Ground Clearance - Driveway solutions?

[redditn00b92]

Hello! I have a 2021 California Route 1 with the 18 inch tires. The ground clearance has been a bit of an issue for my driveway. Upon entering, my driveway has a steep down ramp. If I don't enter or exit at an angle, the middle portion of my Mach-e scratches the highest point of my driveway. Obviously, I back out at an angle at all times but I would love to find a solution where I don't have to do that. Because of the steep down ramp, 2x10s and even racer ramps slip when I back onto them. Has anyone had any success at overcoming an issue like this?

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[2021-MMEx-RT1]

Press the 'A' button on your Mach 5, it'll active the jump stands, then push it really fast again.

Should bounce you right over the incline.

 

[MachEr]

Steel plate bolted to road/driveway at transition

 

[Mach-Lee]

This is a driveway engineering issue. Your driveway needs to be reprofiled or you should buy a different vehicle with more ground clearance.

Here is a federally suggested profile with slopes that is used to prevent hangups going over railroad tracks. It's important the transitions aren't too sharp.

Here is a suggested driveway profile. Just like the railroad curve the maximum slope coming off the peak is about 3%, before transitioning to a steeper slope with a maximum of 15% grade. No sharp turns or angles.

 

[redditn00b92]

This is a driveway engineering issue. Your driveway needs to be reprofiled or you should buy a different vehicle with more ground clearance.

Here is a federally suggested profile with slopes that is used to prevent hangups going over railroad tracks. It's important the transitions aren't too sharp.

Here is a suggested driveway profile. Just like the railroad curve the maximum slope coming off the peak is about 3%, before transitioning to a steeper slope with a maximum of 15% grade. No sharp turns or angles.

I appreciate this info. At some point yes, I’d like to get the driveway redone. That isn’t an option right now though, and I know getting all the permits from the city will be a pain. Coming in and out at an angle works fine—just wish I didn’t have to.

does anyone know if I can install 19 inch tires on the route 1? I think the extra inch could give me the lift i need

 

[Carsinmyblood]

I appreciate this info. At some point yes, I’d like to get the driveway redone. That isn’t an option right now though, and I know getting all the permits from the city will be a pain. Coming in and out at an angle works fine—just wish I didn’t have to.

does anyone know if I can install 19 inch tires on the route 1? I think the extra inch could give me the lift i need

The outer diameter of the tire doesn't change. Even if it did, you'd only increase the ground clearance by the radius.

I suggest leaving the gas tank half full to lighten the load.

 

[machefan2022]

You could get bigger tires, but then there are a whole host of other things to think about. Will you have any rubbing issues in the wheel well due to the increased size. Your diameter will change so you speedo and trip calculations will be skewed etc.

 

[Mach Tuch]

I think this kit should work

 

[RonOinAZ]

According to tiresize.com:
225/60R18 tires have a diameter of 28.6", a section width of 8.9", and a wheel diameter of 18". The circumference is 89.9" and they have 705 revolutions per mile. (Select, CaRT1)

225/55R19 tires have a diameter of 28.7", a section width of 8.9", and a wheel diameter of 19". The circumference is 90.3" and they have 702 revolutions per mile. (Premium)

245/45R20 tires have a diameter of 28.7", a section width of 9.6", and a wheel diameter of 20". The circumference is 90.1" and they have 704 revolutions per mile. (GT)

 

[Fixbear]

A wheel/tire change will not get you any appreciable height increase unless you could go so extreme with suspension and wheels that vehicle efficiency, safety, and drivability are affected. It's unfortunate that the original driveway design is faulty, But it seems to be the solution.

 

[clement.48]

I'm not sure if this would fix your problem or not but my neighbor bought these for his corvette and it fixed his issue. Good Luck.
https://www.bridjit.com/product/bridjit-3-piece-expandable-curb-ramp-set/

 

[RMoore]

I know those KW coilovers let you lower the car--will they also raise the car appreciably if desired?

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