IML: Front End Height Without Tool C-3608

["Eric" <gearhead@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

A little further into the section about height adjustment in the FSM for 
1960 is the section of how to adjust without tool C-3608.
http://www.imperialclub.com/Yr/1960/FSM/html/02-006.htm
Look at section 'b.'
The measurement is pretty straightforward and very easy, it is just a 
subtraction from two simple measurements with a margin of difference between 
either side. Unless you have a perfectly flat surface to work on, it isn't 
precise but you can get close enough. Of course the Master Technicians 
Service Conference reference book on Suspension and Front End Alignment for 
1960 is a good read, 
http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Lit/Master/146/146Page07.htm
I used my paved street as a basis point when I levelled my '64 Crown Coupe, 
opting for the highest allowed subtraction. I have a preference for a tall 
sitting Imperial.
Suspension component wear, specifically bushings that have disintegrated and 
worked their way out can cause a slight drop in ride height. I wonder if the 
mysteriously sunken Imperial mentioned recently lost a lower A arm bushing? 
It's a stretch but I've had one work it's way out of a Chrysler before.
Measuring bumper height is not the official way of determining proper ride 
height, and being such, it doesn't ensure the proper geometry that the 
former Porsche engineers that Chrysler hired for suspension development 
intended. If anyone has more info on that suspension team, I'd love to read 
about it. Bumper height measurements would indicate if the front of the car 
has a twist in it or that the bumper is out of alignment but it is pretty 
remote from the official suspension measurement.
KYB shocks, or any gas charged shock, will provide a lift if your rear 
springs are sagging more than you'd like. I've posted the KYB Truck & Van 
Division HD shock part # and I think it's in the repair section under 
Suspension in the website. I put these on a '72 Newport of mine years back, 
I'm presuming they would work for a like year Imperial, and maybe earlier 
models, but that should be double checked. They lifted the rear of that A-35 
Trailer Tow Pkg with HD suspension (ie. extra leaf et al) Newport to what I 
imagine to be a like-new height.
Speaking of rear suspensions, there is a fascinatiing bit in the Master 
Technicians Service Conference reference book for 1965. It descirbes the 
engineered rear suspension understeer incorporated into the action of the 
rear spring hanger, effectively making for a bit of rear steering
http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Lit/Master/214/Page06.htm
Chrysler didn't just slap leaf springs on our cars for no reason. These are 
an engineered item with a specific purpose. It's no wonder these cars hold a 
line in a curve so well, as I'm often demonstrating to myself just for the 
thrill of it   ;-)
Eric
1964 Crown Coupe
___________________________________________________________________
Thanks, I will look forward very much for the results of your measurements
of the bumper height!
I think you will be the first with those figures :)



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