engine and drivetrain rear suspension height

[Inka’d02]

Hey Guys,

Quick question, I just finished installing new front and rear suspensions in my 02. The car is just a shell right now but when I put it on its wheels and set it down it seems like the ride height is way too high. I expect the front to be high without an engine and trans but the rear wheel gap is ~3.25". When I disconnect the rear shocks it drops to 2.75". They are new Bilstein HD's and I had the Suspension Technique springs blasted and re-powder coated (they measure ~10.5" free length). New urethane bushings all around as well if that would have anything to do with it?

Any thoughts,

Thanks

[M3M3]

if it truly is just a shell, you have a lot more weight to put in that affects the rear suspension...trans, diff, driveshaft, exhaust, interior, fuel and tank, battery, seats, spare tire, trunk panels, speakers, etc. don't panic until it is fully loaded....

[BillWilliams]

do you have the springs correct? Front on the front etc?

[c.d.iesel]

worry about it AFTER the car is completly assembled,

filled with gas, 150 lbs in each front seat, 150 lbs

centered on the back seat,

and 100 lbs centered in the trunk

THEN measure your ride height

[hrg88]

Did you roll the car back and forth to settle the suspension?

[Inka’d02]

I did roll it back and forth. I went back through my records and found some phots of disassembly. with the motor, trans and gas tank stilll in it was sitting pretty high. I think I have to wait until I have the weight of the doors, glass, trunk, hood and interior (besides engine and trans) before I worry.

[eastsidebimmer]

greetings, as others have said, it will look different when loaded. Now, I suspect that the low positive offset of your wheels is playing a bit of an optical illusion too. What size wheel and tires are you using?

Ask any lady on the FAQ, the shoes make the outfit.

-Ben

[c.d.iesel]

.....and when the car is fully assembled,

and WEIGHTED, loosen your control arm

nuts, roll and bounce the car for the suspension

to center itself , THEN you do your final tightening

of the control arm hardware. THEN perform your

alignment - while still WEIGHTED

[Inka’d02]

Nothing is torqued as of now. We'll see what happens when the car is together. I was worried that the blasting of the springs may have effected the spring rate but I agree that the lack of weight in the car is the root cause.

Thanks for the help.

[TobyB]

Naw, blasting the springs won't make enough difference to matter.

DOES look high, but it's an easy thing to fix once everything else is done.

IF it's a problem...

t