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Re: [GMCnet] Rear end Ride Height [message #140177] Sat, 20 August 2011 08:16 Go to next message
Gary Casey is currently offline  Gary Casey   United States
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The front wheel castor angle changes 0.4 degrees for every inch change in height difference (lower the rear by 1 inch and the castor will increase  0.4 degrees).

Rob gives a link to a previous discussion on rear ride height.  I won't repost the discussion, but I have some comments on the comments:
1.  Changing front or rear height doesn't change the weight distribution at all (okay, there would be a minute change - and I mean minute)
2.  They wanted to get the fuel to flow to the rear tank?  Why not just lower the rear tank - lots easier.
3.  Reduce the "dive" on braking?  The braking weight transfer depends only on the height of the CG.  The dive depends on the front spring rate and the "anti-dive" geometry built into the suspension (there is none).

I don't like the rear lower than standard because I already tend to drag the rear once in a while.  But there is a real reason to lower the rear - the lower the suspension pivot points the less the rear-to-middle axle weight shift on braking.  That depends on the angle of the line drawn between the pivot and the contact patch.  But why wouldn't they have just lowered the pivot point?  There is ground clearance available to do that.

There is an aerodynamic reason to lower the front compared to the rear - the overall drag goes down and the lateral center of pressure moves rearward.  This does good things for fuel economy and response to gusts and crosswinds.

Gary Casey


Since no one has commented on your question I would suggest you click on the
link below and review what is being posted in response to the thread
entitled "Why was GMC setup to ride low in the rear?"

http://tinyurl.com/42d37gg

Someone calculated the effect on caster for each inch you drop the rear end
but I can't find the email.

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia


-----Original Message-----
From: Wayne Lawrence

I have done every thing that I can afford to get max caster and I still
would like a wee bit more.

As you lower the rear end the caster gets better. Please share your thoughts
on running with the rear end lower then stock. The front end is at the stock
height. What are the limiting factors on how low can you go. 
-- 
Wayne
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Re: [GMCnet] Rear end Ride Height [message #140180 is a reply to message #140177] Sat, 20 August 2011 09:10 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
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G'day,

I am saving all the messages that come in under this thread and "Why was GMC
setup to ride low in the rear?" and will put together a summary when we're
done.

Regards,
Rob M.

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: [GMCnet] Rear end Ride Height [message #140181 is a reply to message #140177] Sat, 20 August 2011 09:13 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Gary Casey is currently offline  Gary Casey   United States
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Oops, my number for the castor change was for a 23' (140 inch WB).  On the 26 the number is 0.36 degrees per inch (160 inch WB?).  Wheel base is measured to the pivot points at the rear.

I previously said:

The front wheel castor angle changes 0.4 degrees for every inch change in height difference (lower the rear by 1 inch and the castor will increase  0.4 degrees).
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Re: [GMCnet] Rear end Ride Height [message #140184 is a reply to message #140180] Sat, 20 August 2011 10:10 Go to previous message
Wayne is currently offline  Wayne   United States
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Hi Rob,

Me to.


Wayne Lawrence
76 Birchaven
Bellflower CA
w.lawrence@verizon.net
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