CUTLASS Suspension Question

[oLdS1]

So, I'm hopeful someone can bail me out with this one...

I just finished installing UMI upper and lower control arms, UMI sway bar and Viking coil-overs. Ride height was set and all was well.


After driving about 70 miles the passenger side dropped down almost an inch. The driver side did not drop but I didn't notice it until I thought about it after running into the next issue...

After I adjusted the driver side higher and put the car back on the ground the passenger side was sitting where I originally set it. Would preload and how tight the control arm bolts have anything to do with this?

The pic below is where the original ride height was set.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[UNGN]

Control arm bolts should always be tightened at ride height (Like with ramps) but this is mainly for rubber bushings. Greasable bushings can be tightened at full droop - but I still tighten them at ride height.

The swap bar is going to try to keep things level, so raising one side will raise the other. I would undo the sway bar when adjusting the ride heights, then tighten it back up when the heights are where you want them.

 

[oLdS1]

That makes sense but mine happened somewhat backwards if that. The passenger side dropped without touching the driver side. I left the house and the car was level, an hour later the passenger side was sitting on top of the tire. There was almost 3/4" difference between the two. Is it possible that a don't have the swap bar tight enough?

 

[oLdS1]

Sorry, "sway bar". I should have taken pics of how low it was. I just got in the house from raising the front about .5" on both sides. Tightened everything up with the suspension loaded and as of now it's level. I'll watch and see if it drops while I'm doing the rear suspension.

 

[MC96]

How does the viking coil over nut jam itself?

 

[pontiacgp]

the stock control arms need to be tightened at ride height but the UMI control arms have either joints or Energy polyurethane bushings so they can be tightened at any angle without it affecting anything. One thing with the Energy polyurethane bushings is they use 1/2" bolts so I hoped you opened the holes to use the 1/2" bolts

 

[oLdS1]

The coil over has a double nut that jam together. The nuts we're tight when I took it apart and they we're in the same place I originally set them at.

I did open the holes up for the 1/2" bolts as well.

I went out today before work and the car is sitting where I left it last night with no change at all in height. I have the rear up on stands as I am starting to r&r all if that stuff. I'll look again once I get home.

 

[MC96]

Maybe a coil was hung up on one of the locating ears/tabs that are in the spring pocket

 

[xitabl442]

Nice looking Cutlass, we only live about 30 minutes apart!

 

[oLdS1]

Thanks! She's at work in progress but somewhat respectable. Just looked at your profile, not far at all. Do you have a pic of your wheels? Those look nice!