1988 3.2 USA Mondial Cab ground clearance, Front-4" Rear-5"?? | FerrariChat
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1988 3.2 USA Mondial Cab ground clearance, Front-4" Rear-5"??

Discussion in 'Mondial' started by ownferraribeforedie, Oct 14, 2025 at 7:07 AM.

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  1. ownferraribeforedie

    ownferraribeforedie Rookie

    Aug 26, 2025
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    sarasota fl
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    Jeff Stepek
    #1 ownferraribeforedie, Oct 14, 2025 at 7:07 AM
    Just got a 67k miles 88 USA Mondial cab. The ground clearance spec for what I can find should be around 5 inches. On our car it is 4 inches at the start of the front of the flat underneath just behind the front wheels, to 5 inches at the end of the flat underneath just ahead of the rear wheels. Attached is a photo from several years of the car before I purchased.

    The shocks and springs are original to the best I can determine. The rears for sure as we can see the part numbers and date. The fronts cannot not be read for the springs in the way.

    Can I assume the front springs have weakened? Of course we have a concern that going over any speed bumps (numerous in my areas) the car will scrape or bottom. What's causing the lower front end?. Tires are new and the correct size.

    Anyway to adjust short of new springs and shocks?

    Regarding new hardware, what are recommendations for adjustable coils overs for the car. I do not plan on tracking the car, just want street drivability.

    Thanks
    Jeff
    ownferraribeforedie

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  2. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
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    Apr 25, 2010
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    #2 Alden, Oct 14, 2025 at 7:57 AM
    The lowest point is the bottom of the spare tire well. That usually scrapes first.
    4.5" to 4 3/4" is the generally accepted number for ground clearance.
    If you have one, you ou can try removing the spare from the frunk, that will usually raise the front by 1/2 to 3/4" or so.
    Alden
     
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  3. moysiuan

    moysiuan F1 Rookie
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    #3 moysiuan, Oct 14, 2025 at 4:53 PM
    People would probably spend good money to get that stance lowered about 1 inch, with the nice front to back rake!!

    Take driveway curbs slowly and on an angle, even with the higher clearance these are low cars. If your car actually clears the speed bumps, then you are fine.
     
  4. ownferraribeforedie

    ownferraribeforedie Rookie

    Aug 26, 2025
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    sarasota fl
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    Jeff Stepek
    #4 ownferraribeforedie, Oct 14, 2025 at 5:39 PM
    A couple of area I travel have at least 4 inch bumps, so I have not tested yet. Honestly I would like to raise the front half inch. Not sure why it is so low. Shocks springs all original and probably tired. At 67k miles I should look at adjustible coil overs. Looking for recommendations that will not make me have to move into a Costco shopping cart due to the cost.
    Jeff
     
  5. moysiuan

    moysiuan F1 Rookie
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    #5 moysiuan, Oct 14, 2025 at 6:38 PM
    Most coil over kits seem to be for lowering not raising ride height. Here is one at a decent price, I have no idea if this is a proper set up, it is not a common modification for Mondials. Nicks Forza probably makes the gold standard custom coil overs, and I think has an application for the Mondial.

    https://www.sfracing-usa.com/products/sf-racing-sport-coilovers-1980-1993-ferrari-mondial-f108

    https://www.nicksforzaferrari.net/nff-custom-coil-overs.html

    Your car stance looks correct, in that the wheel well gaps look about right.

    My 1988 3.2 Cab is 5 1/4" at front, 5 3/4" at rear, about 80k km on my car.
     
  6. Alden

    Alden F1 Rookie
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    #6 Alden, Oct 15, 2025 at 6:39 AM
    Did you see my suggestion about removing the spare in the frunk? It weighs a ton and does compress the front Springs enough to bring the front end down about as much as you want to adjust it up.
    Alden
     
  7. moysiuan

    moysiuan F1 Rookie
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    #7 moysiuan, Oct 15, 2025 at 8:02 AM
    Are your tires the correct size? Front 205/55 VR16 Rear 225/55 VR16

    The rear sizes are getting harder to find, maybe you total tire diameters are lower than stock?
     
  8. ownferraribeforedie

    ownferraribeforedie Rookie

    Aug 26, 2025
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    sarasota fl
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    Jeff Stepek
    #8 ownferraribeforedie, Oct 15, 2025 at 8:09 AM
    Yes the tires are new and are the correct size as noted. Again I am curious as to why the front is so low when the suspension looks 100% stock. Spring sag? I will remove the spare tire and see what that gives.

    I want to replace the shocks, and of course very expensive, but I talked with Koni and they did advise the shocks can be rebuilt, also expensive and long turnaround times. Also Koni advised me that upon removal I may find there is nothing wrong with the 67k miles shocks.

    Thanks
    Jeff
     

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