hurstman1972

All:
My 72 H/O is nearing completion on a slow restoration and I've noticed that it sits about 1.5 - 2 inches too high. Early on, I felt the vehicle would settle as components were reinstalled (motor & tran, front clip, interior, etc), but it didn't. It looks ridiculous with all the space in the wheel wells above the tires. The springs were purchased from a well known resto supplier who presumably knows what is correct for this car.
I need advice from anyone who's encountered this before, and/or guidance on any vendor who does have the correct springs.
Thank you!

2blu442

TTT I don't have an answer for you but agree that there looks to be way to much rooom above that tire. Are they 60 series tires? John

Rickman48

Give it a while - it'll settle some!

Ed Carpenter

Have you tightened the control arm pivot points? These should be left loose until all the weight is on the car.

joe_padavano

X2. You MUST have the weight of the car on the springs when you torque the suspension mounting bolts, otherwise you'll lock the bushings in with the suspension set too high. Also, in the front, it is very easy to miss the spring pocket when installing the springs since it is a blind operation, so be sure the tops of the springs are properly seated. Finally, what size tires are you running? You want something on the order of 27" outside diameter to fill the wheelwells, and you can't get that in a 14" 60-series tire. A 235/70-14 or 255/60-15 is about right (I've got the latter on my 69 H/O).

boese1978

The spring must be properly seated in the pocket in the lower CA too. It is possible that the spring is turned and riding on top of the little hump in the LCA pocket.

joe_padavano

Yes, but 1) that's easy to see and 2) it won't make the 1"+ of ride height difference the way missing the upper pocket will.

hurstman1972

The existing size is P235/60R14.
I measured the clearance from the ground to the bottom of the rocker panels, per repair manual specs, and the car sits almost exactly 1" too high, front and rear. That's not much, and I'd be willing to let it go, except the excessive airspace in the wheel wells makes this thing look ready for off-roading! Not a look I like!!

RetroRanger

have you checked the items mentioned springs in spring pockets, CAs mounts not tightened until fullweight is on them ?

also what springs do you have

MOOG offers a fullline of replacements that many users here have been satisfied with

joe_padavano

Your tires are only 25" in diameter, so that's your first problem. Even with tires that are too small, ride height is an inch high, so that's your second problem (it would be 2" too high with the correct size tires). Verify the suspension issues we've talked about in this thread, THEN get some decent sized tires.

Lady72nRob71

Did you roll the car a few feet after assy before the control arms were tightened? This is needed to settle the car after letting it down.

hurstman1972

The control arms, bushings and springs were all installed when the body and drive train were off the frame, and the frame was lifted during the entire install process. For several months only the frame weight loaded the suspension.
The Goodyears in the pics are 30+ years old, and although they look good and have about 80% tread remaining, will be replaced with 235/70-14's.
I'm thinking that's probably the best time to check the springs for correct installation and re-seat the suspension members when the suspension can be properly loaded. The tire shop will have the tools and lift I don't have access to.
I REALLY appreciate the advice on this forum - thanks! And if you think of anything else, keep it coming!