Muffler and Ride Height (Fleetwood)

[Michael J]

This may be more of a 60s problem but I have issues with the exhaust system getting pretty banged up over bumps with two adults sitting in the rear. All is fine without rear passengers. The car is running new (Autozone) shocks all around and P235/75 tires. The exhaust system is 2 years old and the muffler seems to take the majority of the abuse. Is there a placement issue or does the car really need an air shock setup in the rear? Thanks ahead of time.

[Michael J]

Are the spacers a generic part or they sold as model specific? My concern would be (other than the exhaust system) that the springs have become too soft  with age and that the ride height issue is just one of the symptoms. Since I dont have access to a properly set up fresh suspension I have no reference to how the car should feel. Even though the car has a rebuilt front end, new tires and shocks I might be making excuses that the tired springs are the way that a Cadillac of that year drove.

[Michael J]

The muffler is about touching the floorboard. I thing the real culprit ( of the noise) is the rear axle smacking the pipe that goes over the axle.

[Michael J]

Im 1/2 inch below min for both front an rear (and that is with a 1/2 tank of gas).I believe it is time for new springs. Any difference in quality between Kanter and OPGI? OPGI seems ~$100 cheaper.

[Michael J]

I will try to get access to a lift in the near future for pictures. Jason: good point regarding the tire difference.

[Jason Edge]

David is right. Look for the ride height in Shop Manual in suspension area. If you are running Radials you will need to do some math and adjust. For instance the 235/75/15 are about 1" shorter than factory 8.2 x 15 bias ply and will need to adjust your expected height down to approx. 1/2" (half of 1").

Unless you have a bagged car, air shocks, etc, your coil springs.... not the shocks control the ride height. 50 year old tired springs will sit lower than new ones, and if you carry a lot of weight (big people and/or luggage) you might want to consider the HD springs available at places like Kanter. I installed new HD springs in my 64 CDV and while it might make it a tad stiffer on a bumpy road, it has the support you expect from a BIG CADILLAC.

[Michael J]

I will.Thanks

[David Thomas]

Hi Michael, Could it be that the mufflers are too fat and hang down too low reducing ground clearance? You might want to check the ride height per the shop manual to see if the springs are actually supporting the car at the proper ride height. You can find the front and rear height dimensions and where to measure in the shop manual. Also look at the placement of the exhaust system per the shop manual, to be sure it is in the proper position under the car.

HTH, David