Curb Height Measurement

The wheel alignment is to be checked and all alignment adjustments made with the vehicle at its required curb height specification.

Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignment rack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended pressure. All tires are to be the same size as standard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage compartment load. 

Vehicle height is not adjustable. If the measurement is not within specifications, inspect the vehicle for bent or weak suspension components. Compare the parts tag on the suspect coil spring(s) to the parts book and the vehicle sales code, checking for a match. Once removed from the vehicle, compare the coil spring height to a correct new or known good coil spring. The heights should vary if the suspect spring is weak.

Measure curb height as follows:

1. Jounce the vehicle. Refer to above note.

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   NOTE:

   On some vehicles it may be necessary to remove an engine belly pan in order to gain access to the cradle bolt. 

2. FRONT - On each side of the vehicle, measure the distance (3) from the center of the rear control arm bushing outboard bolt head to the floor or alignment rack/lift runway surface. It may be necessary to measure to the bottom of a straight edge placed from lift runway to runway to get an accurate measurement.
3. FRONT - Measure and record the distance (1) from the center of the spindle to the same surface or straight edge used to measure from the vertical pivot bolt.
4. Subtract the control arm rear bushing outboard bolt height (3) from the spindle height (1) to obtain the curb height value (2). Compare the curb height value (2) to specifications listed in the following CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS chart. Maximum left-to-right differential is not to exceed 10 mm (0.39 in.). 

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

5. REAR - On each side of the vehicle, measure and record the distance (B) from the raised area on the cradle (1) to the ground or alignment rack/lift runway surface. It may be necessary to measure to the bottom of a straight edge placed from lift runway to runway, to get an accurate measurement.
6. REAR - On each side of the vehicle, measure and record the distance (A) from the center of the rear spindle to the same surface that was used to measure the cradle mount washer.
7. REAR - Subtract the cradle mount washer height (B) from the spindle height (A) to obtain the curb height value (C). Compare the curb height value (C) to specifications listed in the following CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS chart. Maximum left-to-right differential is not to exceed 10 mm (0.39 in.). 
8. If curb height is found to be out of specification and there is no sign of excessive body damage, curb height can be changed by replacing the applicable spring with a spring offering a different check load. Refer to SPRING(S), REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .