| Author | Message | ||
| Steve Magnusson (91tr)
Member Username: 91tr Post Number: 608 Registered: 1-2001 |
Jorma -- I think your 308GTSi is no different than a lot of other 308 B/S -- most are either level or have a little negative chassis rake (especially some of the later QVs in my experience, but I don't have a specific reason). Based on the photo in your profile I think you could drop your front end coachwork ~25mm (or more) with no regrets -- my criteria is that the gap between the top of the tire to the coachwork should never exceed the front (or rear) tire to coachwork spacing (and personally, I prefer a lowish stance with a little forward rake -- knowing the difficulties this brings with ground/obstacle clearance. IMO every 512BB(i) should have a coackwork position like the Norwood 512BB in the latest FORZA). | ||
| Jorma Johansson (Jjfinland)
Junior Member Username: Jjfinland Post Number: 144 Registered: 3-2001 |
The reason I asked, was that you can see a differance of 1,5 cm, and a car wich rear end is lower looks like "tired". When the car is parked at level ground its then you see a possible failure. Dave, your car is much lower and Clark yours is the same as mine, I wander what is the original measurement? | ||
| Bill Sebestyen (Bill308)
Junior Member Username: Bill308 Post Number: 123 Registered: 5-2001 |
I'm troubled by the methods outlined in the OM for setting ride height, prior to performing a wheel alignment. The OM specifies a loaded condition for my 308 consisting of a full fuel tank, 2-people on board, and 44-lbs of luggage. What should the front and rear chassis heights be under this set of conditions? There is no mention of the weight of the people on board and the effects of spring sag are ignored. Depending on occupant weight and the condition of the springs, ride height could vary quite a bit. One effect of this random ride height is random roll center heights, which will have some affect handling. The height of the wheel arches above the ground, while related to the chassis height, is not a particularly good reference point imho. What's needed is a measurable reference to set either chassis height or A-arm angle. The GT-4 diagram of the rear suspension, in the service manual, shows the lower A-arm perfectly horizontal. If this geometry is correct and is applicable for the 308 family, then this provides a good reference. In practice, a straight edge could be placed across the chassis to gauge the angle of the lower A-arms. The chassis could be loaded until the A-arms were horizontal, by any convenient method, prior to setting toe-in and camber. While this method would produce repeatable suspension settings, the affects of spring sag would again be an unknown. Adjustable spring perches, as fitted on my car, will allow me to set any reasonable ride height. But, the question remains, what is the design ride height, for the loaded condition? | ||
| David Jones (Dave)
Junior Member Username: Dave Post Number: 79 Registered: 4-2001 |
My 77 GTB at the same point of measure is, 26 1/4" front 26 1/2" rear so the front of my 308 is a quarter inch lower than the rear. 205 55/16 front 225 50/16 rear | ||
| Clark Driggers (Clark)
New member Username: Clark Post Number: 24 Registered: 11-2001 |
Mine is the same . I have a 85' 308. However, I am trying to figure out a discrepancy between the rear Left and Right side Clark | ||
| '75 308 GT4 (Peter)
Intermediate Member Username: Peter Post Number: 1705 Registered: 12-2000 |
Jorma, not too long ago, there was a discussion here in Tech Q&A about ride height and measurement. I think the front is not necessarily higher, but the wheel opening may actually be bigger in diameter, resulting in that "higher" measurement (to allow clearance for the wheel turning in direction, under full compression of the shock). The rear wheel doesn't need a big opening, its just going up and down, the front however needs it as the wheel is sticking out, going up and down when turning. | ||
| Jorma Johansson (Jjfinland)
Junior Member Username: Jjfinland Post Number: 143 Registered: 3-2001 |
Could you guys check what is the similar messuremen for your car? I have normal tires 205-55-16 fron and 225-50-16 rear. Full tanks, no passenger. As you see mine is higher front.  |