'69 Road Runner ride height

[eastyorker]

Trying to determine if my '69 Runner is sitting at the right ride height. Don't know what springs are in the back end but I think it sits high. How do I determine what the right ride height should be? What points do I measure from?

 

[tpodwdog]

turn them torsion bar adjusters and put it where you want it, then go get it aligned. REMEMBER.....after each torsion bar adjustment, roll the car back and forth ( about 20 ft.) a few times to settle in the bars . theres all kinds of "logistics" for height but im sure alot of dudes here are gonna tell you what i just did .

i measured ( yes i know its wrong guys).. to the top of the wheel opening on the front wheels....got em at 28 inches from the floor!

 

[eastyorker]

Thanks. I am more concerned about the back end.

 

[69Bee]

Don't believe I have ever seen a height spec on the rear, but as long as the rear is relatively even side to side, it should not be a problem. The springs are usually flat to sometimes a reverse arch when normal. Mostly depends how many leafs you are using side to side. Personally, I like to see a little rake in her.

As far as a front height, I think my service manual says to measure from each end od the lower control arm, and there should be about a 6 inch differenital.

 

[tpodwdog]

I set my rear end height with " the classic shackles". YES I SAID SHACKLES . i wanted the front end higher than normal and wanted the "rake" of the nose draggin and the tail waggin look.....so i cranked up the torsion bars in the front...and added 4 inch shackles in the rear. not sure what look your after but i wouldnt use air shocks in the rear. they are EXPENSIVE....make your car ride like a truck , and aint no damn good for your car....AND THEY BLOW OUT THE LINES. (never had any luck with them at all)

personally i like the look of shackles. my car rides nice, it sits how i want it to....and alot of other people have a problem with shackles ALOT MORE THAN I DO !

 

[wannadrag]

You can also use coilover shocks and raise the back about 2" over the stock height.Just have the parts store look them up under a late 60s B body wagon.And the best part it still rides nice.

 

[eastyorker]

But what is stock height? I am trying to lower the car.

 

[Dako]

With no adjustment points on the rear like there are up front, and no two leaf packs being 'exactly' alike, I don't know where one would find rear ride height specs...short of the original design drawings. Maybe you can find a local body shop that still has a frame straightening rack? They used to have books that would give point 'A' to 'B' & 'A' to 'C', etc., measurements. But even they may just have frame measurements and not ride height.

Otherwise, I would start with ensuring the front (adjustable) ride height is correct. Then see if the cars stance 'looks right' for you. If it had a larger engine it may originally have sat up a bit to handle hauling or towing capabilities. When I was a kid it seemed you could find a trailer hitch on half the cars on the road!

Short of building a concourse car I would adjust ride height to my own eye's liking...as suggested above. That's what I am doing with my `66 Belvedere II.

Good luck in your search!