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Thread: Front End Too Low??
          
   
   

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  1. #1
    powerplay is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
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    Front End Too Low??

     



    Hi,
    I have a street rod with a 76 camaro front subframe. Currently, the bottom of the front crossmember is 2" from the ground. What is the recommended minimum height of the the bottom of this crossmember to the ground for proper driveability?
    Thank you.

  2. #2
    Stu Cool's Avatar
    Stu Cool is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
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    Car Year, Make, Model: '53 Studebaker Custom w/LS1
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    I agree 2 inches is too low, I'd think about double that would be a good place to start. Of course the ultimate solution is adjustable, aka air ride. What angle are your contol arms sitting? They should be close to parallel to the ground for proper functioning.

    Pat
    Of course, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong!

  3. #3
    Bob Parmenter's Avatar
    Bob Parmenter is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
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    The general rule is, nothing below the scrub line, usually it's steering components but chassis and suspension pieces count too. The easiest way to describe scrub line without a diagram is to say nothing below the bottom most point of either front wheel, the assumption being that a flat tire will allow the car to drop to that point. If anything else hits the ground before the wheel (other than minor pieces of weak sheetmetal or plastic that tear away), you gonna have problems controling the car.
    Your Uncle Bob, Senior Geezer Curmudgeon

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  4. #4
    chevy 37's Avatar
    chevy 37 is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
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    Car Year, Make, Model: 1937 chevy truck& 33 fordtruck
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    I had the same problem with my 37 and had it sitting 3" from ground. I made my own crossmember that was made wider than usual to protect my pan. Found every dip and the road and my crossmeber hit every time.. I had cut 2" from front coil springs so I put new coils on the front to raise it 2" and I also put spacers under my axle attached to leaf springs to bring the back up the same 2". Checked pion angle and everything was ok. Haven't had a problem since.
    Keep smiling, it only hurts when you think it does!

  5. #5
    powerplay is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
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    Chevy 37,
    What is your current dimension from the crossmember to the ground?
    Thanks

  6. #6
    powerplay is offline CHR Member Visit my Photo Gallery
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    Chevy37,
    I just re-read your email. Yours is 5"
    Thanks again.

  7. #7
    chevy 37's Avatar
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    Glad I could help! Don't know what tire size your running but for every size larger in height, it will raise you vehicle 1/2". Say your running 15 and went to 16, your height would be 1/2" heigher.
    Keep smiling, it only hurts when you think it does!

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