Ride/Trim Height Measurement and Adjustment

Description
Trim height can be described as predetermined measurements relating to the vehicle's ride height. Incorrect trim heights can cause symptoms similar to alignment problems. Trim heights should be checked when diagnosing steering and vibration complaints.








"Z" Height
The "Z" dimension is a measurement to determine the proper front end ride height. RWD vehicles have no adjustment and could require the replacement of suspension components. RWD vehicles require a measurement be taken from the center line of the front lower control arm bolt down to the lower inboard corner of the ball joint. All "Z" heights to be trimmed at 73.0 ± 6.0 mm (2.8 ± 0.2 inch).






Measure
1. Lift the front bumper of the vehicle up about 38 mm (1.5 inches).
2. Gently remove your hands and let the vehicle settle on its own.
3. Repeat the jounce operation two more times for a total of three times.
4. Measure the "Z" dimension.
5. Push the front bumper of the vehicle down about 38 mm (1.5 inches).
6. Gently remove your hands and let the vehicle rise on its own.
7. Repeat the jounce operation two more times for a total of three times.
8. Measure the "Z" dimension.
9. Find the average of the high and low measurements. This is the true "Z" dimension.

Important: True Trim height is the average of the high and low measurements.





"D" Height
The "D" dimension is a measurement to determine the proper rear end ride height. There is no adjustment procedure and repair could require replacement of suspension components. All vehicles require a measurement from the bumper bracket down to the top of the rear axle housing tube.
Utility "D" height to be trimmed at 130.8 mm to 148.11 mm (5.1 inch to 5.8 inch)
Pickup "D" height to-be trimmed at 130.7 mm to 161.5 mm (5.1 inch to 6.4 inch).

Use the same jounce procedure on the rear bumper as used in the finding the "Z" height.





Measure
1. Lift the rear bumper of the vehicle up about 38 mm (1.5 inches).
2. Gently remove your hands and let the vehicle settle on its own.
3. Repeat the jounce operation two more times for a total of three times.
4. Measure the "D" dimension.
5. Push the rear bumper of the vehicle down about 38 mm (1.5 inches).
6. Gently remove your hands and let the vehicle rise on its own.
7. Repeat the jounce operation two more times for a total of three times.
8. Measure the "D" dimension.
9. Find the average of the high and low measurements. This is the true "D" dimension.

Important: True Trim height is the average of the high and low measurements.