body or suspension lean?
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Joined: Jun 2001
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body or suspension lean?
I have a 77 4x4 high boy F250. It seems that when you look at the truck from the front, the drivers side is about 1 inch lower than the passenger side. It has brand new RS5000 shocks. Could sagging leaf springs be the suspect? It would seem odd if they were. Since the 1 inch difference is the same in the front and back, both on the left side. Tire pressure is the same on all 4's. Any comments would be appreciated. Dean
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Woodside, CA
body or suspension lean?
My truck used to lean about the same amount before I put the new suspension on. I'm almost positive it was due to the aftermarket saddle tank that was positioned on the driver side on the outside of the frame rail, directly behind the driver, beneath the bed. It had been on there since almost day one and over the years, it just took it's toll.
To check if it's your springs, run a string from eyelet to eyelet, and then measure from the center of the spring (near the u-bolt pad) up to the string. Once you have one measurement, check the other side. You can also just measure from the spring pad to the bottom of the frame rail, but that's not a positive way to definately say that it's the springs.
If it is the springs, you can either get them re-arched or just purchase a new set of springs. If you need a new set of springs, private message me and I'll get you a number to call.
Graffe.
To check if it's your springs, run a string from eyelet to eyelet, and then measure from the center of the spring (near the u-bolt pad) up to the string. Once you have one measurement, check the other side. You can also just measure from the spring pad to the bottom of the frame rail, but that's not a positive way to definately say that it's the springs.
If it is the springs, you can either get them re-arched or just purchase a new set of springs. If you need a new set of springs, private message me and I'll get you a number to call.
Graffe.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 242
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From: earth
body or suspension lean?
The sag may also be due to the fact that most people only carry one person in their vehicle (on the drivers side) for years. When the weight of one person is continually placed on one side of a vehicle, differential settlement of the springs may occur. I've nocited this on my 78 F150 4x4 (although it's only about .5"). Either replace the springs or place a weight (sandbags) on the passenger side to compensate for the weight variance. Good luck.
Chris
Chris
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Minneapolis, MN
body or suspension lean?
Would it work to swap the springs fron side to side?
'77 F-250 Camper Special 400ci driver
'76 F-250 Supercab 360ci current project
'71 Mach I 429CJ in storage
'79 F-150 for parts
HONK if you like peace and quiet!
'77 F-250 Camper Special 400ci driver
'76 F-250 Supercab 360ci current project
'71 Mach I 429CJ in storage
'79 F-150 for parts
HONK if you like peace and quiet!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 242
Likes: 9
From: earth
body or suspension lean?
Swapping the springs from side to side would be a temporary solution (but I believe the tilt would still be evident). Adding an add-a-leaf may also provide the necessary lift economically. If a more permanent solution is necessary, I'd try new springs, re-arched springs or (I just thought of this) contact a local spring shop and ask what they would recommend.
I never thought to state that measurements should be taken to determine if the lean is suspension or body. Take a tape measure and with the truck on a flat surface, measure the distance between the frame and ground at the front, back and middle. Obviously, if they are different (between passenger and driver side), there is suspension height differential. Likewise, if they are the same, there is body sag somewhere.
Chris
I never thought to state that measurements should be taken to determine if the lean is suspension or body. Take a tape measure and with the truck on a flat surface, measure the distance between the frame and ground at the front, back and middle. Obviously, if they are different (between passenger and driver side), there is suspension height differential. Likewise, if they are the same, there is body sag somewhere.
Chris
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