Rear end height, and how to drop it.

[HotRodder Glenn]

I noticed it as well, but it was pointed out to me here in my introduction post that the rear of my car looks unusually high. I have what is to be believed as all stock suspension. Running 255/45/18 tires on the back.

So why would the car sit so tall out back like it does? And what can I do about it? I would love to get it down where it belongs.

It looks to me like there is far too much space between the wheel opening and the tire.

Thanks,
Glenn


Here are the pics I had posted in the intro thread….

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Tires are shorter than stock, and your air ride may be set too high. Under the car there is an adjuster you slide either way to lower or raise the rear. I'm not sure how exactly as I haven't done it but there's some threads about this on here somewhere.

[HotRodder Glenn]

Tires are shorter than stock, and your air ride may be set too high. Under the car there is an adjuster you slide either way to lower or raise the rear. I'm not sure how exactly as I haven't done it but there's some threads about this on here somewhere.

Thanks for the info. I now see where the tires are supposed to be 255/55's correct? And i did find a thread on where to adjust the air suspension.

Thanks,
Glenn

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

I think that's the size everyone is upgrading to with the OEMs being harder to find.

The factory rear tire size is 245/55.

[chief455]

Glenn
here is a tire size calculator.
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...nfoTireMath.do

Check if your fronts are also ~27" tall, I'd look into the air ride sensor position as mentioned, and I've read the watts link ride height can be set as well. EDIT: NOT FINDING INFORMATION OTHER THAN AIR RIDE POSITION SENSOR SETTINGS*
Never done this myself. Hope that helps...

[RubberCtyRauder]

Factory rear size is 245/55/18 and not hard to find if you buy another brand other than BFG which have proven to most memebrs as not worth buying. Check Cooper Zeon RS3A and Firestone wide Ovals and NItto Motivos.

255/45/18 are short for the back IMO.

[clmrt]

There's a bracket attached to the watts link. It is fastened by 11 and 9mm nuts. Loosen and slide it to the drivers side 1/4 of an inch and let the system cycle. Recheck and adjust.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Pic of bracket on watts link, disregard wording of Crown Vic Sport, it;s the same for Marauders.



Note that the further you drop the rear height, there is a good chance the front will raise up..ask me how I know..well ask MartyO from MO's and how it did it to my car when trying to get the ride height better..Ended up cutting front coil by 3/4 to keep the nose down when lowering rear.

[Logizyme]

If this is a new issue then its likely to be an issue with the ride height sensor and linkage. There is a sensor mounted to the body with a small linkage connecting to the drivers side watts-link arm. The sensor monitors ride height and adjusted air suspension to the correct height. The sensors are prone to failure, particularly mechanically where the internals of the sensor will seize, or the sensor arm will come loose from the sensor shaft, also the sensor linkage can bind and or rust. All of these issues can cause a false height reading from the sensor and the air suspension will try to compensate for it, in this case the sensor is reading that the car ride height is too low and is trying to raise it up which results in the excessively high ride height.

If this is an issue you've had since you've acquired the vehicle its possible that the previous owner or anyone that has worked on the vehicle has adjusted the sensor. There is a slot on the watts-link arm that the sensor linkage bolts onto that allows the linkage to be adjusted for various discrepancies in manufacturing.

If your mechanically inclined and equipped with basic hand tools this is something you can repair yourself, but I would suggest having a reputable shop or dealer service otherwise. First thing to do would be to get under the rear of the car and find the sensor and linkage. Disconnect the linkage from the watts-link. The linkage is attached to both the control arm and sensor by a small ball and socket joint, the linkage may be able to be pulled off or may require it be pried off with a flat tip screwdriver or similar tool. With the sensor linkage disconnected from the watts-link arm, move the sensor linkage up and down. Check for excessive resistance or binding. Make sure the arm on the sensor is fully attached to the sensor shaft and that it is moving with the sensor shaft. Check both ball and socket joints for binding or excessive rust/corrosion, lubricate with white lithium. If any physical problems are found with the sensor or linkage they should be replaced, most sensors will come with a new linkage. If no issues are found it would be advisable to confirmed sensor operation using a diagnostic tool with datalogging capabilities. Datalog the ride height sensor position and voltage which moving the linkage up and down, checking for smooth and proper movement and voltage changes. If everything checks out with the sensor and linkage it may just be that the adjustment bracket had been moved, or potentially a problem with the air suspension unable to shut off or bleed air, both of which are highly unlikely. The bracket that had the ball of the ball and socket joint that is on the watts-linkage is bolted onto the the linkage, the bolts/nuts can be loosened and the linkage slid side to side to adjust the sensors base reading, when the height is right, tighten the nuts down.

Good luck

[champ1173]

If this is a new issue then its likely to be an issue with the ride height sensor and linkage. There is a sensor mounted to the body with a small linkage connecting to the drivers side watts-link arm. The sensor monitors ride height and adjusted air suspension to the correct height. The sensors are prone to failure, particularly mechanically where the internals of the sensor will seize, or the sensor arm will come loose from the sensor shaft, also the sensor linkage can bind and or rust. All of these issues can cause a false height reading from the sensor and the air suspension will try to compensate for it, in this case the sensor is reading that the car ride height is too low and is trying to raise it up which results in the excessively high ride height.

If this is an issue you've had since you've acquired the vehicle its possible that the previous owner or anyone that has worked on the vehicle has adjusted the sensor. There is a slot on the watts-link arm that the sensor linkage bolts onto that allows the linkage to be adjusted for various discrepancies in manufacturing.

If your mechanically inclined and equipped with basic hand tools this is something you can repair yourself, but I would suggest having a reputable shop or dealer service otherwise. First thing to do would be to get under the rear of the car and find the sensor and linkage. Disconnect the linkage from the watts-link. The linkage is attached to both the control arm and sensor by a small ball and socket joint, the linkage may be able to be pulled off or may require it be pried off with a flat tip screwdriver or similar tool. With the sensor linkage disconnected from the watts-link arm, move the sensor linkage up and down. Check for excessive resistance or binding. Make sure the arm on the sensor is fully attached to the sensor shaft and that it is moving with the sensor shaft. Check both ball and socket joints for binding or excessive rust/corrosion, lubricate with white lithium. If any physical problems are found with the sensor or linkage they should be replaced, most sensors will come with a new linkage. If no issues are found it would be advisable to confirmed sensor operation using a diagnostic tool with datalogging capabilities. Datalog the ride height sensor position and voltage which moving the linkage up and down, checking for smooth and proper movement and voltage changes. If everything checks out with the sensor and linkage it may just be that the adjustment bracket had been moved, or potentially a problem with the air suspension unable to shut off or bleed air, both of which are highly unlikely. The bracket that had the ball of the ball and socket joint that is on the watts-linkage is bolted onto the the linkage, the bolts/nuts can be loosened and the linkage slid side to side to adjust the sensors base reading, when the height is right, tighten the nuts down.

Good luck

Wow! I learn something new, every time I come to this site. Thanks for future notice.

[HotRodder Glenn]

You guys rock!

After measuring I found the rear was up 2 full inches over the front. I jacked the car up and found the bracket that needed to be adjusted as mentioned above. Great picture and info by the way, it was right where I expected it to be. Upon inspection I could see right where the PO had moved it from. The original location of the washer/nuts clearly visible. I loosened the nuts, slid it back where it belonged and then retightened the nuts.

I then set the car down and started the car. Within seconds I watched as the car found its new position. I shut it off and then restarted a couple times to make sure it cycled a few times. It now is just about 3/4 of an inch difference from front to back.

Looks awesome now, Thanks!!

Glenn

[jwibbity]

You guys rock!

After measuring I found the rear was up 2 full inches over the front. I jacked the car up and found the bracket that needed to be adjusted as mentioned above. Great picture and info by the way, it was right where I expected it to be. Upon inspection I could see right where the PO had moved it from. The original location of the washer/nuts clearly visible. I loosened the nuts, slid it back where it belonged and then retightened the nuts.

I then set the car down and started the car. Within seconds I watched as the car found its new position. I shut it off and then restarted a couple times to make sure it cycled a few times. It now is just about 3/4 of an inch difference from front to back.

Looks awesome now, Thanks!!

Glenn

Before and after pictures or you're

[HotRodder Glenn]

Before and after pictures or you're

Lol…..

Too dark out now, But I will post up for sure.

[Logizyme]

Glad we could help. Either some mechanic did not know what he was doing, or the previous owner wanted the car to be a hooptie.

[JBeezy]

Makes me now wonder if I need to lower the rear of my car a little. I cut my front coils and mine didn't move.