Ride Height

With all that measuring that went on last week or so, I got to eyeballin' my V\tub and sho'nuf' it rides some bit higher ona front.

Is this what drop spindles takes care of? Lowerin' the front?

I looked in the 'Knowledge' section and didn't see any articles about it...or they may have been titled in another way, Any guidance will be appreciated.... I think I want to drop the front just for looks, this is something my mechanic can do when I run it in for the engine check-up?
MM

My understanding is it depends on "How low you wanna go" (sorry couldn't resist).

I purchased a torsion tube housing that had adjusters already mounted. My car is still in construction so I haven't played with them yet. I belive they work by rotating the fixed point in the middle of the torsion leafs to increase or decrease the amount of "pre-load" on the springs. From what I've read these give you around 2" up and down adjustment. I think anything above that and you have to start messing with the geometry of the whole front end.

Keep in mind I'm just a hack and relativly new at this stuff...maybe one of the fine experts can back-me-up/clarify/debunk or other wise tell me I don't know my ass from my elbow :)


Later,

Jerome

Yo Jerome,
In light of the fact that you have taken on what would seem to me the stupendous task of constructing your own Speedster and the quality of your posts in general, I must clearly state for the record that there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that you can distinguish the difference between your ass and elbow.
I hope you will accept this compliment in the spirit it is given.
Fraternally,
John H.

(Message Edited 9/12/2002 2:44:28 PM)

Most of the originals now ride higher in front than the back because of the twist in the rear torsion tubes. Some home built and one manufacturer adjusts the front ride height by rotating the ssection of the front beam that holds the locating screws for the torsion springs and still anothe method was to remove some of the springs to lower the ride height. Before you can adjust yours you will need to know which method the builder used.
Then write back and I will address that specific method of lowering.

Thanx for the complement, John.

I didn't buy the kit to make money if I sell it, I accually probably would have saved money buying a turnkey. I bought it because I wanted to build it as much as I want to drive it. And I look forward to tinkering on it during the cold Cleveland winters to help cure cabin fever. Oh Crap! now I have to insulate and heat my garage....oh well it's just money.

Jerome

Hi,
I have dropped spindles on my VSpeedster, as well as the adjusters to turn the torsion bars.
The problem with using torsion adjusters Only leaves you with the ride height you want but now you don't have much suspension travel. (it's already near the bottom of the travel range.)
By adding dropped spindles (I think mine are 2.5 in. drop) the ride height can be set as you want, as before, but because the spindles took care of 2.5 in. of the ride height, you gain that much suspension travel.
The ride was so rough that my CD player would skip like crazy before I added the dropped spindles. The Speedster rides much smoother now and the CD doesn't skip.

Greg B

Paul,

Here's a vote to go the way Greg did. I too used the dropped spindles & found the ride much improved while still getting the stance I desired.

Jim OKC

Thanks everyone...I'll be getting the dope on what's there now and as I am satisfied with the car's handling aspects (I only drive measurably fast, don't scruff tires in turns and respect inside-out apexes)I will probably do the drop spindle thing...Particularly if it won't jeopardize the CD function (a man has to have his priorities)afterall there is nothing worse than Phantom of the Opera with hic-cups!