Have a 70 Challenger, 440. All stock in most every way other than a few small items.
When I got it a year+ ago I thought the rear end had sagged pretty badly on the original springs. I replaced with new leaf springs, buying from a well known spring provider, I bought them +1 inch in height because I am a product of the '60's and '70's and like the look. I also installed new tires and wheels all around, 235-60X15 in front and 255-60X15 in rear...8 inch wide rims in back. The car rides smoothly and straight.
The front suspension is set up very carefully as per the FSM. The result of all this is that I still think I have a rear end height issue. From the high point of the wheel well trim to the floor I am running 24.9" in front on both sides, 24.5" on the rear on both sides. If I measure from the rocker underside to the ground, I get the same exact measurement at all four corners of the rocker. I would have thought that with the +1 springs and the 1" dia larger wheels in back I would have some rake of some sort. I called the spring company and they suggested that it is just Challengers that sit low and that if I want more height then go +2" instead of +1.
So here is my question. I don't know if what I have is my own perception problem and in that case they are right and I should order +2" if it bothers me that much, or... if the springs I bought were made wrong and if I order +2" I will have a car with a stance like Dick Landy's Challenger...too high for a stock street car. The spring company feels that they couldn't have made these wrong. If I assume that they just sent me stock height by mistake and order +1 again, the risk is that I have no positive change and am in the same boat after spending more money. Thoughts??? Pic attached.
I know this shouldn't bother me somehow, but it does!
I would do as you have already, take some good clear shots of the car, some good solid measurements all around. Then I would order and install the +2 springs from the same company. Drive the car around for a week or so, for things to settle in a bit and repeat the picture/measurement process.
Compare the difference. If you now have a +2 difference, that proves there was an issue with the first set, if you have only a +1 difference, then the company was right and you should have ordered +2 in the first place.
Not sure if you prove them wrong, that they will compensate you, but it's worth it to prove it with actual pictures and measurements....
ALL of this, that is, if you feel you can't live with it as is. :dunno:
^^ I think most folks just remember how the cars who had the ride height they liked looked and remember that style as how they were.
The stock Challenger sat pretty darn low in the rear.
Your photo looks correct as a +1 to me, I don't believe you have the wrong springs. If you want it up a bit more in the back, order the +2.
GL
:alan2cents:
QuoteThe stock Challenger sat pretty darn low in the rear.
Yes they did. Also, if you adjusted the front end the way the FSM says, you're front end is going to look high as well. If it were me, I'd lower the front down a little. Then you'll have your rake. You'll need to get the front end re-aligned but that will be cheaper then a new set of springs.
Have you looked into having a local spring shop re-arch the springs you have?
Not to mention he will need a front end alignment with the higher rear stance anyway. :yes:
You pictures and measurements confirm that you now have a level ride height. This is the result of the +1 springs. In stock form, these sat lower in the rear.
I'd also second what Burdar said...if you set the front ride height to stock specs, then you now have the OEM nose high position.
To resolve you situation depends on the exact look you want. it does not look bad now but, IMO, could stand a 1-2 inch drop in the nose. However, you also said you like that '70s look. If you simply want to produce a slight rake, drop the front suspension and realign. If you want that '70s look, get +2 springs and realign.
BTW, with those radials on there, are you using the stock alignment specs too?
I agree with Skdmark find a local spring company and have them re-arch them don't waste more money on another new set of springs, I had mine re-arched for less than $100.00.
Add a leaf taken from your old springs each side. The additional spring rate will set the back higher around .5" to .75". Just make sure your shocks can handle the added spring rate. Larger torsion bars allows you to lower the front without bottom out. Too high in the back don't help in handling.