[T3] Nose too high.

[Jim Adney]

On 11 Jun 2019 at 20:38, Keith Park wrote:

> TOday I made the final 2 adjustments to get my front end at the right height
> and level after replacing a torsion arm, I ended up with 26 3/8" on both
> sides and Im happy with that.  That gets my thumb between the upper torsion
> arm and snubber and plenty of room below the bottom one.

I double-checked my measurement and also filled up my tires. They were 
way down from over the winter. After all that, the measurement came up to 
25-3/16".

That gives me a bit more than a thumb's room between the upper arm and 
the rubber bumper, but keep in mind that this space gets LARGER as the car 
gets lower.

> I suppose It could go a LITTLE Lower without issue, but I didnt say that.
> Jim's a 25 inches sounds right for one that has settled out for nearly 50
> years.

I don't think this has sagged any. Steel doesn't creep over time, unless it's 
cracked, and my rocker panels are quite parallel to the ground. I've found 
that I should be able to place my fingers, palm down, on top of a tire and the 
back of my hand will be pressed lightly against the fender arch. Rears are 
different, with much more load on them and being supported by the rubber 
bushes instead of needle bearings.  

Keith's number is over an inch higher than mine, but his trailing arm sounds 
like it's in about the same position, maybe a bit higher, but I can't see that 
explaining an extra inch. I'm measuring a '73, late body, standing on a flat 
concrete slab; would an early body wheel arch be that much different?

What year are you measuring, Keith? That wouldn't be the Notch, would it? 
That one was always too high in front, but I gather that you've now lowered it 
back down to what you feel is normal. Are the rockers parallel to the ground? 
How about the fingers on top of the tire test?

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Jim Adney, jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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