Why is frontend sitting high?

[Tri5Nerd]

All,

I'm curious as to why my 55.2 front clip is sitting high when it should be lowered based on having the camaro clip?

When I got the frame it was in pieces and the upper and lower control arms and all supporting parts were off the frame. Everyone I talk to said that the frame should be sitting lower than it is now, with the springs installed it appears that the upper control arm is going to hit the frame, at the top of the arm there is a little area for a rubber insert which it does not have but that is not the issue. I'll get that insert.
I'm thinking that I will need to cut the springs to bring it down to the height I want.

Please look at the picture and tell me if it looks correct. Shot the control arms be stilling up whn the wheels are on? mine is not raised up.

[dwcsr]

don't cut anything untill you have it at curb weight.

[bretcopsey]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

don't cut anything untill you have it at curb weight.

Once even the engine/transmission are installed, the suspension will compress quite a bit. In the meantime, if you need to see what final ride height should be, get some 1/2" all thread and a bunch of appropriately sized washers and nuts. Mount the all thread in place of the shocks and use it to compress the springs until the lower control arms are parallel to the ground.

I used 5/8" all thread on mine, but I had to enlarge the holes for the upper shock mount in order to use it.

[55ChevyPU]

have 4 or 5 guys stand on the frame and I bet you wont be thinking the same thing :P

[fireout]

It's probably about right with no engine weight on it. Start piling stuff on and then see if you need to do more to lower it.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Yours looks about right. I had two inch dropped coils in mine before I went to the shockwaves. Once you have the motor, trans, cab, clips, bumers and bed on it will drop down more. If it's still not low enough, then you might want to look into dropped spindles. P.S. Your frame looks great!

[Tri5Nerd]

Here's a picture with the motor and transmission in, I also had the front sheetmetal on and it didn't go down any lower. Shouldn't the crossmember sit lower?

[bretcopsey]

Originally Posted by Tri5Nerd

Here's a picture with the motor and transmission in, I also had the front sheetmetal on and it didn't go down any lower. Shouldn't the crossmember sit lower?

I've always read that the lower control arms shouls be about parallel to the ground. Another way to guage that is the center of the lower ball joint should be level with or just below the control arm mounting bolts.

[1-ton of fun]

what springs are in there?

[Tri5Nerd]

Originally Posted by 1-ton of fun

what springs are in there?

I've tried 2 different sets of springs, the springs that came with the frame and a set I bought which is from a 72 camaro.

[1-ton of fun]

i would get the truck completely together, sheet metal, battery, fluids and all, then trim the springs to get the height where you want it.

also, what motor are you running? are they big block springs that you got?

[Tri5Nerd]

Originally Posted by 1-ton of fun

i would get the truck completely together, sheet metal, battery, fluids and all, then trim the springs to get the height where you want it.

also, what motor are you running? are they big block springs that you got?

I'm running a LS1 motor which is lighter than most SB, and the springs are from a small block chevy camaro.

[TooMany2count]

use 6 cylinder springs or see if S10 springs are the same width && if they are use a set of V6 or 4cylinder springs. my son put a SBC in an S10 that had a 4popper & it really didnt drop the front a lot, just an idea to think about...joe

[pgf545]

You might want to drive it a little also before you start cutting coils. I did a 72 Chevelle with all new springs and front end components and when I first dropped it the front end was about an inch or two taller than before. Once I drove it for a while it settled down to normal ride height. Of course that was all in stock trim so I don't know how much yours will settle with a lighter motor etc.

Bernie

[GATORBUILT '59]

Yes, I agree w/ Bernie. I was always told when breaking in new springs you should drive about 250 miles. Also make sure that the springs are twisted into the perches correctly.

[Tri5Nerd]

Originally Posted by GATORBUILT '59

Yes, I agree w/ Bernie. I was always told when breaking in new springs you should drive about 250 miles. Also make sure that the springs are twisted into the perches correctly.

OK, I'll wait til I have everything on and drive it for a little while before doing anything. I still think it's too high.

[cajundragger]

bag it