Overall Truck Height

[Mark3100]

I'm rebuilding a 49 C3100 (frame off). I put a Mustang II front end and a 78 TransAm Posi rear end. Putting the cab and panels on to verify wheel centers, it looks a little too high to me. Can you guys chime in with your fender heights? It would be great if you could post a picture with measurements. I'm pretty sure I need to go with 2" dropped spindels and adjust the rear as needed for about a 1" rake but other peoples measurements would be a real big help! I made all my leaf spring mounts and welded in the mustang II do making adjustments will be a pain but doable! Thanks for the help!

[Highsider]

Maybe this will get you started.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577754

[Mark3100]

Thanks - good start but a few measurements would be great!

[mr48chev]

On the MII front ends it's recommended that the lower control arms end up on a level plane with each other when the truck is at static height. That said you still have to factor in the weight of all of the pieces of the truck and tire size.

Personally I'd wait until I had it all together and running and drive it around the block a couple of times to settle things out before deciding on dropped spindles. It only takes a couple of hours to change them out start to finish and maybe less if you are a pretty good wrench.

[Mark3100]

Oh I completely agree! I got the motor mounts fabed last weekend and dropped the engine in. Once I had the engine in I put the cab and body panels back on to see what the overall height was. I know it will settle but was just curious what others had. Thanks for the info!

[_Ogre]

all mustII kits vary a little on how low they go
from my experience leave the spindles on there until you have 1000 miles on it
glass, interior, door panels, etc all bring the truck down and it will take at least 1000 miles to break in the springs
i was a little worried with my height while under construction
with the motor in and all the sheet metal on my suspension was still fully extended

if you want to see the ride height remove your springs and insert a block to hold your lower A-arm level
if you absolutely need a measurement; measure the ball joint height and the arm pivot bolt height and subtract the difference from your frame height

[Mark3100]

Mine gave me the same concern - everything is still fully extended. I even went and got 5 bags of concrete and put 3 in the back, one in the cab, and 1 in front. I know that isn't much (400 lbs) but it did nothing! I will not worry about it until I'm finished with 1000 miles. Lowering it later will not be a problem at all and I don't want it too low!

Thanks again for all the info!

[OrrieG]

Obviously tire size will make a little difference too, like 70 aspect vs 50, rim diameter, etc. could alter the hub center line +- 3-4 inches too. Most online tire places have a calculator for comparing different combos.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by Mark3100

and I don't want it too low!

i'd hate to think if i over reacted early on and put drop spindles or started cutting springs
even with a lot of tire under it, truk rides plenty low as is

[Highsider]

Mine is just where I want it and is fun to drive this way.