Suspension Question

[Craig Fravert]

Ok - please do not kill me for asking this question on the NCRS site but this is the best collection of restorers I have ever seen. I have a 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS convertible that I am restoring. I have completely replaced the suspension with new components including all bushing and springs. My problem is that the car sits low on the passenger side by approximatley 1" to 1 1/4". I have checked to make sure that the springs are in their pockets correctly an turned to the stops, I have even swapped (left to right) rear springs to see if one was weak. I have not swapped the front springs as of yet. The frame sits low as measured from the floor to the frame, so it is not body cushions (which do need to be replaced). Oh, it is coils in the front and a four link coil rear. Any help is appreciated

Craig Fravert

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: Suspension Question

Craig, I sent an e-mail..

Harry

[Joe L.]

Re: Suspension Question

Craig-----

If the problem is, indeed, related to the frame and not the body-to-frame mounting and you have checked and/or replaced the suspension components described, then I would have to say that there is a distinct possibility of previous frame damage. Such damage could have distorted the frame in a manner in which the "frame repair" did not correct.

Frame repairs after serious collision damage are a very "iffy" proposition. This is particularly true of repairs made in the "old days" when really precision equipment was not usually available. Getting a frame "close" was about all that was often done.

[Dave Suesz]

Well, the front...

springs have much more effect on level than the rear. Disconnect the front sway bar (and rear, if you have one), and check the car on a known level surface.If it changes after disconnecting the sway bar, you know you have bar trouble. If it still leans, swap the front springs and check again. If it now leans the other way, get new springs. If this produces no change, you need to find a quality body shop with a frame rack and have the frame checked.

[Craig Fravert]

Re: Well, the front...

Thanks to all who responded. I will try Dave's suggestions and see if it makes any difference. When I rebuilt the suspension I also removed the lower control arm struts, could that cause this problem?? I think that it must be suspension related because the car did not have this problem before the suspension was replaced (or at least it was not as noticable). I really don't think that it is frame damage because the original owner had the car from new to 1996 and told me that it had never been wrecked. There was a gap in time of about one year that I cannot account for but from the looks of everything is is all original. If that does not work, I will take it to a frame shop and let them look at it.

Craig