Chassis ride height
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2006
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Chassis ride height
I have a question on chassis ride height theory. I have a 1951 Ford pickup that I cut off the frame and welded on a Camaro front suspension. I have a newer rear axle on the original leaf springs. I have the engine, cab, and all sheet metal completely removed. I have the frame setting on the wheels and tires I want to use. The way it sits right now the frame slopes forward a degree or two which is the rake I am looking for. After I install the engine and all the body how do I know if this angle will stay. It seems impossible to tell until all of the weight is reinstalled in the correct places. I am planning on installing a small block V-8 and automatic transmission. I am under the assumption the engine should lean to the rear a little past level. It seems to me if the frame slopes forward and the engine leans back, the transmission mount will be several inches below the the bottom of the frame. Is this too low in the back? Are there any good books or articles dealing with this? Thanks in advance!! Dave
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I can almost guarantee you that the angle you have now will not remain but it should not change a lot. So much of the weight of these trucks is in the front that when you put the engine and transmission in the front will go down more than the rear. When I mounted my engine and transmission I used an aftermarket transmission mount which I mounted first and then raised or lowered the front of the engine to get it level before locating and welding the front mounts. IMHO the truck should be completely level when locating the engine and mounts regardless of what rake you plan on running later... 
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 354
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From: australia
dave, we don't have comaro's here but if u r fitting a small block/trans why not put your head under the front of a complete car and see what angle the control arms sit at, then u can have a much closer idea on what the front will do, the rear will come down little but by having a latter rear ,it is probable now on top of the spring pack so u can atleast shim it a little to drop some more.
if the engine /trans is going to be a SBC then the engine will fall in and the trans should not be an issue.
cya....gary
if the engine /trans is going to be a SBC then the engine will fall in and the trans should not be an issue.
cya....gary
Clean & Classy
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,656
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From: Riverside CA..
Scrape had the right idea, but you don,t need to look at another car. The control arms should be parallel with the ground when fully loaded. If they do not sit that way you have to either install lighter springs or heavier springs depending on which way they are off. Your "rake" will be determined by the amount of clearance you have at the rear axle, and if you decide to c-notch your frame or not.
Somebody correct me if I,m wrong but you can,t change your ride height in front after your camaro install, except the little you might change by your selection of wheels and tires.
Somebody correct me if I,m wrong but you can,t change your ride height in front after your camaro install, except the little you might change by your selection of wheels and tires.
Elder User
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 907
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From: Kansas City, Mo
chassis ride height
There is definately a differance between a vehicle with a engine, tranny, radiator, fenders etc missing or a complete vehicle frame height above ground. Usually you can look at a 60's or older model vehicle and can tell from the street if the engine /tranny is missing. If the grafted frame was made for the engine weight you are installing, the a-arms should be near level.(see previous info) On a carburated engine, put a level on the carb spot after removing carb. This is your point for pitch and roll when installing the motor and tranny mounts.(Put it together, take it apart, repeat as necessary) (vehicle should be put together for this). The rear is a different story. Have a great day, chuck
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