Hello, regarding the ride height on 456s it seems to me that different cars are on different levels particularly on the rear wheels. My car always had a bit more space (between the wheel and the arch) in the rear wheels than the front. Is that commonplace and if not can it be altered and how? Thanks George
Adnaan- With lower aspect ratio tires, diameters of the 456/Maranello 17", 18", and 19" wheel/tire combinations are all around 26" in diameter.
Mine is not that bad, I believe that it has something to do with the height-rear load carrying adjustment arm (at the center of the rear torsion bar). Then I might be wrong but here is a picture of mine. Image Unavailable, Please Login
If they varied significantly, the speedometer would be even more inaccurate than ever. When I put 19" wheel/lower aspect ratio tires on my car, the speedo actually got more accurate because of the slightly smaller diameter. At 60, my car is now only 2 mph optimistic!
You can adjust the rear ride height with the adjustment arm under the rear of the car. Just loosen one nut and move the arm up or down. It will keep bigger wheels on the back from rubbing on bumps.
Ride height is adjustable with threaded collars on the rear shocks, like all modern Ferraris. The automatic adjustment of ride height is designed to compensate for rear passenger and luggage weights after ride height has been initially set using the threaded collars. If ride height is adjusted, a full four wheel alignment is required because camber and toe are affected.
I noticed that last time I serviced my shock absorbers but wasn't sure that it would be that simple. Presumably the absorbers will need to be removed in order to be adjusted right?
George- Negative, any good Ferrari independent or dealer can lower her within limits, normally no more than 15-20 mm from OEM recommendations. They have a tool that will turn the threaded collar. Sometimes compressing the spring is required, but it can all be done with the shocks and springs on the Ferrari and they have a spring compression tool. Camber and toe are then adjusted, while perhaps fiddling with height at the same time to make everything match. Easy on a 456/456M because there are eccentrics for camber and no shims to fiddle with. OEM specs are in the WSMs (456 and 456M) that can be downloaded from ferraridatabase.com
I just got my 456M back today after having the rear shocks rebuilt. The rear ride height is just a tad higher with the sleeve collars at exactly the previous settings. Maybe like the width of a cigarette. I'm not going to bother adjusting it, because the stance looks great and it handles exactly the same as before. Plus, it may settle; I'm unfamiliar with these units. The OP's car looks a bit exaggerated. My differences are not nearly that extreme, and I have the 18" Barchetta modular wheels. Cheers, George
Just went through some recent shots. Looks like my ride height is pretty similar front to back. Does the effect of a higher rear end have any noticeable effect on handling or stability? Image Unavailable, Please Login
Allan- High speed stability, possibly, but for cornering, probably not. Helps on acceleration by reducing squat usually. Ride height can always be checked at the flanblocks.
Hey, any one have pictures / video on the location and procedure to adjust this arm for a lower rear stance?? My coils are adjusted to the lowest level, but the car raises when switched on
Here is mine. 430 wheels and a tad lower adjustment on the rear. Scott Image Unavailable, Please Login
