54 Victoria ride height
 

Hi to all and hoping some of you owners of 52, 53 or 54 Victoria's can provide some measurements for factory type ride height. The measurements I need would be taken at the front and rear frame ends; bottom of the frame to the ground. Thanks in advance. Merry Christmas to all.

Re: 54 Victoria ride height
 

TRIM HEIGHT is what you are after, measuring OEM specs for proper vehicle height. After all of these years, it would be hard to find two that sit alike (IMO).

Those specs must be in a separate manual as I do not see them in the SM. Usually they were found in frame machine info manuals or aftermarket alignment machine manuals (if not using ROTUNDA).

Here is an explanation- https://www.autozone.com/repairguide...00c152800a841f

Re: 54 Victoria ride height
 

Thanks for your reply. My thought was that an owner of an "original" might measure their Vicky which would give me a "close approximate" height to work from. I have modified my front suspension as to how the upper control arms are mounted. This was necessary for engine clearance. After the initial mods I found that I needed to add more caster because of adding a rear steer rack and pinion. For proper placement of new control arm mounts (to provide 4 degrees positive caster) the frame should be set at the desired ride height when the mounts are fabricated. The original specs for caster is 1 degree positive. It would be difficult and/or unsightly to add the required stack of shims to achieve 4 degrees positive caster. Thanks again.

Re: 54 Victoria ride height
 

Oh, in your case you might want to consider a completely adjustable control arm. Then you can adjust from any trim you decide on (perf - looks).


Ain't nothing worse that a shim pack falling out while being chased by revenooers ... :(

Re: 54 Victoria ride height
 

You might want to ask here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/54FordClub/ It is an all 1954 Ford forum.

Re: 54 Victoria ride height
 

Thanks guys. Its a long story of making room to fit a DOHC 4.6 Lincoln between the upper control arm brackets. Hope someone out there is willing to measure their Vicky and provide some measurements. Thanks again.

Re: 54 Victoria ride height
 

That sounds like a fun “Ford in a Ford” project. Having been there on my 55 bird, you’re on the right track for the increased caster.

Re: 54 Victoria ride height
 

As to the "Shelby" relocation of the upper arm, at this point no. My top heavy Vicky would not benefit as much as your much lower T-Bird. I spoke with Brent Vandervort of Fatman Fabrications concerning altering the placement and his advice was to leave that as original but add the additional caster. Another option was to include an "anti-dive" angle along with the caster. Maybe, maybe not. By the way; anyone wanting to learn much about suspension geometry I would recommend Fatman's Hot Rod Suspension book. Still looking for a kind and generous Vicky owner willing to provide some height measurements....PLEASE.

Re: 54 Victoria ride height
 

Found a 54 nearby. Measurements are approximately 12 inches for the front and 15 inches for the rear. Now I can begin the modifications.

Re: 54 Victoria ride height
 

On my '57 T Bird the ride height specifications are measured from the floor to the center of the headlight on the front and the center of the tailight on the rear. I think I the measurements from the factory shop manual.