front end ride heigth

[teedog]

any one know what clearance should be between drag link and the top of the tie rod , mine looks like they might be rubbing or close to it. thanks for any help. mike

[wmws]

I don't know the exact clearance but it is not much. Like 1/2 inch. If your spring is week the shackles will be almost touching the axle. There is also a dimension for the hight of the bumper. Should be around 18 1/2 in. You will know if they are rubbing as the rods will have flat spots on them.

[teedog]

thanks wmws shackles are about 3/16 from top of axle. think my spring is done.

[wmws]

3/16 doesn't sound too bad. I would measure the hight of the middle of the bumper and also see if the tie rod and drag link have been rubbing bad. I think they get closer as you turn the wheel. Turn the wheel all the way to the side and then sit on the bumper and see if they are touching. If you have a press you can re arch the spring yourself.

[Mitch//pa]

I have found that re-arching a spring is a waste of time...
if your not prepared to purchase a new one and do it right the first time just save up for it..

[teedog]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I will replace front spring and any other parts that need it. thanks,mike

[Dick Steinkamp]

You might also check to see if the tie rod is bent. Many get bent up when owners miss the axle with a floor jack.

[Synchro909]

I've seen the steering arm that the drag link attaches to bent. Don't ask me how that could happen but it was. It cleared the axle but only just. I plan on using some heat and bending it back up so the drag link and tie rod aren't so intimate.

[teedog]

my tie rod and drag link are straight. I checked clearance this morning and I cannot slide a sheet of paper between. I still think its the spring.

[Mitch//pa]

Your prob correct...
Make sure you dont have a frozen shock loading down the suspension on the l/f...

[Tom Wesenberg]

When you stand in front of your car, how much of the front axle shows below the radiator splash pan?

[teedog]

TOM , bottom of axle is about 5/8 inch above the bottom of rad pan in the center. also shocks were installed in april. so no axle is showing.

[wmws]

Does sound like your spring is sagging unless it is missing some leaves.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Sure does sound like a worn out spring. Time for a better one.

[teedog]

Im going to give berts a call in the morning. Now that i remember i never did use a spring spreader WHEN I INSTALLED IT YEARS AGO. Will i need one? Thanks for your input, mike

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by teedog

Im going to give berts a call in the morning. Now that i remember i never did use a spring spreader WHEN I INSTALLED IT YEARS AGO. Will i need one? Thanks for your input, mike

Not for the front

[JDupuis]

Teedog, you shouldn't need a spring spreader for the front spring. One or two pieces of 2x2 wood should do the trick. Jeff

[goodoldvic]

You can jack the frame up to put wood between the spring eye and the axel, lower it alittle to take the pressure off the shackle to remove it w/o using a spreader. I re arched my spring at home a few thousand miles ago and it still is holding up good. Good luck

[Synchro909]

I've just taken a couple of measurements. In the straight ahead position, which is where the drag link is vertical and at its lowest point and contact would be the worst , the distance from the ball joint at the front of the drag link to where it crosses the tie rod is about 7" and the drag link is about 21" That means that for every 1/2" clearance between the drag link and tie rod, the car at the steering box has to come up 1 1/2". Given that the steering box is not at the front of the car, I estimate that resetting or replacing the front spring will have to raise the front cross member by about 2" The ratios change, of course when the wheels are turned but I'm sure you get the idea.
I suggest a new spring and if there is still too much intimacy between the two, try bending the arm at the front of the drag link up a little.
Just say'in!