Rear Squat on Air Suspension

[PARAGON]

<H1>Trim Height Inspection Procedure</H1><A name=ss1-796914><A>
<H5>Trim Height Measurements</A></H5>


Trim height is a predetermined measurement relating to vehicle ride height.
Incorrect trim heights can cause bottoming out over bumps, damage to the
suspension components and symptoms similar to wheel alignment problems. Check
the trim heights when diagnosing suspension concerns and before checking the
wheel alignment.</P>


Perform the following before measuring the trim heights:</P>

1. <LI type=1>Set the tire pressures to the pressure shown on the certification
   label. Refer to <A>Label - Vehicle Certification</A> in General Information.
   
   <LI type=1>Check the fuel level. Add additional weight if necessary to
   simulate a full tank.
   <LI type=1>Make sure the rear compartment is empty except for the spare
   tire.
   <LI type=1>Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface, such as an alignment
   rack.

<A>
<H5>Z Height Measurement</A></H5>

1. <LI type=1>Lift the front bumper of the vehicle up about 38mm
   (1.5in).
   <LI type=1>Remove your hands.
   <LI type=1>Allow the vehicle to settle into position.
   <LI type=1>Repeat this jouncing operation 2 more times for a total of 3
   times.
   
   <A></A>
   
   <LI type=1>Measure from the pivot bolt center line (3) down to the lower
   corner (5) of the lower ball joint (1) in order to obtain the Z height
   measurement (4).
   <LI type=1>Push the front bumper of the vehicle down about 38mm
   (1.5in).
   <LI type=1>Remove your hands.
   <LI type=1>Allow the vehicle to rise.
   <LI type=1>Repeat the operation for a total of 3 times.
   <LI type=1>Measure the Z dimension.
   <LI type=1>The true Z height dimension number is the average of the high and
   the low measurements. Refer to <A>Trim Height Specifications</A> .

<A name=ss3-796914><A>
<H5>Z Height Adjustment</A></H5>

1. 
   
   <A></A>
   
   <LI type=1>For vehicles equipped with a torsion bar suspension turn the bolt
   (1) that contacts the torsion arm clockwise to raise the and
   counterclockwise to lower the height adjustment. One revolution of the bolt
   (1) into the nut increases the Z height by approximately 6.0mm
   (0.2in).
   <LI type=1>For vehicles without torsion bars, replace damaged or worn
   components as necessary.

<A name=ss4-796914><A>
<H5>D Height Measurement</A></H5>


The D height dimension measurement determines the proper rear end ride
height. There is no adjustment procedure. Repair may require replacement of
suspension components.</P>

1. <LI type=1>With the vehicle on a flat surface, lift upward on the rear
   bumper 38mm (1.5in).
   <LI type=1>Remove your hands.
   <LI type=1>Allow the vehicle to settle into position.
   <LI type=1>Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times for a total of 3
   times.
   
   <A></A>
   
   <LI type=1>The D height is obtained by measuring the distance between the
   edge of the jounce cup along the jounce bumper center line and the jounce
   pad on the rear axle.
   <LI type=1>The true D height dimension number is the average of the high and
   the low measurements. Refer to <A>Trim Height Specifications</A> .
   <LI type=1>If these measurements are out of specifications, inspect for the
   following conditions:
   <UL type=BULLET>
2. Sagging front suspension Refer to <A>Torsion Bar Replacement</A> in
   Front Suspension.
3. Sagging rear coil springs Refer to <A>Coil Spring Replacement</A> in
   Rear Suspension.
4. Proper air suspension operation.
5. Worn rear suspension components.
6. Improper tire inflation Refer to <A>Tire Inflation Pressure
   Specifications</A> in Maintenance and Lubrication.
7. Improper weight distribution
8. Collision damage

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