Re: [Amc-list] 58-63 American Handling

[Wrambler242@xxxxxxxxxxx]

I lowered mine :)
I used the plates and am way happy with it! Way!
They maintain the original control arm angles etc.
 I only have a backyard alignment and see no tire way or ill manners at all.
The only mod I did other than adding V-8 springs and the lowering plates was to add LONG spring stops.
With out the longer stops you will increase the oppurtunity for the tire to bury itself up in the fender well and snag the fender on turns. Snagged a fender with my 205/60/15's twice! Never happened after adding the longer polly bumpstops.

   I have a small 3/4 sway I want to add at some point. I don't expect much difference, but want to see if it changes anything at all.

--
Mark Price
Morgantown, WV
1969 AMC Rambler, 4.0L, EFI, T-5
2004 Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4.7L, Quadratrac II
" I realize that death is inevitable.
I just don't want to be around when it happens! "

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>
> I didn't lower mine either, except through the use of the lower profile tires 
> for thje same reason -- didn't want to mess with the geometry of the front end, 
> though I don't think up to 1" of lowering would hurt (maybe lower 1/2"?). The 
> 15% stiffer progressive springs didn't change the ride much at low speeds (only 
> slightly harder, not as much as the 10% straight-rate HD springs would have 
> been), but did stiffen it up at higher speeds -- which is the whole idea with 
> progressive coils. The further the suspension rebounds the stiffer the spring 
> gets. 
> 
> Those half-leafs usually have a big rivet that can be placed to raise the rear 
> by changing the amount of arc/leverage the spring applies. I just keep it flat, 
> which doesn't raise it at all (or very little, maybe 1/4"), just stiffens it up 
> a bit. Mine didn't ride hard, but handling improved 100%! I often wished I had a 
> panhard bar, but think it was mainly worn out spring bushings, something I never 
> got around to replacing before selling it. 
> 
> -----------
> Date: Sat, 13 Dec 2008 10:49:53 -0800
> From: Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>
> 
> Frank Swygert wrote:
> 
> > > Tom, you're close! I had a "corner carver" 63 American. The total
> > > suspension setup was HD front progressive rate springs (12% stiffer
> > > than stock, IIRC), front swaybar from a Spirit (the ends had to be
> > > straightened in a hydraulic press -- no heat -- and mounts made for
> > > the arms), half-leaf bolt on helper springs, 7" cast aluminum wheels
> > > w/ 195/65R15 Bridgestones. 
> >   
> 
> > > The sway bar didn't help much at all, the stiffer front springs were
> > > immediately noticeable! 
> >   
> 
> I forgot you did this -- that all makes sense... personally I like the 
> soft suspension and jeep-like ground clearance overall though it doesn't 
> help handling it has its advantages once you learn it.
> 
> Progressive springs in front would be a good idea. I won't drop it 
> though, when lower A-arms don't rest parallel to the ground it's 
> generally a poor compromise (susp. travel, bump steer, etc).
> 
> I can see how the helpers would help out back. The car is perfectly 
> level with junk in the trunk (and the springs look original, I cannot 
> believe they're not sagged, usually i replace all springs in cars).
> 
> Up front, I did that hack to the lower arms (replaced the skinny shock 
> spacers with 1.5" OD massive barrel) and made a new shock mount.
> 
> -- 
> Frank Swygert
> Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
> Magazine (AMC)
> For all AMC enthusiasts
> http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
> (free download available!)
> 
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