| Author | Message | ||
| philip (Fanatic1)
New member Username: Fanatic1 Post Number: 43 Registered: 2-2003 |
Wow Rob, Great info........I'm gonna try it this weekend...I'll let you know how it goes.....thanks for all the specifics!!! philip | ||
| Rob Schermerhorn (Rexrcr)
Member Username: Rexrcr Post Number: 377 Registered: 11-2002 |
Dear Philip, It is that straightforward. The front is more difficult than the rear, plan on getting dirty and swearing. You can do it, though. Before you do, schedule an alignment for the next day or so. Raising the car an inch or so will affect toe and camber, to the detriment of handling and tire wear. You also need collar wrenches in the correct sizes to make this easier. I purchased mine through Snap On, but they're available industrially, too. You need wrenches that will wrap partly around the perch and fit into the notch. The smaller is to release and tighten the locking nut. Snap On part numbers are AHS 301 and AHS 304. Shaped like a "C" with a handle and a tooth at the end of the "C" to fit the notch in the nut (lower spring perch and lock). The inelegant way is a screwdriver used with a hammer, but this gouges the aluminum perch and locking nut. Last resort if the lock nut won't loosen. Spray some PB Blaster on the threads first, wipe the road dirt off the treads, then index the collar with a paint marker or paint or nail polish so you don't loose count. Remember you must realign the wheels. There are ways of doing this at home too, but one subject at a time. Also, take notes. Write down ride heights before and after, note how many turns on each collar, note where / how you measured. Get the factory ride height data first, don't guess. Remember that if you turn LF 12 turns and RF 15, your corner weights are off, either even up the collars or plan on adjusting corner weights with load cell weight scales. You will be compressing the springs as you raise the height, it may get difficult. The springs are pre-loaded from the factory. You won't be on a level surface so when in doubt, just ensure both fronts are turned the same, and both rears are turned the same to yield the necessary ride height difference. Use the motion ratios to calculate how many turns up. Go slow, have fun. | ||
| philip (Fanatic1)
New member Username: Fanatic1 Post Number: 40 Registered: 2-2003 |
rob, thanks for the help.....I'm going to print this off and I might try (with the help of my friend) raising the car a little bit........I'm pretty sure I'm lower than factory right now. Do I need a special tool to do this......I see the rear "threads" are pretty accessable, what do you think about the front.......any tricks I should know about. Thanks again | ||
| Rob Schermerhorn (Rexrcr)
Member Username: Rexrcr Post Number: 370 Registered: 11-2002 |
Ps, forgot to mention, you're probably below factory ride height, I don't recommend going higher than factory. The WSM references ride height at the inner lower control arm bushing. For my notes, I measure off the bottom of the chassis, it's easier to measure. Rob  | ||
| Rob Schermerhorn (Rexrcr)
Member Username: Rexrcr Post Number: 369 Registered: 11-2002 |
From my previous posts: (FYI, I did a search for "ride height adjustment" and came up with alot of information here on FC.)
The factory work shop manual (WSM) does indead explicitly show how to raise and lower the chassis. It gives you pictures and the motion ratios. If you are careful, you will only need to reset camber and toe at each wheel, not corner weights or zero anti-roll bars. Sounds like a previous owner lowered your car. Search the database for "skid plates", you may want to do this, too. Let me know how it goes, or you can call me for more information, send me an email. Regards, Rob | ||
| philip (Fanatic1)
New member Username: Fanatic1 Post Number: 38 Registered: 2-2003 |
Okay, here is a question of great importance to me. I have a 348 Speciale.....A friend of mine who knows a lot about cars was going over it with me. Mine sits very low, and I'm having a serious problem with scraping.....I don't race, I don't plan on racing I just drive it and enjoy the heck out of it.....usually not above 80-90 mph. I'm wondering this.....is there a way to adjust the height or "riding position" of this car. My friend looked at the rear springs and said there probably is...my owners manual alludes to it, but doesn't give instructions.. - how is this done -is it extremely difficult - what are the "measure points" to see where mine is....where should it be..... any help from some of you gurus would be great...please try to give explicit instructions, because if I can't understand it, I think my friend can......I'm bottoming out on EVERYTHING!! Thanks Philip |