Ride Height

By Jon R. Belanger

For the next couple of issues we are going to look at chassis set-up. While Vee's offer very few suspension items to really have to understand it amazes me the number of completely unprepared cars at any given event.

The first thing to look at is Ride Height. This can be checked by measuring the distances of both the front and rear of your chassis to the ground. Generally speaking the front should be at least 1/2" - 3/4" lower than the rear. To do this, have the car on a smooth, level surface like a concrete garage floor. Air the tires properly, and have the driver sit in the car. Now, roll the car back and forth while working the suspension... this will help to settle the chassis at ride height. Pick two chassis reference points, one near the front and one as far rearward as you can get, making sure that they are "flat" or on the same plane as each other. Using these two "flat" reference points take a tape and measure the distance to the floor.

On most Vintage Vees ride height isn't readily adjustable, although some do allow vertical repositioning of the axle beam. If your beam cannot be easily moved, the next simplest thing to do is change tire sizes. Many Vintage Vees are running the same size tires both front and rear and an inch or more can be gained by changing to smaller front tires. If neither of these offer you a solution, make sure that the torsion arms are parallel to the ground or slanted slightly upwards as they leave the beam. If yours need to be repositioned this can be done by either cutting a spring or by carefully twisting the spring pack to achieve the proper position. Note: when cutting springs don't make the cut at the halfway point... the pack is secured by the axle beam at that point. You're much better off if you make the cuts on the one-third marks. Keep in mind this is softening your front suspension, and while Vees need to be soft you can go too far. The other option is twisting the spring pack. To do this drop the wheel assembly and put a pipe on the torsion arm and put a twist in the spring pack. The problem here is getting it exactly even from side to side. If you aren't sure about what you're doing here I'd go to a local Vee authority and have it done for you... the little it will cost will more than be made up for in improved handling.

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