Suspension and Brake Refresh, New Wheels and Suspension Adjusted Options

[tvdinnerbythepool]

Thanks guys, trying to wrap my mind around it.
Found this pic on a 911 forum that I think helps too

[tvdinnerbythepool]

Did a test fit just to make sure I had it oriented right!

[tvdinnerbythepool]

New discs and bearings are in!
Followed Ian's video for good measure.

New Bilsteins, tie rod ends, ball joints, bushings, brake master cylinder, stainless lines, pads and lovely calipers will be on next once I get the o rings from 914rubber

So close to getting back on the road! Can't wait to feel the difference!

[tvdinnerbythepool]

This car is like the most frustrating game of Whack a Mole! Fix one problem and boom there's another. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hissyfit.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hissyfit.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hissyfit.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/hissyfit.gif)

So, suspension, brakes, everything is in rebuilt and pretty! Today's project was to set the front ride height. I followed the procedure, Floor to Center Hub - 90 and that's the height to the center of the torsion bar. A pain in the ass going in circles but I think I finally got it pretty dialed in.

The issue is: now the front is raised up to the correct height the tire strikes the front valance when I turn the wheel hardly at all. I couldn't get the car out of the driveway.



I did not have the issue pre-rebuild, however, pre-rebuild the car was slammed with tons of camber.

My guess is, like the many issues these have brought me, it's the wheel/tire combo.
Rivieras with 195-60R15. I think they are just too damn wide and too tall. The PO messed with so much stuff on this car to make these stupid tires fit.

What do you guys think? Am I missing anything else??

I can't afford wheels and tires after all the cash that went into this so far so i'm limited to just tires.

[ndfrigi]

with 195x60 tires, it should not be that close to the front fender lip/valance. Any picture of the whole tire seeing the whole fender distance? or pic of the rear side of that tire to the fender?

below is 205x60 tire on 15x6 fuch wheel.

[mepstein]

It’s the Rivs. That’s a wide tire for them but fine if you have Fuchs.

It shouldn’t be too tall. I have 195x65x15 and it fits fine. Is it a stock valance or aftermarket fiberglass?

[DickSteinkamp]

What do you guys think? Am I missing anything else??

I'm thinking that Rivieras must have less backspacing than most other wheel options.


These are 195 65 15s on reproduction 5.5" Fuchs...

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/uploads_offsite/live.staticflickr.com-20876-1578276712.1.jpg)

No rubbing ever. Not even close.

[tvdinnerbythepool]

Here is a side view pic. The ride height is too high and the back of the car is on jack stands making it look even worse, however, I don't think this is my issue. I believe it is the stock valance.

I'm also now thinking the formula for front ride height is not working with the rivieras...ugh

[tvdinnerbythepool]

[rhodyguy]

Have you settled the suspension? You need to roll or preferably drive it a bit. By formula, do you mean the Haynes manual?

[tvdinnerbythepool]

Have you settled the suspension? You need to roll or preferably dive it a bit. By formula, do you mean the Haynes manual?

I was able to drive back and forth in driveway getting on brakes etc.

And I followed the formula from the old porsche manual....

[mepstein]

The type of wheel won’t make a difference. They just hold the tire in place. You need to go down at least one notch on the torsion bar splines, maybe/probably two.

[burton73]

The type of wheel won’t make a difference. They just hold the tire in place. You need to go down at least one notch on the torsion bar splines, maybe/probably two.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

It looks like it is way to high.

Bob B

[ndfrigi]

Here is a side view pic. The ride height is too high and the back of the car is on jack stands making it look even worse, however, I don't think this is my issue. I believe it is the stock valance.

I'm also now thinking the formula for front ride height is not working with the rivieras...ugh

maybe too much negative caster or something wrong with the suspension that makes the center wheel towards the front since the picture show there is a lot of space at the rear side.

and the lower valance seems bent that makes it leaning inside or that was cause by the tire rubbing to the valance?

[raynekat]

Here is a side view pic. The ride height is too high and the back of the car is on jack stands making it look even worse, however, I don't think this is my issue. I believe it is the stock valance.

I'm also now thinking the formula for front ride height is not working with the rivieras...ugh

maybe too much negative caster or something wrong with the suspension that makes the center wheel towards the front since the picture show there is a lot of space at the rear side.

and the lower valance seems bent that makes it leaning inside or that was cause by the tire rubbing to the valance?

I agree with both: too much caster and the lower valance looks off.

[porschetub]

The adjusters will be way out of range,so as mentioned the torsion bars need to be turned 1 notch,I had interference with the valance on one side only because its a really crappy f/glass one that is a bad fit and to long on the RH side,that happened when I lowered around 38mm from stock.
I remember having original 5.5 Rivs on my one yr only euro 66 beetle,certainly filled out the guards .

[Mark Henry]

As others have said you're way too high. I wouldn't stick to the factory height spec, I'd aim for level the bottom fender lip to the top of the tire, or even a 1/2" or so lower.

I run as much caster as I can, stock I doubt if you can get any more than 7 degrees which would be OK. This will move the wheel back slightly. More caster makes for harder low speed turning but better high speed tracking.
IIRC -.5 degree camber, and about 7 degree caster with 1/8" toe in is the sweet spot for a stock(-ish) performance street car.
My '74 teen I'm running -.75 degree camber and about 6.5 degree caster, which was the best I could do on one side.

Just an FYI, if you adjust your ride height you have to check the alignment, or you'll have bad tire wear.

[tvdinnerbythepool]

As others have said you're way too high. I wouldn't stick to the factory height spec, I'd aim for level the bottom fender lip to the top of the tire, or even a 1/2" or so lower.

I run as much caster as I can, stock I doubt if you can get any more than 7 degrees which would be OK. This will move the wheel back slightly. More caster makes for harder low speed turning but better high speed tracking.
IIRC -.5 degree camber, and about 7 degree caster with 1/8" toe in is the sweet spot for a stock(-ish) performance street car.
My '74 teen I'm running -.75 degree camber and about 6.5 degree caster, which was the best I could do on one side.

Just an FYI, if you adjust your ride height you have to check the alignment, or you'll have bad tire wear.

Thank you EVERYONE as always!

I am going to switch to stock wheels and tires, and this ABSOLUTELY needs an alignment. I Agree. The stock formula led me astray. I agree with @MarkHenry as a place to aim with ride height and other specs.

I appreciate the input and will report back when I have made some more progress.

[mepstein]

Hang in there. It will be worth it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif)

[rhodyguy]

I think those instructions are to achieve ride height for USA specs. The illustration shows the control arms lower on the wheel side. You'll want them more parallel to the horizon. As it sits, the valance is closer to nearest point of the tire circumference.