Ride height adjustment on my '02 Eagle DP

[captjohn57]

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

[captjohn57]

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]

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]

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]

Thanks rwhitt. Really helps!

[captjohn57]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[captjohn57]

Thanks guys. I'm heading over to IRV2 and see what they have for me.

[Blaster_Man]

Call the AC tech line, they are very helpful. 800-435-7345.

[imgoin4it]

Think it is on a Spartan chassis. If so, Call Spartan and ask them who can do a front end allignment. To do the allignment the ride height must be adjusted first. It all goes together and not everyone who does alignments knows how to do the Spartan chassis.

[Big_Katuna]

I know that the chassis manufacturer has a specification measurement they publish and where it should be measured. You might get lucky here but I'd find the Eagle forum probably on IRV2 and ask them.

You should also ask them for toe-in, etc and get the front end alignment checked.

Also weigh it front and back and look up the recommended air pressure on the tire co website.