Measuring for correct ride height

[Shadrack]

Rebuilt front end and want to set a factory correct ride height. SM says take two measurements and the difference for a Belvedere should be 1 7/8” with 1/8” variance. One of the two measurements is clearly shown in the SM from the ground surface to the bottom of the lower ball joint. The other measurement is from the ground surface to a point that’s not clear to me. It appears to be near the height adjustment. Any help is much appreciated.

 

[Kern Dog]

Bear with me here… I’m the type of guy that adjusts the height to what I like regardless of any factory setting but here is what makes sense to me. Graphic in the FSM:

Text from it in #3 states to measure from the lowest point of one adjusting blade.

The blade is the “finger” that rotates in the arm as the suspension travels.

Rotated to where it sits when in the car…

My guess is that the lowest point of the blade is this area.

Again, I know that the service manual states the correct way but I have always adjusted the height to a point where both wheel well arches have equal distance to the ground. Purists scoff at my method but many of us do it this way.
Good luck.

 

[Shadrack]

Awesome Kern Dog. Thank you. What the SM says is clear now.

 

[R413]

After you set the height and drive it, the height will change, so don't get too exact the first time.

I believe they measure to the torsion bar socket. I worked at a shop and they had a tool that clipped over these sockets and they extended out to the lower ball joint. It was a nice tool, made height adjustment so easy. Could make one easy enough. I tried to buy it, they wouldn't sell it. Probably went in the trash later on.

 

[Dave6T4]

Factory ride height is usually a lot lower than you would like the looks of. Set the ride height by adjusting the torsion bar bolts to a height you are happy with. ALWAYS adjust torsion bars with the weight of the car off the front suspension (right, Dave?). Measure height from floor to wheel well lip, and get both sides even. Take your car for a drive, hopefully going over RR. tracks and speed bumps. Remeasure your height and adjust again to your preference. Know that raising the ride height by adjusting torsion bar tension will pull the tops of your tires in. After adjustments, take your car for a front end alignment. Happy motoring!

 

[gkent]

With all tires inflated the same I measure from the top of the frame rail inside the engine compartment to the floor - on both sides.

This gives me the ride height I "want" - not the factory setting !

 

[Shadrack]

Thanks for sharing your techniques!