Hotchkis Sport Suspension Leaf Spring Install Question

[dirtypamopar]

Hey Guys,

I was wondering if anyone had any experience here installing the Hotchkis Sport Leaf Springs in a B-Body (I did it in my 1969 Charger today).

My specific question is, has anyone had any issues with the right passenger side rear sitting higher than the driver side? I had a set of SS springs in their previously and switched to the Hotchkis setup because the car will be driven primarily in the city. After the install, i measured the height in the rear and the right side is approximately 1.5" than the left. I checked and double checked that everythin was installed properly, measured the shackles and the brackets and their position etc....I can't seem to figure out what is going on. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[shag766]

off the cuff guess, maybe all the years of torsion on a uni-body and just like me all things just aren't as true anymore. guessing.

 

[dirtypamopar]

I was wondering that myself.....I expect the car to sit higher on the passenger side with the SS springs in it but the Hotckis springs are the same length on both sides. Any other ideas out there?

 

[dsd1967]

How do the front fender wells compare to each other in height?

 

[dirtypamopar]

They are almost identical. I do want to mention that I adjusted the torsion bars to bring the front down about 2" to get a lower stance and to match up with the new springs. Its really odd because all three of the other wheels are roughly the same height.

 

[70 Viper]

Is it possible that the front spring eye bracket could be installed wrong way up on the higher side? Just throwing in ideas here. I installed a set of these on my car but didn't use the front hangers and they sit perfectly level.
Hope this may help.

 

[Derwud]

Have you contacted Hotchkis?

 

[Jim Bob The Dancing Bear]

Have you driven the car? Mine did not sit correctly until I drove it then everything was right on.

 

[dirtypamopar]

Gentlemen,

Thank you this is all good input. To answer your questions directly:

1. The hangar brackets are in the right position, I double and triple checked everything. I measured the distances from the frame to the bracket holes on each side etc., I also measure the front shackles to ensure they were installed properly and the right length. Everything checked out.

2. I did contact Hotchkis, unfortunately the tech told me he had not heard of this problem before and didn't have much to offer other than recheck everything.

3. I have not driven the car yet Jim, my father made this same comment to me. He feels the springs will settle especially since there will be more torque delivered to the right side.

So in summary, the front wheels site at an identical height. I double checked this again last night just to ensure that when I lowered the car in the front that I didn't introduce any tilt. I lowered the car again after double checking everything in the rear and its about 1" off on the passenger side rear. At this point I'm going to have to wait and drive the car to see if it settles in. I appreciate everyone's feedback and assistance. Thanks a lot guys.

 

[Derwud]

Yes, drive the car...

 

[Jim Bob The Dancing Bear]

I can't remember if mine was off by 1/4 or 1/2 an inch side to side. Once around the block and it settled perfectly.

 

[dirtypamopar]

Thanks a lot guys this is my first full build and I seriously drove myself nuts trying to figure this out. I'll spin her around the block when the weather clears. Appreciate the help.