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captjohn57's avatar
captjohn57
Explorer
Sep 16, 2015

Ride height adjustment on my '02 Eagle DP

I've had my '02 American Eagle since January. Bought it in California and drove it to south Mississippi. It's my first pusher and it's squirrely (for lack of a better word) in the wind, trucks passing etc. When the suspension is aired up it sits very high in the front and back. Even the step is very high to climb if I stop and get fuel etc. I've looked under it at the front and rear height adjustments, just hate to try it on the ground myself but I'm an ex auto mechanic. Thinking the height could contribute to the lack of driveability.
Anyone have experience with these adjustments?

'02 American Eagle- 49,000 miles- All service up to date
400 hp Cummins
Spartan Mountain Master Chassis
Class A
  • captjohn57's avatar
    captjohn57
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2015
    dakdave wrote:
    Take close look at the bell crank if so equiped.My 2004 dp with 45000 miles was doing the same thing( being squirley).
    I had checked everything over myself,had new tires,alignment, no help.Replaced bell crank,made a huge difference,was loose only in one spot when wheels were straight.New one has bearings rather than bushings. dave


    When I my wife comes up to my shop, I'm getting under it while she moves the wheel to see if there's any slack in the steering linkages.
    Thanks!
  • captjohn57's avatar
    captjohn57
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2015
    Worked on my Eagle today. Found a spec sheet in my manuals, front 16 1/8" at shock mounts on center and rear 8 1/4" bottom of frame to center of axle.
    My rear was 8 3/8" so only 1/8" high. I left it alone because looked like 2 tough adjustments to make.
    My front was 16 7/8", 3/4" high and an easy single point adjustment. On the independent suspension 3/4" was a lot. Lowered the front to the 16 1/8" and the step went down 3". Coach looks more level now but haven't driven it yet. This had to help.
    Thanks everyone!

    PS. It was blocked under the frame AND the jack for safety ;)
  • dakdave's avatar
    dakdave
    Explorer
    Sep 17, 2015
    Take close look at the bell crank if so equiped.My 2004 dp with 45000 miles was doing the same thing( being squirley).
    I had checked everything over myself,had new tires,alignment, no help.Replaced bell crank,made a huge difference,was loose only in one spot when wheels were straight.New one has bearings rather than bushings. dave
  • captjohn57's avatar
    captjohn57
    Explorer
    Sep 17, 2015
    Bikeboy57 wrote:
    Sorry to sound off, but please do your family a favor and crib or jackstand the coach BEFORE getting under there. You will be fiddling with the system that holds the coach up. Under the wrong circumstances it could pancake you. An experienced and respected member of this forum died that way.


    Thanks and trust me, I wouldn't dare get under it with out some major blocking under it.
  • Bikeboy57's avatar
    Bikeboy57
    Explorer
    Sep 17, 2015
    Sorry to sound off, but please do your family a favor and crib or jackstand the coach BEFORE getting under there. You will be fiddling with the system that holds the coach up. Under the wrong circumstances it could pancake you. An experienced and respected member of this forum died that way.
  • rwhitt's avatar
    rwhitt
    Explorer
    Sep 17, 2015
    Rear is 8 1/4 plus or minus 1/8 measured from bottom of frame to center of axel housing. Suppose to measure both sides, and average. Front is measured at the shock mount studs. Center to Center is 16 1/4 plus or minus 1/8. Hope this helps This is from the Spartan spec. sheet. Hope this helps and good luck..
  • rwhitt's avatar
    rwhitt
    Explorer
    Sep 17, 2015
    I have the exact same coach. No issues with trucks or basic wind. Call Spartan Chassis and they will send you the specs. Very helpful. A/C will refer you to them for chassis info. Have your vin and also the Spartan Chassis #, also I have the spec if you have trouble and can PM me if needed.

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