Panhard bar and sitting level? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Olive1970 · 01-27-2013, 11:40 PM

This question may be completely off the wall, but figured I would ask anyways. After lowering my truck last year the drivers side seems to sit down further than passenger side. It did before, but is more noticeable now. Would installing an adjustable or super track bar kit help to even this out?

Just a thought since the bar would be pushing from opposite sides of the truck?

Thanks all!

heathbirkendahl · 01-28-2013, 01:36 AM

It could be pulling it over. Undo one end of panhard bar and see.
Posted via Mobile Device

cdowns · 01-28-2013, 06:06 AM

old used chevy pickups twist thier frames and it is not at all unusual for the driver side to sit lower than passenger side// has nothing to do with panhard bar

Sammy · 01-28-2013, 08:56 AM

I agree. Very doubtful the bar caused this. More likely a spring or leaf weak on one side or as mentioned a frame twisted. The bar should only center the tire in the wheel well fore n aft. At least that is how I see it.

**Ironangel** · 01-28-2013, 09:05 AM

Check those springs in the front...Are they original? Also, take a look at the cab supports, are the all there and symmetrical? My 72 was 1" lower on the left...When I replaced the stock springs with drop springs I discovered 1/2 coil was busted off the bottom where you cant even see it...truck sits nice and level now.

Olive1970 · 01-28-2013, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironangel

Check those springs in the front...Are they original? Also, take a look at the cab supports, are the all there and symmetrical? My 72 was 1" lower on the left...When I replaced the stock springs with drop springs I discovered 1/2 coil was busted off the bottom where you cant even see it...truck sits nice and level now.

The front springs are not original, they are CPP 2" lowering springs. The cab mounts are also all there and in equal condition I would say

TobyArnot · 01-28-2013, 09:06 AM

Welcome to the "Truck Lean" . I thing most of these old trucks sit unlevel. After I put 4" drop springs in my stepper I had to add a (homemade) 1" lowering block on the right side to get it level.

CC69Rat · 01-28-2013, 09:19 AM

I agree, .. Normal Chevy Lean. 95% of the trucks I have ever lowered have this problem. It's just more noticeable once it's lowered.

The problem is the driver's front coil spring. You can put a spacer in the front spring (Summit sells them actually) to bring the DS front UP about .5 - .75 in .. or like some do with the lowering block in the rear. Personally I'd do the spacer up front. .. OR cut 1/4 coil off the pass front spring (?) Would do about the same thing.

Olive1970 · 01-28-2013, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

I agree, .. Normal Chevy Lean. 95% of the trucks I have ever lowered have this problem. It's just more noticeable once it's lowered.

The problem is the driver's front coil spring. You can put a spacer in the front spring (Summit sells them actually) to bring the DS front UP about .5 - .75 in .. or like some do with the lowering block in the rear. Personally I'd do the spacer up front. .. OR cut 1/4 coil off the pass front spring (?) Would do about the same thing.

I also wondered about maybe trying to rotate or change how the spring sits in one of the cups in the back? But you are saying it would be more effective to put one of those metal spacers in the front DS spring? I would rather put something in that can be removed rather than cutting a spring.

Olive1970 · 01-28-2013, 12:52 PM

Thanks to everyone for the help and suggestions so far!

Lee H · 01-28-2013, 10:49 AM

Even my frame off with new suspension leans a little.
Posted via Mobile Device

hayhauler71 · 01-28-2013, 12:07 PM

Had to make a 1/2 inch plate for the upper left rear spring mount to fix mine. has new springs all around. Found this out by measuring the spring height with all four tires on the ground left rear was 1/2 inch off. also tried another set of springs [new] and still 1/2 inch off

CC69Rat · 01-28-2013, 12:56 PM

Assuming you have the lower lip on the spring indexed into the lca properly (? ) probably something you have checked already.

I have heard the frames were built with 1/2 lower on the DS to accommodate the twist from the engine torque. Kinda goofy really IMO.
Posted via Mobile Device

Olive1970 · 01-28-2013, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Assuming you have the lower lip on the spring indexed into the lca properly (? ) probably something you have checked already.

I have heard the frames were built with 1/2 lower on the DS to accommodate the twist from the engine torque. Kinda goofy really IMO.
Posted via Mobile Device

I could look into that again but I had to reposition the spring a few times to get it right. That was a real treat when I put them in

**RenoKeene** · 01-28-2013, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Olive1970

I could look into that again but I had to reposition the spring a few times to get it right. That was a real treat when I put them in

Took me a few shots at getting the front springs to seat properly in the upper a-arm after cutting 1/2 a coil off, pretty tricky.

**RenoKeene** · 01-28-2013, 01:53 PM

And you need the adj bar too........

Olive1970 · 01-28-2013, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenoKeene

And you need the adj bar too........

Sounds good

I am just planning out my attack plan for the spring time, fixing the suspension/levelness is first on my list. Drives me nuts everytime I go in the garage!

CC69Rat · 01-28-2013, 03:21 PM

Hire a fat girl to ride around with you?

Olive1970 · 01-28-2013, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Hire a fat girl to ride around with you?

Haha it might be easier to fix the truck, the small town where I live has too many meth heads to find a fat girl

Olive1970 · 01-28-2013, 03:24 PM

I would have to take measurements of the wheel well to tire on either side, but if I were to guess maybe an inch or so??

Don't know if the difference is that obvious from this picture

Lee H · 01-28-2013, 03:35 PM

In Addition to measuring the wheel wells, measure from the frame to the ground.

**RenoKeene** · 01-28-2013, 05:04 PM

Did you put a rear shock relocator kit in it?

Olive1970 · 01-28-2013, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RenoKeene

Did you put a rear shock relocator kit in it?

I did not, the springs are only a 3" drop in the back. Or at least thats what they were listed as. It didnt seem the kit was necessary for that drop according to CPP or ECE.

Olive1970 · 01-28-2013, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee H

In Addition to measuring the wheel wells, measure from the frame to the ground.

Took a few measurements of the back when I got home tonight. Here they are...

Ground to wheelwell:
DS=30 3/8"
PS=31 1/4"

Frame to ground:
DS=17 1/2"
PS=17 3/4"

CC69Rat · 01-28-2013, 09:43 PM

Sounds about normal really. Normal meaning Chevy Lean.

S10, Colorado, etc.. they all have it. Google "Chevy lean" and youll find a bunch of posts.
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01-27-2013, 11:40 PM	#1
Olive1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Dorr MI Posts: 176	Panhard bar and sitting level? This question may be completely off the wall, but figured I would ask anyways. After lowering my truck last year the drivers side seems to sit down further than passenger side. It did before, but is more noticeable now. Would installing an adjustable or super track bar kit help to even this out? Just a thought since the bar would be pushing from opposite sides of the truck? Thanks all!

01-28-2013, 01:36 AM	#2
heathbirkendahl Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Campbell, CA Posts: 452	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? It could be pulling it over. Undo one end of panhard bar and see. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1971 C/10 - Orange & White 2009 GMC 1500 - Lowered 3/4 22' KMC Slides

01-28-2013, 06:06 AM	#3
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? old used chevy pickups twist thier frames and it is not at all unusual for the driver side to sit lower than passenger side// has nothing to do with panhard bar __________________ 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

01-28-2013, 08:56 AM	#4
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? I agree. Very doubtful the bar caused this. More likely a spring or leaf weak on one side or as mentioned a frame twisted. The bar should only center the tire in the wheel well fore n aft. At least that is how I see it. __________________ '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"

01-28-2013, 09:05 AM	#5
Ironangel Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Falls City, Nebraska "100 Miles From Nowhere" Posts: 2,219	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? Check those springs in the front...Are they original? Also, take a look at the cab supports, are the all there and symmetrical? My 72 was 1" lower on the left...When I replaced the stock springs with drop springs I discovered 1/2 coil was busted off the bottom where you cant even see it...truck sits nice and level now. __________________ Michael of the clan Hill, "Two Seventy Two's" 71 1-ton Dually 350 4-Speed 71 C/50 Grain Truck, 350 Split-Axle 4-Speed 02 3/4 ton Express 14 Indian Chief Vintage 1952 Ford 8N, "Only Ford Allowed On The Property" "Be American, Buy American"

01-28-2013, 09:06 AM	#7
TobyArnot Quit if it's not FUN!!! Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Indian Trail, N.C, Posts: 864	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? Welcome to the "Truck Lean" . I thing most of these old trucks sit unlevel. After I put 4" drop springs in my stepper I had to add a (homemade) 1" lowering block on the right side to get it level. Last edited by TobyArnot; 01-28-2013 at 12:34 PM.

01-28-2013, 09:19 AM	#8
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,212	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? I agree, .. Normal Chevy Lean. 95% of the trucks I have ever lowered have this problem. It's just more noticeable once it's lowered. The problem is the driver's front coil spring. You can put a spacer in the front spring (Summit sells them actually) to bring the DS front UP about .5 - .75 in .. or like some do with the lowering block in the rear. Personally I'd do the spacer up front. .. OR cut 1/4 coil off the pass front spring (?) Would do about the same thing. __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

01-28-2013, 12:52 PM	#10
Olive1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Dorr MI Posts: 176	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? Thanks to everyone for the help and suggestions so far!

01-28-2013, 10:49 AM	#11
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? Even my frame off with new suspension leans a little. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

01-28-2013, 12:07 PM	#12
hayhauler71 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: St. Paul MN. Posts: 1,996	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? Had to make a 1/2 inch plate for the upper left rear spring mount to fix mine. has new springs all around. Found this out by measuring the spring height with all four tires on the ground left rear was 1/2 inch off. also tried another set of springs [new] and still 1/2 inch off __________________ Fuzzy

01-28-2013, 12:56 PM	#13
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,212	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? Assuming you have the lower lip on the spring indexed into the lca properly (? ) probably something you have checked already. I have heard the frames were built with 1/2 lower on the DS to accommodate the twist from the engine torque. Kinda goofy really IMO. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

01-28-2013, 01:53 PM	#16
RenoKeene Florida Edition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fruitland Park, FL Posts: 4,028	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? And you need the adj bar too........ __________________ 70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394

01-28-2013, 03:21 PM	#18
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,212	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? Hire a fat girl to ride around with you? __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

01-28-2013, 03:24 PM	#20
Olive1970 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Dorr MI Posts: 176	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? I would have to take measurements of the wheel well to tire on either side, but if I were to guess maybe an inch or so?? Don't know if the difference is that obvious from this picture Attached Images Last edited by Olive1970; 01-28-2013 at 03:30 PM. Reason: added picture

01-28-2013, 03:35 PM	#21
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? In Addition to measuring the wheel wells, measure from the frame to the ground. __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703



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01-28-2013, 05:04 PM	#22
RenoKeene Florida Edition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fruitland Park, FL Posts: 4,028	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? Did you put a rear shock relocator kit in it? __________________ 70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394

01-28-2013, 09:43 PM	#25
CC69Rat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,212	Re: Panhard bar and sitting level? Sounds about normal really. Normal meaning Chevy Lean. S10, Colorado, etc.. they all have it. Google "Chevy lean" and youll find a bunch of posts. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

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