I just replaced the original front springs and tuff country spring pack with a new set of X-Code springs. I did this for two reasons:

1. The front of the truck was a little higher than I wanted

2. The front passenger side sits quite a bit lower than the drivers(figured spring sag)


Well, I just got done and the passenger side still sits lower than the drivers side by about the same amount as before. I did notice while I was tightening the leaf bolts that the rear shackle on the passenger side spring is closer to the frame than the driver's side. Also, looking at the wheel wells, the driver's side wheel is sitting quite a bit towards the front of the truck, while the passenger's side is sitting more centered.

Does anyone know how to correct this? Jack the truck up, block the frame, loosen the shackle bolts/nuts, and pry the shackle down then tighten? Or is my problem elsewhere? The tailgate sits quite a bit higher on the passenger side, kind of like the truck is out of square. If anyone can help, I would be much appreciated. I can take pics if needed.

Thanks and sorry for the novel.

 

no replies? cmon guys, somebody has the answer!

 

What kind of truck? Describe the truck for us...so we can better help.

Pics? Heck yes...if you can post some pics that would really help.


biz

 

Have you checked the axles against the frame and how the tires track? You should have had an alignment when you changed the springs, if the alignment was done properly, then the body's off square from the frame.

 

How tight was the track bar?Could be alittle short.

 

Well, it is a 99 f-250 sd 4x4 sc 7.3l. When I first took the spring pack out and put in new springs, I didnt touch the trac bar. After I was done, the pass. side was still a lot lower than the driver's side(even a little worse). So I got to thinking that maybe the trac bar was binding and keeping the driver's side up, so I jacked the truck up again and popped the bolt out of the upper bracket. Mind you, I dont have the stock upper bracket, so it still has the drop down, but the drop down bracket has an offset washer for the trac bar bolt. So I let the truck down to the ground, and the trac bar wanted to be in the middle of the bracket. Since it can only be mounted to one side or the other, I used a come-along to get it to the far driver's side of the bracket. I finally got it back together and took it out for a spin and everything seems fine except the steering wheel is cocked to the left(middle part of wheel is at about 2 o'clock). Now, is this something an alignment will fix or do I need a stock trac bar bracket? I have heard other guys say they needed a come-along for the trac bar also, so it should be ok, but I want to make sure before I take it out on the road. It did help a little with the lean issue though. THanks for the replies, and any help on the trac bar issue would be awesome..

 

you need a longer trac bar.

 

Sounds like you need an adj. track bar... fabtech makes one that's arond $150'ish.

To adjust the steering wheel you have to adjust the draglink adjustment sleeve. Park the truck with the tires straight and steering wheel cocked... With the key in the on position adjust the sleeve until the steering wheel is straight.

 

Cool, I was hoping I could do it myself(at least get it close). Now, I have heard of a lot of people talking about having to use a come-along to get the trac bar back in, will it really be a problem? Should I order a stock upper trac bar bracket? I think they run around 80.00, because I was gonna sell the spring pack anyway, so I guess the bracket should go with it. Thnaks for the replies!!

 

YES...in my experience what happened to you with the track bar is normal. What happens is the truck leans away...so applying force or come-a-long does the trick. When I was working on mine...I was lucky to have two other folks with me. They pushed on the pass. side of truck...while I guided the track bar back into the bracket and slid in the bolt. OBTW: This was on my ’76 (see sig), but the same concept applies.

The only reason why you would need an OEM stock bracket...is if the truck gives you bump steer. However...after you replaced your springs...I recommend a good alignment. Just to make sure everything lines up.

Good luck...


biz

 

I am a little worried about it because the springs (especially the driver's side) looks like it is twisted a little because of moving the front axle over to set the trac bar. Is this a problem? If so, how do I fix it? I have heard that a lot of people have to move the axle quite a bit sometimes to get the bar in, but I just want to make sure I'm not gonna warp my new springs. By the way, I have the early 99 suspension(built 01/99), if that makes a difference. Thanks

 

Since you went with OEM style "X" front springs, then you should return the rest of the front-end to OEM. So...replacing the drop down track bar bracket that was used with the LEVEL kit...should return your front back to normal.

Make sure when you purchase the OEM bracket...to explain what you did. Especially with the "X" front springs...as the bracket maybe different from other brackets (probably not, but why risk it).

Good luck...


biz