Ride Height: Is the height of your car when it is sitting and the suspension is at the optimum setting (location). I can not stress how important setting ride height is on a chassis.
First, you need to pick out the wheels and tires you will be using in the front and in the rear. The diameter of the tire determines the ground clearance, frame angle, engine angle, shock length and correct angle to weld the front suspension.
After establishing the diameter of the tires, find the front spindle location based on the manufacturer's specifications. The car manufacturers all have specifications on this. If you plan to install a front end kit, the manufacturer should also be able to provide you with this important information.
Take the radius of the tire diameter and use these measurements to set the distance from the ground. In the front measure from the center of the spindle and in the rear measure from the center of the axle. You now have "ride height" and everything should be relative to the ground. Of course the ground or suspension jig should be perfectly level as all your measurements will be made from this origin.
No chassis builder can build a chassis that is tuned with optimum suspension without knowing proper "ride height". How did he know your "ride height" without asking you what wheels and tires you are going to use? Maybe he does not want to know so when your car does not handle correctly he can sell you some additional parts. Remember to ask a salesperson these questions when you are buying. Do they sound credible or just out to make a buck?
Now you are ready to set the engine and pinion angle.
If you have any questions regarding the information on this page please feel free to contact me at moonmr@hotrodheaven.com or 888-875-6666.
Dean Oshiro
Copyright reserved by Dean Oshiro. Reproduction without written approval is a violation of Copyright Laws. Sept 2000
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