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Sat Sep 28, 2024 2:34 pm

Did spend time reading through threads and not finding the information.

On swing axle, what is the maximum ride height without irreversible modification? As I understand, there is a point where no longer have enough camber for safe driving, correct?

By the way, my preference be measuring off the running boards though center of wheel to fender also work.

Ruby even with Koni dampers got a significant sagging bum measuring off the running board, so be replacing the bushings. I also need to replace the front beam seals, which I understand means removing everything off the front beam to do so. While in there, set up for transversing unpaved roads. Considering two inches be ideal, though even an inch extra do based on a tight six inches to the muffler (lower then the engine case); not found any picture(s) to help with the decision.

Thanks in advance. :D

Sat Sep 28, 2024 4:11 pm

body lift

Sat Sep 28, 2024 4:54 pm

DesertSasquatchXploration wrote: body lift

That requires irreversible modifications, yes?

Guess should add with limited tools and narrow one car garage (so already planned for doing one side and then turning around).

Sun Sep 29, 2024 8:02 am

DesertSasquatchXploration wrote: body lift

How does a body lift gain more ground clearance when it requires a suspension lift to gain more ground clearance....

Sun Sep 29, 2024 8:18 am

Dale M. wrote: DesertSasquatchXploration wrote: body lift

How does a body lift gain more ground clearance when it requires a suspension lift to gain more ground clearance....

Body lift could allow for larger tires, which gives more ground clearance.

Although fairly irreversible, cutting the fenders ( if they are stock ) would be easier than a body lift and accomplish the same thing. But you could get a second pair or some Baja ones if you dont already have them.
OP you’re just not looking hard enough, theres tons of info on this and threads that give max amount of travel for SA.
That aside, taller tires, RGB transaxle, replace rear torsion bars if yours is sagging, or reindex yours. Wouldn’t d raise that rear much though because your camber will get goofy and so will the handling.
Far as the front , raised spindles are probably about the easiest solution regardless of what type of beam you have.

Sun Sep 29, 2024 5:09 pm

Dale M. wrote: DesertSasquatchXploration wrote: body lift

How does a body lift gain more ground clearance when it requires a suspension lift to gain more ground clearance....

Thought the same but find when ask for clarification, then all help dries up. :?

Sun Sep 29, 2024 5:17 pm

BFB wrote: Dale M. wrote: DesertSasquatchXploration wrote: body lift

How does a body lift gain more ground clearance when it requires a suspension lift to gain more ground clearance....

Body lift could allow for larger tires, which gives more ground clearance.

Although fairly irreversible, cutting the fenders ( if they are stock ) would be easier than a body lift and accomplish the same thing. But you could get a second pair or some Baja ones if you dont already have them.
OP you’re just not looking hard enough, theres tons of info on this and threads that give max amount of travel for SA.
That aside, taller tires, RGB transaxle, replace rear torsion bars if yours is sagging, or reindex yours. Wouldn’t d raise that rear much though because your camber will get goofy and so will the handling.
Far as the front , raised spindles are probably about the easiest solution regardless of what type of beam you have.

Now clear said too much, I am still working on not using too many words, sorry.

I am not asking about travel, rather, the point where camber gets "goofy". If that point is say 10 inches, then have nothing to be concerned about, though if 1/8" over stock, then know to be careful when re-indexing the rear bars; being extreme for clarity.

Double checked, not seeing raised spindles for kingpin suspension. Though based on ball joint prices, if same or more, out of budget of say $100 (on fixed income).

By the way, I am terrible about search words, even on Google. :wink:

Sun Sep 29, 2024 6:01 pm

Tried the other way, should apply both directions, right? No clue why didn't think of this earlier.

Looks like 1 inch, which is about 1 degree of spring plate, changes the camber 2*10'. Stock is +2*30', some saying now at zero. So, about two inch raise be an increase of about three degrees, which be a camber of 4*20', which seems too far?

Sun Sep 29, 2024 6:48 pm

According to the Baja Bugs & Buggies book by Jeff Hibbard, the recommended rule of thumb on lifting a swing axle car is to "use the bottom rear hole of the four bolt holes that hold on the spring-plate-hub cover as a reference point... [then] position the spring plate on the torsion bar so the bottom edge of the spring plate is covering half of the bolt hole." Hope this helps.

Mon Sep 30, 2024 9:15 am

True with stock torsions bars. Heavier torsions need less preload.
The original question is about raising the car. Remember these cars have flat bottoms, no Ford differential to hang up. Better to have skid plates than more clearance with a bug.
Dennis