More Ridetech Install questions

[paulk68]

Installing level 2 on my 68 Camaro frame

1. Did anyone else have issues getting the lower shock to fit in the lower strong arm. with the aluminum bushings installed the passenger side just does not want to fit in the lower strong arms. should i sand down the aluminum bushing???

2. the ridetech upper coil spring retainer has about a 1/4 inch of clearance from the factory spring retainer on the subframe is that enough room or should i trim that section.

I can not believe how fragile the power coating is on these strong arms, it chips off very easily.

Thanks
Paul

[Josh@Ridetech]

Originally Posted by paulk68

Installing level 2 on my 68 Camaro frame

1. Did anyone else have issues getting the lower shock to fit in the lower strong arm. with the aluminum bushings installed the passenger side just does not want to fit in the lower strong arms. should i sand down the aluminum bushing???

2. the ridetech upper coil spring retainer has about a 1/4 inch of clearance from the factory spring retainer on the subframe is that enough room or should i trim that section.

I can not believe how fragile the power coating is on these strong arms, it chips off very easily.

Thanks
Paul

Hey Paul,

Your shock mounts in that lower control arm should be 2", the only thing that I can think of that may be causing your problem is some excess powdercoating making it a tight fit (I see this every now and then, which surprises me that yours are chipping). With them being jig welded, the measurements stay very consistent. What is inner dimension that you have between the runners on the lower shock mount?

On the spring retainer, you'll want to make sure that it's not going to hit the tower. You may have to do some trimming in the pocket to be sure that it won't touch throughout the travel.



You're welcome to post some pictures and I'll be happy to help!

Thanks,

Josh

[paulk68]

Originally Posted by Josh@Ridetech

Hey Paul,

Your shock mounts in that lower control arm should be 1.25", the only thing that I can think of that may be causing your problem is some excess powdercoating making it a tight fit (I see this every now and then, which surprises me that yours are chipping). With them being jig welded, the measurements stay very consistent. What is inner dimension that you have between the runners on the lower shock mount?

On the spring retainer, you'll want to make sure that it's not going to hit the tower. You may have to do some trimming in the pocket to be sure that it won't touch throughout the travel.



You're welcome to post some pictures and I'll be happy to help!

Thanks,

Josh

Josh as always you are the man, I feel bad I always email you with questions so I figured I would just post I will measure and also take some pictures tonight when I get home from work, the driver side took a little effort but it did go in, the passenger side is just being stubborn. it is really like you said just a hair too thick and as soon as it gets close the eyelet swivels and it will not cooperate.

Thank you

[Josh@Ridetech]

Originally Posted by paulk68

Josh as always you are the man, I feel bad I always email you with questions so I figured I would just post I will measure and also take some pictures tonight when I get home from work, the driver side took a little effort but it did go in, the passenger side is just being stubborn. it is really like you said just a hair too thick and as soon as it gets close the eyelet swivels and it will not cooperate.

Thank you

Not a problem at all, I'm happy to help, don't hesitate to get ahold of me! Just let me know what you come up with.

[bret]

If the powder coating has chipped off your strongarms, we will replace or recoat them. Josh can give you an RMA number.

[paulk68]

Originally Posted by bret

If the powder coating has chipped off your strongarms, we will replace or recoat them. Josh can give you an RMA number.

Thank you very much Bret, Let me see how the rest of the install goes and see how they hold up. this is the worst of it



on a positive note I was able to sand down the aluminum spacers and get the lower mount into the strong arm






got this far before heading off to work

[Josh@Ridetech]

Good deal, Paul! Looking good