Gentlemen,
A while back while re-greasing and adjusting my torsion bars I asked what height my front end should be. Got a number of responses that, while helpful, were "somewhat unprecise." <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />So I eyeball it, and go on my way. We start squeaking a little bit, and then I notice that the bump stop is very close to the lower control arm. Very close. Maybe squeaky close, don't know. So I've got it cranked back up with about an inch between the bump stop and the control arm. Eyeballing it, now it looks too high. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />
I can't find anything in Hayne's or Chilton's that helps. Does anyone know either 1) what the distance between the bump stop and the control arm should be , or 2) how high the doggone thing should be off the ground, or 3) how far below the sky it should be?

Semper Fidelis,

Don <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Who came in?

Stock height? 33-34 in from the ground to the center of the headlights.

The numbers are in Helm. It is not height, as much as a few measurements relative to the arms and frame.

But...you are over thinking this. Level it to where you want. Maybe rake it a bit (lower in the front) and call it good. Then, get it aligned and be happy.

Good Luck,
Michael

Sir,
I don't have Helm.. Checked with a dealer, who looked up the "standard," and stated it was 5.80" between the tire and the fender. Both that and the bottom end of the 33" measurement put the bumpstop within about a quarter inch of the lower control arm, which can't be right... Hence, "lost." I am inclined to agree with what you say about "where I want," I would be grateful if someone could quote Helm, or let me know what minimum distance I need to have from the bumstop. I am assuming that I don't want that thing banging on the control arm every time I go over a hill...

Semper Fidelis,

Don

Yes, that's where I got the number from, but it _IS_ height, measured from the ground to the center of the headlight.

Don, my 88 is set up at stock height, right around 33 1/2 " to the center of the headlights. I can't fit a finger between the bumpstop and the control arm. Remember your geometry though, since that bump is set pretty far back on the control arm, that the distance the ball joint end of the arm moves before the arm hits the stop is gonna be much more than the distance from the stop to the arm.

Set it up at 33-34 and you'll be fine (IF you are going for stock height).

Thanks...
I chose the word "lost" specifically because, although I'm not having a difficult time making it go up and down, understanding how it works, (wax on, wax off...) I couldn't figure out where is was supposed to be. On the off hand chance that I would over-torque/extend bend/break, whatever, I figured that I'd better get it right... I do occasionally strap my younguns in this thing...

Keep in mind that tire height/wear/inflation can throw most of these dimensions off.

Randii

Keep in mind that tire height/wear/inflation can throw most of these dimensions off.

That is why the Helm has some other specs beside headlight height. Sadly, I don't have a Trooper Helm and cannot help. Maybe someone can crack one open and share.

Michael

I guess I must be set on <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/ignore.gif" alt="" /> ?

YES, THAT IS WHERE I GOT MY NUMBER FROM.

I would be glad to "crack one open and share" (this includes liquid refreshments), just tell me what other numbers you think might be relevant.

The only other thing I can think of that would affect how far the bump stop is from the lower control arm would be worn out bushings on the arm...

That is why the Helm has some other specs beside headlight height.

Sphere, hence the "other" comment. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> There should be a few other specs listed in the front suspension section. They exist for the Amigo/Pup, but I don't have a Helm for the Trooper (nor do I need one).

Michael