now hard to tell in the dark. I just drove it to work.

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[charlief1]

Air bags will stiffen the ride somewhat if left inflated when the car doesn't have a load. They will also lift the car some.

 

[notacarlo]

Its on the fly. So you can kill the bags with no load. With a full load you can inflate them to just the rake you want and drive away.

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[scot w.]

For what your looking for, Air Bags! = Simple install, Cheap and they will work perfect for what you want...

 

[kels87gn]

I definitely want it raised some and with kids I don't want it to sag so I'm leaning toward cargo springs. That should keep it from dropping as much correct?


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[scot w.]

I definitely want it raised some and with kids I don't want it to sag so I'm leaning toward cargo springs. That should keep it from dropping as much correct?


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The Air bags "Will" raise the car some and add rate! that is what they are designed for... I use the same kind of air bags on my Tahoe when loading up for BG and hauling my car and they work fantastic! Cargo springs can be a harsh, stiffer ride over some air in the air bags and once you install the cargo springs your stuck with that ride unless you replace the springs again, with air bags if it's too stiff you let some air out, if your by yourself and want the old smooth ride back you let the air out, if you want more rate with say luggage in the car you simply add more air! Simple, Easy and Effective!

 

[kels87gn]

Thank you. Any vendors you recommend or brand difference in air bags? I'll combine that with bilstein shocks later I think.


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[scot w.]

Thank you. Any vendors you recommend or brand difference in air bags? I'll combine that with bilstein shocks later I think.


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We don't actually sell those but do a search here and buy from a supporting vendor here...