I'm certain that somewhere in the service manual it talks about what is the proper ride height. I'm specifically interested in an 02 myself, but with all of the talk about adjustable coilovers, how is ride height determined after final adjustments to be certain that it is correct AND for those owners with older suspensions, how can they measure their ride height so they can plan on replacements? Just curious since all I have heard of is the strut rod inspections and oil leakage from the shock seals.

Paul

 

Its measured from ground to inner bushing mounting bolt. Tires have to be properly filled, OEM size wheels & tires for the measurements to match spec. For non-OEM wheel sizes and tires, you'd have to adjust expected height from ground to compensate for your non-OEM wheels and tires.

Pretty easy to measure with just a small cardboard box with a vertical extension piece to match vertical height. Small cardboard box as base keeps everything perpendicular. Put box on ground and slide it to place your vertical at bushing bolt end. Mark center of bolt on the vertical. Then, move box out from beneath car and measure distance off ground to your mark.

Toyota's description of how to adjust if things don't match spec is hilarious.

 

LOL. Yea. I see what you mean. Lift and rock. Wow.

Paul

 

Here is my high tech ride height gauge. I've marked the OEM spec bolt heights on the vertical section.
Just put under car and compare mounting bolt height against the gauge's high precision OEM ride height indicators.

Stupid. Simple. But it works.

 

I used a tape measure

 

I tried, but could never convince myself whether the tape measure was truly vertical. That's how I ended up with the box.

 

Understandable. I have this nice large tape measure that rests on the floor upright and the tape locks in place. Quite convenient.

 

I like it Seattle SCone.