ground clearance

[jwyshrek]

Here is a dump question...

How is ground clearance (and where...frame, bottom of rear axle, etc...) measured?

Subaru claim more ground clearance than Ford Explorer...I just don't see it...might be opitical illusion as one is a car and the other a truck...

I couldn't find a straight answer on the net...

 

[jwyshrek]

er, dumb...sorry

 

[Koz]

Ground clearance is measured from the lowest point under the vehicle, usually at the differentials.

Koz

 

[jwyshrek]

okay...given that, then installing a lift kit...as my 4th gen owners have done here...seems to do nothing to increase the 'ground clearance' of the vehicle.

From my understanding of lift kits...all it does is 'lift' the frame/body higher above the suspension...so the rear diff is still at the same height from the ground...staying with the OEM size tire/wheel.

Seem like you would actually get more ground clearance by install larger diameter tires...say from 265/65R17 to 265/70R17 which many have done here...gives you about an 1in more clearance...

 

[Koz]

You are correct but you have to remember the diff is usually not what hits the ground. The body and components attached to the body are what usually touch. Also the approach and departure angle is increased. Most people lift and put bigger tires.

Koz

 

[HuntRunner]

okay...given that, then installing a lift kit...as my 4th gen owners have done here...seems to do nothing to increase the 'ground clearance' of the vehicle.

From my understanding of lift kits...all it does is 'lift' the frame/body higher above the suspension...so the rear diff is still at the same height from the ground...staying with the OEM size tire/wheel.

Seem like you would actually get more ground clearance by install larger diameter tires...say from 265/65R17 to 265/70R17 which many have done here...gives you about an 1in more clearance...

On the 4th gens, with the spacers most people use, they gain ground clearance at the front because it pushes the front wheels down, creating lift. In the rear, if it is just a spacer on top of the spring, the back diff. stays the same height because it just lifts the vehicle higher off the rear axel.
I hope I said this right???

 

[dcampen]

Ehh? If you install a suspension lift - either coil spacers or coils then you will lift the differentials; this is why the CV joint angles change. Right?

 

[Good Times]

Ehh? If you install a suspension lift - either coil spacers or coils then you will lift the differentials; this is why the CV joint angles change. Right?

yup

If you want more ground clearance between the ground and diff, get bigger tires - but to get bigger tires you need life

they both go hand and hand.

 

[jwyshrek]

Ehh? If you install a suspension lift - either coil spacers or coils then you will lift the differentials; this is why the CV joint angles change. Right?

I can see that on the front with the independant suspension and the differential craddled in/between the frame.

But I don't see that in the rear suspension with the solid axles. Yes, you will see an increase in driveline-yoke-U-joint angle because you are lifting the frame/body higher above the rear axle/differential and your the tranny is mounted in the frame...

But it seems like to get more 'ground clearance' all around, you need bigger tires...but to get bigger tires, you need a lift.

 

[jwyshrek]

oops...sorry about that GoodTimes...er, yeah, what he said...