speculative thinking on stance

[Kim K Kaiser]

I like the stance of the 63 cdv.  while many like the lowering to the ground, I have often thought of how th rear would look like lifted just a bit,, not radical, but a little.  On. mine, I have noticed it sits a touch low on the driver side rear.  the caddy emblem is covered by the skirt, on the passenger side, its visible, so I have to read up on getting it leveled again.  Is that a spring weakness?? 

but back to my speculation, these thing look like jets with new to you wingtips on the tail to me on some of1990s 2000 jets.  film clips with then spinning up on a carrier with a little tip forward with back end up has always looked good to me and the cdv has just that sort of look to me,, (granted style is very subjective) and just a couple inches would give the cdv that wound up tension look.  maybe.  On these cars, what would be required for such an endeavor.  Frankly, its just a thought, but if I get really bored, I can see taking a further look it no cutting, welding etc is required...

[Kurt]

An uneven load in the trunk could make it sit lower on one side. I seem to remember a picture before your cross country trip of your trunk loaded to the top. I'd check that 1st. 

[Kim K Kaiser]

Thanks,  yes, a couple things still in there.  Will hv to just completely unload.

Afa the lifting.  Should i liftvat the frame brace or at rear axle.  I wont hv to fool w rear stabilizer bars will i?  Like i said, its a down the road thought, but if get the detail in my mind, im more likely to try

[Kim K Kaiser]

Is there a supplier like parts geek or kanter or rocknauto?  Or the junkyard

[Jason Edge]

I bought my coil springs from Kanter. They offered two version, regular and HD. I went with the HD (you have to call and ask for them if memory serves). It has a bit stiffer ride but nice ride height, and would better support your FULL TRUNK of cross country supplies. Like you I have zero interest in a low rider with my mostly restored to original optioned 64 CDV. Even if I had a resto mod or custom  I would still have zero interested in a low rider! LOL. Just my personal opinion.

Factory ride height and information on how to take measurement is in the Shop Manual. It is also noted on this Help Page link:
- Suspension Standing Height and Coil Spring Specs 
When I installed new coil springs it pushed my car up all around to the upper limits but not over the factory ride height specs. 

If you want to go with the rubber spacers I have a box full of them pulled from the many parts cars over the years. I can send  you a mix of say 4 of them for $10 and ship Priority for $10 if  you want to go that route. 

Before you go pushing up one side I would look at Kurt's comment and empty out the trunk. Your 63 Coupe would have had the spare mounted up over the shelf. If you have a 235 radial they will not fit over the hump (too wide) unless you have let the air out, and would suggest putting it over on the right side of trunk if you have it in the trunk floor board. 

With trunk and car emptied out, and with spare either up on the shelf or on the right side of trunk floor, I would take car to perfectly flat area to measure stance. Most roads have a crown and parked on the side will tilt the car toward the curb a bit. 

[3ft7bqmb7dryo]

The exhaust runs down the left of the frame. That is added weight to the left side. Like Tony mentioned, insert the spring spacers, or install new springs. If you like the stance, use the inserts.

[Kim K Kaiser]

Thanks for all the sugggestions.  Hv to take a good look at final goal.   Maybe try n find a picture of an older cad bumped up a touch,  but hvnt found much

[Jason Edge]

Kim, Well here is a Cadillac with original size tires (8.2-15), with new coil springs, sitting near the top of the Shop Manual spec range. Install new coil springs & run stock tires and you can expect about the same. Run say 235/75R15 radials and maybe subtract an inch from front and back.
Why not read the shop manual for measuring suspension height, dive under the car and get some measurements and see where you car is relative to the factory range. 

[Jason Edge]

Actually the door is sagging a bit at the rear in this picture from 2012, or actually I think it might have been more a trim placement issue. Regardless, this was corrected with the 2nd repaint of the car later on.

Tony, I will take Dino to a GN when you join the Cadillac Club. Also, we don't win a class you place.. you might have 3 people place 1st Place, 1 Senior Crown and maybe 1 Senior Wreath. Cars don't complete against each other at the GN, but instead are judged against as new regarding Condition, Workmanship, Operation, and Authenticity. Score high enough and you can place for an award.. but you don't win or lose.   Kidding aside I will take Dino to a GN at some point.  I need to go completely thru the AC/Heat system and address the underside. I'm guessing 2 to 5 years I might have him at a GN.  For 2022 I will be driving my 2002 Escalade EXT 'Brutus' and entering him for judging in the Touring Class. 

[Kim K Kaiser]

Quick, non scientific Side by side comparison using white wall on front and hub emblem,  my car is three or four inches lower

[Jason Edge]

Using the hubcap as a visual cue I am seeing more like 1 to 1 1/2" different at the rear and 2 to 2 1/2" at the front.  It looks like you are running radials by the stance of your car which will drop your car down another 1/2" or so and you have to factor that out. 

[Kim K Kaiser]

Ok.  Thanks for the tire info.  I was not aware the tire type made much difference

[Kim K Kaiser]

I wasnt aware but do hv same on all 4