The Forward Look Network
The Forward Look Network
Search | Statistics | User Listing Forums | Chat | eBay | Calendars | Albums | Skins | Language
You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

Car sits lower on the drivers side. Need suggestions
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]
View previous thread :: View next thread
   Forward Look Technical Discussions -> Steering and SuspensionMessage format
 
Beltran
Posted 2017-01-27 8:08 PM (#532497)
Subject: Car sits lower on the drivers side. Need suggestions



Expert

Posts: 1730
100050010010025
Location: Michigan
Penny is a 55 Chrysler Windsor that is slightly modified. See the signature below. I have had this issue with her since I got her. The car sits 1 - 1.5" lower on the drivers side (in the rear) then the passengers side. Obviously this is worse when I sit in the car.

So I got a set of stock rear springs from Springs & Things and replaced the tired originals. It took about 6 months but it started to lean to the drivers side again. I tolerated it for a few years.

Last year I replaced the rear axle with a 69 Roadrunner 8.75 axle after moving the spring perches out to the proper distance to align with the springs. I also got new Eaton springs that had an additional leaf over the S&T set.

Again, about 4-6 months after the install the car is leaning to the driver side 1 - 1.5".

So disassembled the springs from the axle again. I started on the drivers side and noticed that once the tension was off the U bolts, the spring dropped about 4 inches. The axle was floating above the spring. This seemed to be due to the passenger side being still firmly attached. Once I loosened the passenger side the axle came down to sit on the drivers side spring perch. /hmmm... things that give you pause...

I added another leaf to the drivers side, it now has 7 leafs, and reassembled the springs and axle.

After lowering the car it looked fine. I then sat in it to pull it back into the garage, got out and noticed that it is again, sitting 1.5" lower on the drivers side.

Please point out what stupid thing I keep doing that causes this. I have no ego to speak of so I won't be offended by even the most basic of questions.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Shep
Posted 2017-01-27 8:19 PM (#532499 - in reply to #532497)
Subject: Re: Car sits lower on the drivers side. Need suggestions



Expert

Posts: 3393
20001000100100100252525
Location: Chestertown, NY ( near Lake George)
How about a weak lt ft spring or too strong a rt ft spring. Also are the spring isolators in place in the front?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Beltran
Posted 2017-01-30 9:29 PM (#532745 - in reply to #532497)
Subject: Re: Car sits lower on the drivers side. Need suggestions



Expert

Posts: 1730
100050010010025
Location: Michigan
Yes Shep I have considered that as well. However these were changed with the rear springs and the isolators are in place on both sides. If it leans in the front it is not perceptible. I have not used a tape measure though to check. It lines up evenly on the Tire to fender check.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Shep
Posted 2017-01-31 9:37 AM (#532767 - in reply to #532745)
Subject: Re: Car sits lower on the drivers side. Need suggestions



Expert

Posts: 3393
20001000100100100252525
Location: Chestertown, NY ( near Lake George)
Pain in the ass here but swap rear springs, see what happens.

Edited by Shep 2017-01-31 9:55 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
StillOutThere
Posted 2017-01-31 10:39 AM (#532778 - in reply to #532497)
Subject: Re: Car sits lower on the drivers side. Need suggestions



2000100010010025
Location: Under the X in Texas
Any evidence the car ever had a serious accident? Might want to get a frame dimension chart off ebay and have a body shop with a frame machine see if there is some twist in the frame causing the springs a headache. Only thing I can think of.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
56D500boy
Posted 2017-01-31 11:01 AM (#532782 - in reply to #532497)
Subject: RE: Car sits lower on the drivers side. Need suggestions



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9855
5000200020005001001001002525
Location: Lower Mainland BC
This might come off rude but are you a "husky" guy?

200 lbs is probably not going to sag the driver's side much but 250 or 300 would very like cause a sag.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
wizard
Posted 2017-01-31 1:26 PM (#532796 - in reply to #532497)
Subject: Re: Car sits lower on the drivers side. Need suggestions



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 13042
500050002000100025
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
I have been wrestling with the same type of problem - Chrysler '60, the height difference is roundabout 3/4" lower on the drivers side.

I have tried with spacers between the leaf spring and the rear axle - no change.
I have tried with longer shackles on the drivers side - no change

Measurement from for example under side of the rockers are identical if the body rests on floor stands.

The front end height is adjusted to the correct measurements.

I suspect that one of my torsion springs are weaker and that I must compensate with the front end height.


Top of the page Bottom of the page
Beltran
Posted 2017-02-04 11:02 AM (#533159 - in reply to #532497)
Subject: Re: Car sits lower on the drivers side. Need suggestions



Expert

Posts: 1730
100050010010025
Location: Michigan
Dave, I am about 210. I would guess that this would happen over years of regular use. But 6 months after you install them and only drive the car occasionally?

The car is a 60k mile vehicle. I have had it apart and I know there has never been any accident damage. I will continue to ponder the possibilities.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
55 Dodge
Posted 2017-03-08 9:42 PM (#535498 - in reply to #532497)
Subject: RE: Car sits lower on the drivers side. Need suggestions


Veteran

Posts: 164
1002525
Location: ST. Stephen NB Canada
Mark, I have had this issue with my 55 Dodge Royal, but mainly in the front drivers side. I put new front Coils from Springs N Things, & 5 leaf( stock was 4 even though it is a Hemi) springs in the rear. Little or no change. I have a truck battery ( 6 volt) on that side & when I took it out, the body came up 1/4 inch. Also the gas tank is more on that side as well. Not sure if that contributes, but I never found any thing conclusive.ure
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Beltran
Posted 2017-03-10 11:58 PM (#535688 - in reply to #532497)
Subject: Re: Car sits lower on the drivers side. Need suggestions



Expert

Posts: 1730
100050010010025
Location: Michigan
I am beginning to wonder if the bushings are binding or something.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]
Jump to forum :
Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

* * * This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated * * *


(Delete all cookies set by this site)