Leaning Tower of Chevy - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

timcos · 02-05-2007, 10:33 AM

OK...I put the truck in the garage. Doing the heater core thing.

This morning, as I parked my other car behind it I noticed the left front of the truck is leaning. I could really tell because the roof was not parallel with the ceiling in the garage. I initially thought the tire had lost some air. It did not. I have only had the truck for about 6 months and did not really notice this before...that does not mean it was like this..I just did not notice or had a reference.

So I did some quick measurements. 28.5 inches to the top of each front tire. But the fender wheel well measure 35.25 one the left (driver's) and 37 on the right.

Could a shock be stuck on the right and pushig that side up? Could something have collapsed on the left side?

I am gong to get underneath it this evening and see if I can find where the problem is. I have to finished the heater core thing anyway.

What think YE?

cdowns · 02-05-2007, 10:37 AM

did you check to see if both tires are the same size?? not uncommon for left side springs to sag more than right side especially if there's been a fatass driving for 35years

timcos · 02-05-2007, 10:39 AM

Yes,

28.5 inches to the top of each tire.

**Yukon Jack** · 02-05-2007, 10:47 AM

You might have a broken or damaged spring.

RedZ71 · 02-05-2007, 11:40 AM

does your shock on one side... look like this??

http://www.dfwlp.org/~jhorne/pics/tr.../dsc06197.html

(mine leans too!) hehe

timcos · 02-05-2007, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedZ71

does your shock on one side... look like this??

http://www.dfwlp.org/~jhorne/pics/tr.../dsc06197.html

(mine leans too!) hehe

That is the funniest engineering for a shock I have ever seen.

No...mine does not look like that...LOL

I did glance at the springs on the way out...and they are bowed in an upward direction with the ends being downturned...but both are like that...it did seem to me that the driver side leaf was more bowed...I could not see a break...but I did not look closely enough I am sure.

Mine has two leafs. If I get the one at NAPA for 189 that has 5 leafs...did I just screw up...or make it a 3/4 ton?.

Tim

**special-K** · 02-05-2007, 11:43 AM

I hope it`s not a sink hole.

bad_turbo · 02-05-2007, 01:25 PM

I see you stated "leafsprings", so I'm guessing its a 4x4? My '69 1 ton has coils on the front that are worn out and sagging, so whenever I take a corner the truck will keep leaning that way til I turn the opposite way. Springs are just worn out.

timcos · 02-05-2007, 01:42 PM

Yes...K10...leafs on front and rear.

Tim

pritch · 02-05-2007, 11:05 PM

Hey Tim, you might call Triple A spring in Salt Lake-they did me a real good job on some overloads on a f*rd I had a while back. Fairly inexpensive, too. I was expecting a lot more than they charged. Their # is 801-972-1359. Address is 995W 2900S.

skchevota · 02-05-2007, 11:22 PM

Check the rear ( rear of the front spring) shackle and see if the bushings are still there, including the ones in the frame.

timcos · 02-06-2007, 12:15 AM

Not sure if I am refined enough mechanically to notice the bushings...and whether or not they are there.

I will most likely go see the place pritch recommends

Fastfun · 02-06-2007, 12:26 AM

Could bad body mounts cause the leaning also?

timcos · 02-11-2007, 12:46 AM

OK...I just did some measureing...the bed (measured at the apex of the wheel well) is 1 inch lower on the driver side.

The front wheel well is 1.5 inches lower on the driver side.

Tires are all same height.

Could this simply be because 1 guy weighing about 175 mostly drove this truck for 33 years?

Could that have worn the springs on one side?

Sammy · 02-11-2007, 01:25 AM

Don't get too excited about the lean. My Fathers 70 4X4 leaned real bad inside the garage front & rear after putting new tires on. Drove it outside everything seated in the suspension and measured it leveled out. So if you jacked it up it may just need to level out.

timcos · 02-16-2007, 01:18 PM

My rear springs are arced in the downward direction (like a smile)...the ends of the leafs going up.

The front springs are arced upward (like a frown with the ends slightly pointing down).....left and right are both arced in this manner...

Does not look right to me.

Is this correct...or are my fronts work out and that is why the truck is leaning...nothing looks broken.

manimal · 02-16-2007, 01:28 PM

As skchevota said look at the rear shackle on the front leafs the bolts should be in the center of the bushings.If not then you have bad bushings-VERY common,especially in the frame brackets. use urethane for replacements,they wont sag.JMO
-Lance

timcos · 02-16-2007, 01:40 PM

I could not imagine only a bushing would make the leafs point in the other direction,..

I guess my question is...which direction should the leafs be bending or formed?

manimal · 02-16-2007, 02:46 PM

All the 1/2t and 3/4t 4x4's I have had with stock leaf springs were "DE-ARCHED" but most only had 2-3 leafs anyway. If the bushings are worn or 'gone' on one side,you could easily loose an inch or more. To replace your front springs,it would be about the same to put a small lift on it and run a slightly larger tire. say a 4" with 33's.JMO- Good luck
-Lance

timcos · 02-16-2007, 04:40 PM

I am really biased toward stock height. I love the big lifts and large tires...I just do not want to drive one daily.

Quote:

Originally Posted by manimal

All the 1/2t and 3/4t 4x4's I have had with stock leaf springs were "DE-ARCHED" but most only had 2-3 leafs anyway. If the bushings are worn or 'gone' on one side,you could easily loose an inch or more. To replace your front springs,it would be about the same to put a small lift on it and run a slightly larger tire. say a 4" with 33's.JMO- Good luck
-Lance

timcos · 02-16-2007, 03:52 PM

I went to AAA spring in Salt Lake. ~$360 for new 3-leaf leaf springs (both sides) and about 80 bucks worth of new parts like bolts, bushings, shackles, etc. The fellow said they were definitely worn. He did say that GM put these de-arched springs on the front end for a few years to give a nice ride for the trucks...he also said it did not work too well.

Should I do this job myself?

They will do it for a little more than 200 on top of the parts.

I have air tools, 3 ton jack, jack stands, and a lot of spit and vinegar.

These things look like lots of bolts and bushings...any FAQs just to guide me?

Tim

timcos · 02-16-2007, 04:39 PM

I just checked with Big O...they will do the whole thing for $480.

timcos · 02-16-2007, 08:30 PM

ttt

Jtrux · 02-16-2007, 09:03 PM

Take your time and make sure the truck is on a flat surface and the parking brake is on. Lift the truck by the frame ( will have to use blocks cuz it's pretty high) and bring it to the point where the suspension is maxed out but not lifting the tires off the ground and remove the U-bolts from the axle. Oh, take the shocks off too. With U-bolts disconnected lift the truck further up and the spings should raise up off the axle. Then take the springs off and put it all back together. Always use new U-bolts, NO EXEPTIONS! They torque to yield and cannot be used over and over again.

timcos · 02-20-2007, 09:08 PM

The new leafs are in...or is that leaves?

It even out the truck...and it raised the front end about an inch or a little more...now it is sitting level from front to rear.

02-05-2007, 10:33 AM	#1
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Leaning Tower of Chevy OK...I put the truck in the garage. Doing the heater core thing. This morning, as I parked my other car behind it I noticed the left front of the truck is leaning. I could really tell because the roof was not parallel with the ceiling in the garage. I initially thought the tire had lost some air. It did not. I have only had the truck for about 6 months and did not really notice this before...that does not mean it was like this..I just did not notice or had a reference. So I did some quick measurements. 28.5 inches to the top of each front tire. But the fender wheel well measure 35.25 one the left (driver's) and 37 on the right. Could a shock be stuck on the right and pushig that side up? Could something have collapsed on the left side? I am gong to get underneath it this evening and see if I can find where the problem is. I have to finished the heater core thing anyway. What think YE? __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004) Last edited by timcos; 02-05-2007 at 10:34 AM. Reason: typos

02-05-2007, 10:37 AM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy did you check to see if both tires are the same size?? not uncommon for left side springs to sag more than right side especially if there's been a fatass driving for 35years __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

02-05-2007, 10:39 AM	#3
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy Yes, 28.5 inches to the top of each tire. __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004)

02-05-2007, 10:47 AM	#4
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy You might have a broken or damaged spring. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

02-05-2007, 11:40 AM	#5
RedZ71 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 246	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy does your shock on one side... look like this?? http://www.dfwlp.org/~jhorne/pics/tr.../dsc06197.html (mine leans too!) hehe __________________ Jonathan 2001 ECSB Silverado Z71 1971 LB C10 Custom www.z71silverado.com

02-05-2007, 11:43 AM	#7
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,861	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy I hope it`s not a sink hole. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-05-2007, 01:25 PM	#8
bad_turbo turbo enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: carmichael, ca. Posts: 1,826	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy I see you stated "leafsprings", so I'm guessing its a 4x4? My '69 1 ton has coils on the front that are worn out and sagging, so whenever I take a corner the truck will keep leaning that way til I turn the opposite way. Springs are just worn out. __________________ "But daddy, I didn't hit them all with a stick"...what my 6 year old tells me when I pick him up from school early for fighting "

02-05-2007, 01:42 PM	#9
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy Yes...K10...leafs on front and rear. Tim __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004)

02-05-2007, 11:05 PM	#10
pritch Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hoytsville, Utah Posts: 3,365	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy Hey Tim, you might call Triple A spring in Salt Lake-they did me a real good job on some overloads on a f*rd I had a while back. Fairly inexpensive, too. I was expecting a lot more than they charged. Their # is 801-972-1359. Address is 995W 2900S. __________________ '68 Panel Project Boogie Chillin' '68 C-10 Ol' Green

02-05-2007, 11:22 PM	#11
skchevota Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Evans, Colorado Posts: 530	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy Check the rear ( rear of the front spring) shackle and see if the bushings are still there, including the ones in the frame.

02-06-2007, 12:15 AM	#12
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy Not sure if I am refined enough mechanically to notice the bushings...and whether or not they are there. I will most likely go see the place pritch recommends __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004)

02-06-2007, 12:26 AM	#13
Fastfun Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 615	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy Could bad body mounts cause the leaning also?

02-11-2007, 12:46 AM	#14
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy OK...I just did some measureing...the bed (measured at the apex of the wheel well) is 1 inch lower on the driver side. The front wheel well is 1.5 inches lower on the driver side. Tires are all same height. Could this simply be because 1 guy weighing about 175 mostly drove this truck for 33 years? Could that have worn the springs on one side? __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004)

02-11-2007, 01:25 AM	#15
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy Don't get too excited about the lean. My Fathers 70 4X4 leaned real bad inside the garage front & rear after putting new tires on. Drove it outside everything seated in the suspension and measured it leveled out. So if you jacked it up it may just need to level out. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

02-16-2007, 01:18 PM	#16
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy My rear springs are arced in the downward direction (like a smile)...the ends of the leafs going up. The front springs are arced upward (like a frown with the ends slightly pointing down).....left and right are both arced in this manner... Does not look right to me. Is this correct...or are my fronts work out and that is why the truck is leaning...nothing looks broken. __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004)



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02-16-2007, 01:28 PM	#17
manimal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southern Kalifornia Posts: 3,066	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy As skchevota said look at the rear shackle on the front leafs the bolts should be in the center of the bushings.If not then you have bad bushings-VERY common,especially in the frame brackets. use urethane for replacements,they wont sag.JMO -Lance

02-16-2007, 01:40 PM	#18
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy I could not imagine only a bushing would make the leafs point in the other direction,.. I guess my question is...which direction should the leafs be bending or formed? __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004)

02-16-2007, 02:46 PM	#19
manimal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southern Kalifornia Posts: 3,066	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy All the 1/2t and 3/4t 4x4's I have had with stock leaf springs were "DE-ARCHED" but most only had 2-3 leafs anyway. If the bushings are worn or 'gone' on one side,you could easily loose an inch or more. To replace your front springs,it would be about the same to put a small lift on it and run a slightly larger tire. say a 4" with 33's.JMO- Good luck -Lance

02-16-2007, 03:52 PM	#21
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy I went to AAA spring in Salt Lake. ~$360 for new 3-leaf leaf springs (both sides) and about 80 bucks worth of new parts like bolts, bushings, shackles, etc. The fellow said they were definitely worn. He did say that GM put these de-arched springs on the front end for a few years to give a nice ride for the trucks...he also said it did not work too well. Should I do this job myself? They will do it for a little more than 200 on top of the parts. I have air tools, 3 ton jack, jack stands, and a lot of spit and vinegar. These things look like lots of bolts and bushings...any FAQs just to guide me? Tim __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004) Last edited by timcos; 02-16-2007 at 03:56 PM.

02-16-2007, 04:39 PM	#22
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy I just checked with Big O...they will do the whole thing for $480. __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004)

02-16-2007, 08:30 PM	#23
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy ttt __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004)

02-16-2007, 09:03 PM	#24
Jtrux I'm a poor spectator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,287	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy Take your time and make sure the truck is on a flat surface and the parking brake is on. Lift the truck by the frame ( will have to use blocks cuz it's pretty high) and bring it to the point where the suspension is maxed out but not lifting the tires off the ground and remove the U-bolts from the axle. Oh, take the shocks off too. With U-bolts disconnected lift the truck further up and the spings should raise up off the axle. Then take the springs off and put it all back together. Always use new U-bolts, NO EXEPTIONS! They torque to yield and cannot be used over and over again. __________________ 2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!!

02-20-2007, 09:08 PM	#25
timcos Chief Honcho In Charge Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bentonville AR Posts: 970	Re: Leaning Tower of Chevy The new leafs are in...or is that leaves? It even out the truck...and it raised the front end about an inch or a little more...now it is sitting level from front to rear. __________________ 1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004)

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