Ride Height Measurement

The wheel alignment is to be checked and all alignment adjustments made with the vehicle at its required ride 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. When an alignment is to be performed on a model with Nivomat shock absorbers and the vehicle is carrying a heavy load, it must be unloaded and driven 1.6-2.4 kilometers (1.0-1.5 miles) prior to aligning the vehicle in order to bring the vehicle to its normal ride height.

Inspect the vehicle for bent or weak suspension components. Compare the parts tag on any suspect coil spring(s) to the parts catalog 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.

Ride height measurements must be recorded in metric units for input to the diagnostic scan tool.

Front Ride Height Measurement 

1. On each side of the vehicle, measure the distance from the center of the spring link bolt to the ground, record the measurement  .
   NOTE: Due to the possibility of travel binding, it may be necessary to roll the vehicle back and forth in cases where the vehicle seems higher than normal ride height.

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   1 - Spring Link Bolt

2. Measure the distance from the wheel center to the ground, record the measurement  .

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   1 - Spring Link Bolt to Ground

   2 - Front Wheel Center to Ground

3. Subtract the spring link bolt to floor measurement from the wheel center to floor measurement to calculate the ride height (Wheel center - Spring link bolt = Ride Height).

Rear Ride Height Measurement 

1. On each side of the vehicle, measure the distance from the end of the rear crossmember mounting stud to the ground, record the measurement  .
   NOTE: Due to the possibility of travel binding, it may be necessary move the vehicle back and worth in cases where the vehicle seems higher than normal ride height.

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   1 - Rear Crossmember Mounting Stud

2. Measure the distance from the center of the rear wheel to the ground, record the measurement  .

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   1 - Rear Crossmember Mounting Stud to Ground

   2 - Rear Wheel Center to Ground

3. Subtract the rear crossmember mounting stud to floor measurement from the wheel center to floor measurement to calculate the ride height (Wheel center - Rear crossmember mounting stud = Ride Height).