Chevy lean some days but not others?
03-12-2012, 01:21 PM
#1
Chevy lean some days but not others?
I've had this problem since the first day I owned the truck. Some days the driver's side will sag badly, but other days it won't at all. Today for example, the left rear is 1.5" lower than the right rear, this is with 1/4 tank and no driver. Some days the rear will be perfectly level, even with more or less fuel than it has today. Even if I get in (170 lbs), the suspension doesn't drop much at all.
I currently have a 2/4 drop with 2" Belltech coils up front, 2" Belltech hangers, 2" shackles and 2* shims in the back, and Belltech shocks all around. The truck leaned just as badly before the drop too.
Could this lean be a mechanical issue? Bad bushings, worn leafs? I didn't see any obvious wear when I looked. Should I use the adjustability in the shackles to raise the left rear 1"? I'd rather fix than bandaid the problem though
I currently have a 2/4 drop with 2" Belltech coils up front, 2" Belltech hangers, 2" shackles and 2* shims in the back, and Belltech shocks all around. The truck leaned just as badly before the drop too.
Could this lean be a mechanical issue? Bad bushings, worn leafs? I didn't see any obvious wear when I looked. Should I use the adjustability in the shackles to raise the left rear 1"? I'd rather fix than bandaid the problem though
03-12-2012, 01:29 PM
#2
Launching!
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Good question. I haven't noticed a big difference in my 2001 day to day. I am on my stock springs still.
With leaf springs, they are constantly sliding on each other when they are moving. Maybe your leafs aren't sliding??
Its kind of funny that there is the "GM Lean" because, they have build the chassis with a driver in mind. I was told at a chassis seminar that the GM's have the drivers side top spring pocket a 1/4" lower than the passenger side, to make the vehicle sit level when there is a driver in it.
-Kenny
With leaf springs, they are constantly sliding on each other when they are moving. Maybe your leafs aren't sliding??
Its kind of funny that there is the "GM Lean" because, they have build the chassis with a driver in mind. I was told at a chassis seminar that the GM's have the drivers side top spring pocket a 1/4" lower than the passenger side, to make the vehicle sit level when there is a driver in it.
-Kenny
03-12-2012, 04:05 PM
#3
Good question. I haven't noticed a big difference in my 2001 day to day. I am on my stock springs still.
With leaf springs, they are constantly sliding on each other when they are moving. Maybe your leafs aren't sliding??
Its kind of funny that there is the "GM Lean" because, they have build the chassis with a driver in mind. I was told at a chassis seminar that the GM's have the drivers side top spring pocket a 1/4" lower than the passenger side, to make the vehicle sit level when there is a driver in it.
-Kenny
With leaf springs, they are constantly sliding on each other when they are moving. Maybe your leafs aren't sliding??
Its kind of funny that there is the "GM Lean" because, they have build the chassis with a driver in mind. I was told at a chassis seminar that the GM's have the drivers side top spring pocket a 1/4" lower than the passenger side, to make the vehicle sit level when there is a driver in it.
-Kenny
My driver side spring appears to be more compressed than the passenger side. The helper spring on the drivers side is closer to the main spring than on the passenger side.
Can leaf springs wear out and sag over time?
03-12-2012, 06:59 PM
#5
formerly Stroked-DSM (11/24/2010)
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I have a lean that seems to be worse on some days then others as well. When I drop my truck its getting new leafs and coils. I'm thinking it is probably spring related.
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03-12-2012, 09:06 PM
#8
The measure today was on 1/4 tank. The lean does not depend on the amount of gas. I could have a full tank and sometimes it will still sit level.
03-13-2012, 12:42 AM
#9
Launching!
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Yes, the leafs slide on each other slightly. They have to in order to be a spring. If you put a true leaf spring vehicle ( not a mono leaf) on a 4 corner scale, and then take it off and put it back on, you will have different weight recordings because of the leafs binding on each other. I would think your lean issue would be related to bent or broken springs, OR your posi/locker not unlocking. Have you ever seen a spooled vehicle turn a sharp corner? If you stop it mid way in a tight corner, it will be very crooked.
If it is leaning back it up straight then pull forward and see if it changes.
-Kenny
If it is leaning back it up straight then pull forward and see if it changes.
-Kenny