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Front ride height [message #264160]

Mon, 13 October 2014 19:54

Ron E

Messages: 28
Registered: October 2012
Location: OK Falls BC

Karma: 0

Junior Member

hi guys...my right front corner is approx one inch higher than the left, if I soak the adjusting bolt very well with penetrating oil, raise the offending corner to hang the wheel off the ground, can I now loosen,lower the adjusting bolt, or am I risking fate by possibly stripping the bolt without an uploading tool?
Thanks in advance...ron Rolling Eyes

Rolling Eyes

Ps the rear is spot on

Ron/Phyllis English 78 Royale twin, center kitchen OK Falls BC

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Re: Front ride height [message #264162 is a reply to message #264160]

Mon, 13 October 2014 20:01

Craig Lechowicz

Messages: 541
Registered: October 2006
Location: Waterford, MI

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Ron,
You need the tool. And, even then, the bolts can be a challenge to turn.

Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI

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Re: Front ride height [message #264165 is a reply to message #264160]

Mon, 13 October 2014 20:03

kerry pinkerton

Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al

Karma: 15

Senior Member

I asked Ken Henderson the same question a couple weeks ago. "You could but I wouldn't risk it." was his reply. Good enough for me.

Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L

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Re: Front ride height [message #264168 is a reply to message #264165]

Mon, 13 October 2014 20:33

Bullitthead

Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013

Karma: 5

Senior Member

You should raise both sides about equally if you can, especially when the goal is to unload the front springs. Not a good idea to twist the coach unnecessarily, can cause leaks that you didn't have before.

Terry Kelpien ASE Master Technician 73 Glacier 260 Smithfield, Va.

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Re: [GMCnet] Front ride height [message #264177 is a reply to message #264168]

Mon, 13 October 2014 21:56

USAussie

Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia

Karma: 6

Senior Member

Terry,

I'm sorry but I don't understand your answer would you please explain.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428

-----Original Message-----
From: Terry

You should raise both sides about equally if you can, especially when the goal is to unload the front springs. Not a good idea to
twist the coach unnecessarily, can cause leaks that you didn't have before.
--
Terry Kelpien

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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

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Re: [GMCnet] Front ride height [message #264178 is a reply to message #264160]

Mon, 13 October 2014 21:56

USAussie

Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia

Karma: 6

Senior Member

Ron,

Yes you are risking stripping the bolt / nut.

Don't know where OK Falls is but maybe you can borrow a tool from someone in BC.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428

-----Original Message-----
From: Ron English

hi guys...my right front corner is approx one inch higher than the left, if I soak the adjusting bolt very well with penetrating
oil, raise the
offending corner to hang the wheel off the ground, can I now loosen,lower the adjusting bolt, or am I risking fate by possibly
stripping the bolt without an uploading tool?
Thanks in advance...ron :roll:
Ps the rear is spot on
--
Ron

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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

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Re: [GMCnet] Front ride height [message #264183 is a reply to message #264178]

Mon, 13 October 2014 22:27

Ken Burton

Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana

Karma: 10

Senior Member

I am interested in how it got 1" off. If you have n't been screwing with the adjustment then why is is 1" high?

I suggest that you check the REAR HEIGHT FIRST. If the rear in not exactly on the money then do NOT adjust the front.

I have never adjusted the front ride height by jacking it up and let the wheels hang. I had one GMC repair shop tell me that they do it all the time with the wheels hanging. Jim K has replacement adjustment bolts if you screw one up.

Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana

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Re: Front ride height [message #264184 is a reply to message #264160]

Mon, 13 October 2014 22:49

Dan Borlase

Messages: 743
Registered: May 2008
Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Disappointing Ron, but I guess no one in our neck of the wood has an up loading tool to lend...

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Re: Front ride height [message #264193 is a reply to message #264184]

Tue, 14 October 2014 00:57

Bullitthead

Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013

Karma: 5

Senior Member

Rob,
Ron wanted to know if he could raise the left front corner until the suspension was hanging and I said it was not a good idea to just raise one corner that far and twist up the coach unnecessarily. Raise both sides at the same time if he can using 2 jacks or use a big jack under the center and stands on each side on the way up or what ever method he wants, it's just not a good idea to twist the coach that much unless it means getting outta the ditch or some other necessary driving maneuver that would drop one front wheel all the way--you know, like Dukes of Hazzard style driving Laughing

Laughing

Terry Kelpien ASE Master Technician 73 Glacier 260 Smithfield, Va.

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Re: Front ride height [message #264194 is a reply to message #264193]

Tue, 14 October 2014 01:02

Bullitthead

Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013

Karma: 5

Senior Member

Ron,
Make sure your water and LP tanks are filled before making any adjustments. Both of them will affect the left front if they are located in the right rear like mine. My right front was chronically low no matter what the adjustment until I reinstalled Onan and a bulldozer battery in the left rear.

Terry Kelpien ASE Master Technician 73 Glacier 260 Smithfield, Va.

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Re: [GMCnet] Front ride height [message #264208 is a reply to message #264193]

Tue, 14 October 2014 08:16

USAussie

Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia

Karma: 6

Senior Member

Terry,

DOUH!

Thanks for the explanation; I thought you meant that he should not ADJUST one side up 1."

I now understand and agree that it's not a good idea to JACK one side up high enough to twist the frame as that can lead to a
cracked windshield.

Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428

-----Original Message-----
From: Terry

Rob,
Ron wanted to know if he could raise the left front corner until the suspension was hanging and I said it was not a good idea to
just raise one corner that far and twist up the coach unnecessarily. Raise both sides at the same time if he can using 2 jacks or
use a big jack under the center and stands on each side on the way up or what ever method he wants, it's just not a good idea to
twist the coach that much unless it means getting outta the ditch or some other necessary driving maneuver that would drop one front
wheel all the way--you know, like Dukes of Hazzard style driving :lol:
--
Terry Kelpien

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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

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Re: Front ride height [message #264217 is a reply to message #264160]

Tue, 14 October 2014 09:36

Gadabout

Messages: 124
Registered: March 2013
Location: Edmonton

Karma: 2

Senior Member

Ron, I have a tool here in Edmonton, if your out this way look me

To get the coach level you may to to raise one side and lower the other, so you will needed the tool to properly correct the problem.

You should do ride height in this order

1. Set all air pressures
2. Be on a level surface
3. Level the rear by adjusting the air bag valve control arms
4. Adjust front ride height.

I have found that a small correction at the back makes a big difference at the front.

The manual provides points to check ride height, personally I do them at a common reference point on the fenders.

Lowering the front outside of tolerance may require adjustment to suspension settings, ( camber, toe and bump steer.)

Finally, if you have a defective torsion bar , it or the pork chop may need to be replaced. I have a couple of pork chops with different degrees, and could probably come up with a set of used torsion bars if your in a bind.

Feel free to PM me if needed.

Good luck

Carl Harr : Driver NASCAR Pro Series #2
1978 Gadabout-Restoring
1978 Palm Beach
1976 Glenbrook
Prevost Featherlite H3-45

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Re: Front ride height [message #264219 is a reply to message #264193]

Tue, 14 October 2014 10:46

Keith V

Messages: 2337
Registered: March 2008
Location: Mounds View,MN

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Bullitthead wrote on Tue, 14 October 2014 00:57

Rob,
Ron wanted to know if he could raise the left front corner until the suspension was hanging and I said it was not a good idea to just raise one corner that far and twist up the coach unnecessarily. Raise both sides at the same time if he can using 2 jacks or use a big jack under the center and stands on each side on the way up or what ever method he wants, it's just not a good idea to twist the coach that much unless it means getting outta the ditch or some other necessary driving maneuver that would drop one front wheel all the way--you know, like Dukes of Hazzard style driving

The coach rolls pretty good going around a corner, I'm not too worried about twisting it. and there are more than a few times I'm bottomed the suspension just driving around.

Keith Vasilakes
Mounds View. MN
75 ex Royale GMC
ask me about MicroLevel
Cell, 763-732-3419
My427v8@hotmail.com

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Re: Front ride height [message #264221 is a reply to message #264184]

Tue, 14 October 2014 11:28

Ron E

Messages: 28
Registered: October 2012
Location: OK Falls BC

Karma: 0

Junior Member

Dan Talked to Les Holmes he doesn't have tool
Guess I'm going south with it the way it is
Thankyou to the rest for the info, might have to go see Jim K during our travels, get some of these nitty problems checked out...ron

Ron/Phyllis English 78 Royale twin, center kitchen OK Falls BC

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Re: [GMCnet] Front ride height [message #264222 is a reply to message #264221]

Tue, 14 October 2014 11:34

James Hupy

Messages: 6806
Registered: May 2010

Karma: -62

Senior Member

Ron, when are you going South? You could stop by my place in Salem, Or. I
could adjust ride height for you if it fits into my schedule.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
78 GMC Royale 403
On Oct 14, 2014 9:29 AM, "Ron English" wrote:

> Dan Talked to Les Holmes he doesn't have tool
> Guess I'm going south with it the way it is
> Thankyou to the rest for the info, might have to go see Jim K during our
> travels, get some of these nitty problems checked out...ron
> --
> Ron/Phyllis English
> 78 Royale twin, center kitchen
> OK Falls BC
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
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Re: [GMCnet] Front ride height [message #264226 is a reply to message #264222]

Tue, 14 October 2014 12:30

Ron E

Messages: 28
Registered: October 2012
Location: OK Falls BC

Karma: 0

Junior Member

Pm sent...ron

Ron/Phyllis English 78 Royale twin, center kitchen OK Falls BC

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Re: [GMCnet] Front ride height [message #264227 is a reply to message #264226]

Tue, 14 October 2014 12:45

Dan Borlase

Messages: 743
Registered: May 2008
Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Ron...Jim Hupy beat me to the punch...If your going south, then I would recommend you see Jim.

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Re: [GMCnet] Front ride height [message #264228 is a reply to message #264227]

Tue, 14 October 2014 13:09

Ron E

Messages: 28
Registered: October 2012
Location: OK Falls BC

Karma: 0

Junior Member

Thanks Dan, have sent an email to James

Ron/Phyllis English 78 Royale twin, center kitchen OK Falls BC

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Re: Front ride height [message #264400 is a reply to message #264160]

Thu, 16 October 2014 22:43

Bob de Kruyff

Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ

Karma: 1

Senior Member

Ron E wrote on Mon, 13 October 2014 18:54

hi guys...my right front corner is approx one inch higher than the left, if I soak the adjusting bolt very well with penetrating oil, raise the offending corner to hang the wheel off the ground, can I now loosen,lower the adjusting bolt, or am I risking fate by possibly stripping the bolt without an uploading tool?
Thanks in advance...ron
Ps the rear is spot on

If you are lowering it and the wheel is off the ground, you will be OK. However, make sure the right is higher because of the front suspension or is it because of the rear self leveling trying to raise the right side.

Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ

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Re: Front ride height [message #264448 is a reply to message #264400]

Fri, 17 October 2014 19:30

Ron E

Messages: 28
Registered: October 2012
Location: OK Falls BC

Karma: 0

Junior Member

Hi guys. Gone for a couple of rides, to make sure rear is set correctly when checked they are within 1/4 inch of each other, using measuring tool idea from Jim K. Front corner remains 1 inch higher than other, the handling seems reasonable but would like to get levels closer to factory specs

Ron/Phyllis English 78 Royale twin, center kitchen OK Falls BC

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