1/2" - 3/4" of rake is correct but measuring from the ground, through the centerline of the wheels to the fender lips is not the ideal method as every car is different in this regard. The fenders are bolted on which can result in less than accurate measurements. Even on the same car you can obtain different measurements from one side to the other. Instead, measure from the ground to the framerail just behind the front wheel and again just forward of the rear wheel.

 

1/2" - 3/4" of rake is correct but measuring from the ground, through the centerline of the wheels to the fender lips is not the ideal method as every car is different in this regard. The fenders are bolted on which can result in less than accurate measurements. Even on the same car you can obtain different measurements from one side to the other. Instead, measure from the ground to the frame rail just behind the front wheel and again just forward of the rear wheel.

No Doubt thanks again. I will measure and see how it lies how it sits now. I have a full tank of gas is that better or worse when corner balancing or measuring rake? Greg
:z:

 

The fender method can be used in a pinch under 2 conditions
- you first check and calibrate it to measuring from the floor to the frame rail ie. check and see if there is any difference in the fender lip method first
- you are measuring from a perfectly flat surface (perferably a set up platform). If measuring when no platform is available you should slip a thin metal plate under the tire (this removes surface errors).

Assuming your fender measurements are correct and accurate then you have a 1 1/2" rake which is almost double what is minimally desired. This will degrade handling and increase rear body roll

You should try to reduce it into the 1/2 - 3/4" rake. If you are not able to do that due to static clearance problems than you will have to live with it. If you experience dynamic clearance problems such as rubbing on cornering you can consider using VB&P Extreme Springs which have a better curve and higher spring rate. These will allow a lower ride height and less body roll.

An alternative would be to resize the tires and or rear tires and wheels
and this is your only solution if you have static clearance problems.

I would not recommend trying to put on just a larger rear sway bar to reduce the body roll and solve clearance problems.

You may have to play with front (raising) & rear (lowering) ride heights to strike a comprimise. Always be concerned & check cross corner Wt. %.

 

I have a full tank of gas is that better or worse when corner balancing or measuring rake?

Fuel level is of course dynamic and therefore you should try for an average amount such as 1/2 tank during alignments and corner weighing procedures. In this way you're 'splitting the difference' between empty and full.

Remember it's also a good idea to have alignments and corner weighing done with weight equal to yourself in the drivers seat during these procedures as well. However, If you sit in the car yourself you can cause fluctuations in the measurements resulting in some inaccuracy because it's virtually impossible to remain motionless.

 

1/2" - 3/4" of rake is correct but measuring from the ground, through the centerline of the wheels to the fender lips is not the ideal method as every car is different in this regard. The fenders are bolted on which can result in less than accurate measurements. Even on the same car you can obtain different measurements from one side to the other. Instead, measure from the ground to the framerail just behind the front wheel and again just forward of the rear wheel.

That's how I do it as well.

 

Another prime example of why this site is the best on the net. Good information from very knowledgable people. Thanks guys.

 

I tried to measure the rake today using no doubts example behind the front wheel and in front of the back wheel and had trouble finding the frame rails. Any pics to show me where it is? Thanks Greg :-?

 

Greg,
No pics, but it is the wide piece of metal just inside of the lower lip of the body work that runs the whole length of the side of the car. Same piece of frame that the jacking points are on (the holes in the frame behind the front wheel and in front of the rear wheel).

 

Torched:
The frame rail is partially covered by the rocker panel. To find it just put your hand on the bottom of the door. Now, slide your hand down and it will be on the rocker panel. Slide your hand under the rocker panel and the rocker panel will end and your fingers will be touching the frame.

If you lie next to the car and look under you will notice rectangular notches in the rocker panel, one at the front and one at the rear. There is a slot in the frame in these notches. These are the tie down points in which you insert jacking pucks. These are a good place to measure for rake.

Good luck!

 

Thanks guys great example. I'm going to use a soft tape measure to measure. Since my car is very low it's hard to get in there with a standard ruler.. Greg :cheers:

 

Thanks guys great example. I'm going to use a soft tape measure to measure. Since my car is very low it's hard to get in there with a standard ruler.. Greg :cheers:

Greg,
Yes, sorry I didn't mention it before. A solid ruler won't fit under there. I used a tape measure. My measurement wasn't exact, but within an 1/8" or so, which was close enough to make sure the tail was higher than the front...