front "rake"

[Dennis]

I just bought a '63 R2. The front end was completely rebuilt. Unfortunately, the car now has no forward rake - it sits just like an Avanti II, not like a '63 Studebaker Avanti. Any suggestions how to restore the rake?

[fmarshall]

I just bought a '63 R2. The front end was completely rebuilt. Unfortunately, the car now has no forward rake - it sits just like an Avanti II, not like a '63 Studebaker Avanti. Any suggestions how to restore the rake?

I would take measurements of the front and rear to determine what is incorrect. If the front end is higher than specs because of new, taller springs that could be the issue. Or the leaf springs could be sagging.

First, however, I would make certain that the tires are all the same size/height/aspect ratio.

fmarshall

Edited July 11, 2007 by fmarshall

[Dennis]

I would take measurements of the front and rear to determine what is incorrect. If the front end is higher than specs because of new, taller springs that could be the issue. Or the leaf springs could be sagging.

First, however, I would make certain that the tires are all the same size/height/aspect ratio.

fmarshall

Thanks. It is definitely the front end that is higher. The tires are all the same size. It could well be that the springs are new - they look new). If so, is there anything that can be done short of replacing the springs?

Dennis

smithden1@comcast.net

[SBCA96]

http://www.studebakerdriversclub.com/sdc_f...?TOPIC_ID=11570

The above link has a link to a thread that has measurements from my Avanti

and also Karls Avanti. In the above link there are some dimensions from a

source I am not familar with, but you can contact the individual. First I would

make sure that there are no spacers between the spring and the control arm

and the spring and the frame. There are Avanti II spacers that will fit a Stude

Avanti and raise the car. Once you know that there are no spacers, check to

see if you have extra spacers between the body and frame. I am at work at

the moment so I dont have access to my Avanti to count them, but maybe it

will be posted by someone else before I get home later. After you know there

isnt any outside force causing the height issue, then yes the springs must be

changed to lower the car. The only other possibilty is that the suspension was

assembled wrong. When the front end was rebuilt, did they drop the car on

the wheels to settle the suspension before tightening the ruber bushing caps

on the upper and lower control arms?? If the caps are tightened with hanging

suspension, they CAN hold the car up until forced down. This is NOT a good

thing to do, as it CAN destroy the new bushings. All bolts should be torqued

to the proper specs EXCEPT the end caps, and those torqued while sitting on

all four wheels at ride height (or equvilent).

Tom

[Dennis]

http://www.studebakerdriversclub.com/sdc_f...?TOPIC_ID=11570

The above link has a link to a thread that has measurements from my Avanti

and also Karls Avanti. In the above link there are some dimensions from a

source I am not familar with, but you can contact the individual. First I would

make sure that there are no spacers between the spring and the control arm

and the spring and the frame. There are Avanti II spacers that will fit a Stude

Avanti and raise the car. Once you know that there are no spacers, check to

see if you have extra spacers between the body and frame. I am at work at

the moment so I dont have access to my Avanti to count them, but maybe it

will be posted by someone else before I get home later. After you know there

isnt any outside force causing the height issue, then yes the springs must be

changed to lower the car. The only other possibilty is that the suspension was

assembled wrong. When the front end was rebuilt, did they drop the car on

the wheels to settle the suspension before tightening the ruber bushing caps

on the upper and lower control arms?? If the caps are tightened with hanging

suspension, they CAN hold the car up until forced down. This is NOT a good

thing to do, as it CAN destroy the new bushings. All bolts should be torqued

to the proper specs EXCEPT the end caps, and those torqued while sitting on

all four wheels at ride height (or equvilent).

Tom

[Dennis]

Thanks, Tom. The bushings were tightened with the wheels suspended, and I did correct that. It made some difference, but not sufficient. I will go to the link you suggested, and check for spacers.

Dennis

smithden1@comcast.net