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Technical => Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: kens65fb on 2014-02-27 19:16

Title: Front end too high
Post by: kens65fb on 2014-02-27 19:16
My Ranchero is at the body shop for final assembly & paint,  and we noticed that the front end sits sort of "tall".
The mods are  :  Disc brake set-up from early 70 LTD. Aerostar springs, and beefier front sway bar
The lowest part of the fender lip, sits about 1 to 1 1/2 inches above the top of the tire. What is the normal front height ??
I thought with the aerostar springs it would sit lower?? The front suspension has been completely rebuilt as well, with zero miles on the road.
Any suggestions
Ken
Title: Re: Front end too high
Post by: Frankenstein57 on 2014-02-27 19:35
Is the engine and running gear all in?
Title: Re: Front end too high
Post by: kens65fb on 2014-02-28 06:35
Yes the engine is in, it is now running & drivable around the garage. All the body metal is installed except the front bumper.
Title: Re: Front end too high
Post by: Ford Blue blood on 2014-02-28 08:13
Quote from: kens65fb on 2014-02-27 19:16
The front suspension has been completely rebuilt as well, with zero miles on the road.
Any suggestions
Ken

Ken loosen up all the inner upper and lower control arm nuts, let the car "settle" for a couple of weeks with the full weight on the front suspension and "bounce" it up and down a few times during that period.
Title: Re: Front end too high
Post by: RICH MUISE on 2014-02-28 08:24
I took you up on that suggestion just before I dropped in the engine..got to remember to put a "CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS LOOSE" note on the car so I'll remember to tighted them after the rest of the weight is bolted on.
Title: Re: Front end too high
Post by: kens65fb on 2014-03-01 12:59
Here's a pic of the front end height, with the aerostar springs.
Ken
Title: Re: Front end too high
Post by: RICH MUISE on 2014-03-01 14:23
Also, Ken...I've been told the front ends usually drop an inch or so after driving for a few hundred miles.
Title: Re: Front end too high
Post by: BWhitmore on 2014-03-01 14:23
Give it some time to settle with the a arm bushings loose.  It will probably settle another 1/2inch.
Title: Re: Front end too high
Post by: BWhitmore on 2014-03-01 14:25
My Ranchero dropped about 3/4inch after driving for 100 miles.  Stock 312 motor with rebuilt suspension.