front end height differentional

[Kenneth M.]

My 63 vett front end is at different heights. The left side (driver side) is 28 inches high measured at the center of wheel to underside of lip on fender, the right side is 26 inches - according to the corvette spec's, 26 inches is the correct heights, so the left side is 2 inchs too high. I plan on ordering a set of new springs to correct this problem, however, I'm reaching out to all NCRS members to ask for their expert advise to see if they may have encountered a similar problem? I bought the car as a frame off restoration, so I don't know if the springs installed are a new match set or just a mix or if they are seated properly, of if there is a frame to chassie install issue? 2 inches in my opinion is quite a lot. Please advise

[John M.]

Re: front end height differentional

Ken, You should also check the ride height which is a dimension shown in the AIM and probably in the service manual. I wouldn't buy the springs until I was sure that's the problem. Is the rear the same? With that big a difference I would think the rear would be affected also. 1/2" is not uncommon but 2" sure is. You could also check the frame to floor height at various points on the right and left front side to compare.
Good luck with it.
John McRae

[Dick W.]

Re: front end height differentional

John has a good point, check it at the points referenced in the AIM. It is possible that at sometime prior to your ownership that the car had a spring replaced, installed improperly, collision damage that resulted in frame misalignment. Many possibilities. Just do a methodical check, starting with the simple things.

[Stephen L.]

Re: front end height differentional

Before you go too far, perform the dimension checks as shown in this thread and the page from the AIM. https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...79-Ride-Height The suspension dimensions eliminate tire height etc, and tell you that the suspension components are within spec or not. I'm referring to the "Z" and "D" dimensions.

[Edward J.]

Re: front end height differentional

Ken, I would also add that its not uncommon for the rear height to be the cause or a incorrect ride height in the front or vise visa. I think your on the right track. I would take a close look at the front springs to make sure there seated properly. Also take a look at the rear leaf spring cushion bolt lengths to make sure they are the correct lengths, and that the upper and lower cushions are not compressed, I have seen some poor quality rubber, dry rot is a big problem, the GM NOS parts are still around. I know that new front spring are generally a matched set so installing just one spring just would not seem right when restoring a corvette. Another thing to consider is front or rear alignment camber specs. what I like to do is take a walk behind car and look for the outward tilt of the rear wheels and the same in the front. outward tilt on one side may have some affect on the ride height. this is not a 2" ride difference but everything counts, as does small thing s like equal tire pressure.