I have a theory on why the ride height is set low in the back - or rather, why it is high in the front. It all starts with the radiator core support, or rather the lack of one. One thing that core supports do that I don't think was well appreciated back then is block the air flow around the radiator. The GMC doesn't have one, I expect because of the air compressor, steering, batteries and other stuff that would get in the way. Then they found it tended to overheat. What to do? Easiest and cheapest (not necessarily the cheapest in the long run, but the cheapest that afternoon) thing to do was to put in a larger radiator. Couldn't up or out, so they went down. Oops, not enough ground clearance. What to do? Turn the height adjusters a few turns and magic - problem solved.
I don't like the looks of it set that high so I lowered the front about an inch. I'll have to watch the curbs. I don't buy that it had anything to do with ride or handling - there's just nothing in the front suspension that changes much with height. Although the mischief the rear suspension gets into can be reduced by lowering the ride height in back. Okay, there's an outside chance that they lowered the rear at the last minute to reduce rear wheel lock-up.
No one else might buy my theory, but I'm stickin' to it. I was around Detroit in those days and That would be how they would think.
Gary Casey
'73 23'
I recently adjusted my ride height to the factory specs, both front
and back. The rear air system always adjusts the rear height based
on load weight and it sets it dead nuts to spec.
The rear is a tad lower, but not much in my opinion. I know it was
designed that way for handling and steering, but I think the rear
being a little lower gives the coach a nice good soft look too.
Ray
I don't like the looks of it set that high so I lowered the front about an inch. I'll have to watch the curbs. I don't buy that it had anything to do with ride or handling - there's just nothing in the front suspension that changes much with height. Although the mischief the rear suspension gets into can be reduced by lowering the ride height in back. Okay, there's an outside chance that they lowered the rear at the last minute to reduce rear wheel lock-up.
No one else might buy my theory, but I'm stickin' to it. I was around Detroit in those days and That would be how they would think.
Gary Casey
'73 23'
I recently adjusted my ride height to the factory specs, both front
and back. The rear air system always adjusts the rear height based
on load weight and it sets it dead nuts to spec.
The rear is a tad lower, but not much in my opinion. I know it was
designed that way for handling and steering, but I think the rear
being a little lower gives the coach a nice good soft look too.
Ray
