Front Suspension Question
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New User
Joined: Jun 2002
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Front Suspension Question
re my 1972 F250 2wd, I just replaced my axel pivot, radius arm bushings and shocks. Now that everything's back together, my front end leans at least an inch to one side. I suspect a weak spring and will replace both, however I did not have this lean before I replaced the parts above. Is there anything else I should look for first? Other than spring height, what other factor could cause my front end to be so uneven now?
Thanks,
Bob
Thanks,
Bob
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
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From: Sun River St. George
Front Suspension Question
I'm thinking the spring is not in the detent on the high side. Double check this with a flashlight. Have you driven the truck? Sometimes after letting down the jack the suspension will settle when the truck rolls a bit.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 212
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From: Wimberley, TX
Front Suspension Question
I just put all new parts in my front end including new springs.
Mine sat 7/8" lower on the drivers side when measured at the center of the wheel well opening on the front fenders.
I was puzzled as well and discovered that any turning of the wheels to the outside, lowers that side of the front. If you turn the wheels to the left, the driver's side dips down. Having said that and taking great pains to get the wheels exactly straight ahead and on a fairly level surface, I'm now a little less than 3/4" diff between right and left side. My friendly body shop man said the sheet metal could make up for that. A little high on the right and a little low on the left. I backed up and looked at the truck real hard and noticed it was barely noticeable. It now rides and steers great so I'm a happy camper now.
Probably would have done better to measure from the ground to the frame instead of the body sheet metal but I lost interest in figuring out why...
Mine sat 7/8" lower on the drivers side when measured at the center of the wheel well opening on the front fenders.
I was puzzled as well and discovered that any turning of the wheels to the outside, lowers that side of the front. If you turn the wheels to the left, the driver's side dips down. Having said that and taking great pains to get the wheels exactly straight ahead and on a fairly level surface, I'm now a little less than 3/4" diff between right and left side. My friendly body shop man said the sheet metal could make up for that. A little high on the right and a little low on the left. I backed up and looked at the truck real hard and noticed it was barely noticeable. It now rides and steers great so I'm a happy camper now.
Probably would have done better to measure from the ground to the frame instead of the body sheet metal but I lost interest in figuring out why...
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 609
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From: Watauga TEXAS
Front Suspension Question
That's a good observation!!!!! My complete front end is new and when I finished I noticed that my right front sags (passenger side) a little lower than the left.
The only way it makes true sense, however, is if the rear end isn't tracking straight. Even if you turn the steering wheel 1/4 to the left or right and reset the toe, your spindles will be in the same position when your done- straight ahead. But if your rear end is off to the left or the right, then as you drive, you will have to compensate for it with the front end, thus giving you a lean to one side or the other due to the front end no longer being centered.
Make sense?
Joe
The only way it makes true sense, however, is if the rear end isn't tracking straight. Even if you turn the steering wheel 1/4 to the left or right and reset the toe, your spindles will be in the same position when your done- straight ahead. But if your rear end is off to the left or the right, then as you drive, you will have to compensate for it with the front end, thus giving you a lean to one side or the other due to the front end no longer being centered.
Make sense?
Joe
