986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners - View Single Post - Proper way to measure a 986 suspension height?

Steve Tinker · 05-23-2015, 12:49 AM

I normally do a quick check from the top of the wheel arch to the bottom of the wheel rim as per mump.
If you want to be super critical, measure from the lower suspension point to the floor with a suitable depth gauge, but really about a quarter of an inch difference without a full tank of fuel and an appropriate weight on the drivers seat will not make a great deal of difference on the road.

The change to ride height on each corner is normally the spring - each one can sag a little differently. Your 3/4" difference is larger than any of mine was before I replaced them with Bilstein PS9's, but normally it can be 1/4" difference. But more miles on the suspension can make a big change in spring lengths. That's why people spend significant money on upgraded aftermarket springs - better steel, careful heat treatment, pre-tensioned coils and anti corrosion treatment.
Have you checked if you have a broken spring?

05-23-2015, 12:49 AM	#7
Steve Tinker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 1,522	I normally do a quick check from the top of the wheel arch to the bottom of the wheel rim as per mump. If you want to be super critical, measure from the lower suspension point to the floor with a suitable depth gauge, but really about a quarter of an inch difference without a full tank of fuel and an appropriate weight on the drivers seat will not make a great deal of difference on the road. The change to ride height on each corner is normally the spring - each one can sag a little differently. Your 3/4" difference is larger than any of mine was before I replaced them with Bilstein PS9's, but normally it can be 1/4" difference. But more miles on the suspension can make a big change in spring lengths. That's why people spend significant money on upgraded aftermarket springs - better steel, careful heat treatment, pre-tensioned coils and anti corrosion treatment. Have you checked if you have a broken spring? __________________ 2001 Boxster S (triple black). Sleeping easier with LN Engineering/Flat 6 IMS upgrade, low temp thermostat & underspeed pulley. 2001 MV Agusta F4.