Truck leans to one side? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

dmw319 · 08-17-2012, 09:32 AM

Ive got a 70 stepside short bed 1/2 ton that ive owned for a few months now. Ive noticed that if you look at the truck standing about 10 feet behind the back that it leans to the left (drivers) side. The left side is lower than the right side. What might be causing this? shocks/springs are relatively new but i figure i could swap those out as a starter. anyone else ever had that issue?

cdowns · 08-17-2012, 10:02 AM

it is a very common thing on old trucks due mostly to 40years of hard work the frame has taken a set it is twisted// sometimes by shimming bed and or cab can make it less noticable

LMREESE · 08-17-2012, 10:15 AM

I had the same problem on my truck. New springs and no more problem.
Posted via Mobile Device

**CC69Rat** · 08-17-2012, 10:20 AM

It is the infamous Chevy Lean. Most Chevy trucks have the problem, and my bet would be the truck has been lowered?

S10's have it, C10's .. I think it's in the way Chevy designed the trucks. I know it's goofy but search the forums for Chevy Lean and you'll find some stuff. I promise.

**leddzepp** · 08-17-2012, 10:38 AM

Yup, Chevy lean. Most trucks 40 yrs old have it.

jtj143 · 08-17-2012, 11:08 AM

I had an '85 K10 that was only ten years old and it leaned...the '71 leans....I just try to park on a slope :-)

**CC69Rat** · 08-17-2012, 11:29 AM

just for example --

http://www.355nation.net/forum/lower...-use-them.html

If you google 'Chevy Lean Belltech' they make a spacer you can put on the top of the spring on the driver's side and correct the problem. (driver's side up 7/16" makes the rear correct itself too) I used the S10 spacer on my white truck and it worked perfectly. (96 4.3 Ext cab)

While yes, this is an S10 I'm referencing as you can see even the new Coloroados / Canyons have it. Just my opinion I think it's by design to compensate for the torsional regidity of the frame / engine mounts. I'm sure people smarter than me would know exactly why but when I drop a truck I usually have the spacers handy for this reason.

Dunenutt · 08-17-2012, 11:46 AM

It's not leaning, it's hiking it's leg!

1970 Bowtie · 08-17-2012, 11:52 AM

Is it parked next to a ford.

nate_g_2003 · 08-17-2012, 02:02 PM

My old truck (03 Ranger) had a lean as well. Lot's of them had it, known as the Ranger lean. I can't recall exactly, but I think it was due to the gas tank, battery and weight of driver all on one side of the truck.

My suburban has it too, but it leans to the right. Putting some air in my tires helps a little, but not 100%. Good to know some new/fresh springs can help out.

Rdrdave · 08-17-2012, 02:06 PM

Mine leans also, but maybe because I'm from Oakland.

**CC69Rat** · 08-17-2012, 02:20 PM

A big ole woman would fix it too.

1972RedNeck · 08-17-2012, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

A big ole woman would fix it too.

That could be the cause too.

dmw319 · 08-17-2012, 03:28 PM

yall are funny! thanks for the info though. im still gunna probably throw some new shocks/springs in there when i do my front disc converstion soon though.

MikeyMan · 08-17-2012, 05:11 PM

My cab was leaning to the right. Turns out the rubber cab mounts were shot on that side.
Had to add some washers/shims to the new mounts to make things level and match the body lines.

dmw319 · 08-17-2012, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyMan

My cab was leaning to the right. Turns out the rubber cab mounts were shot on that side.
Had to add some washers/shims to the new mounts to make things level and match the body lines.

never thought of that either! i guess ill be able to get a closer look when i do the rear shocks/springs

08-17-2012, 09:32 AM	#1
dmw319 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 639	Truck leans to one side? Ive got a 70 stepside short bed 1/2 ton that ive owned for a few months now. Ive noticed that if you look at the truck standing about 10 feet behind the back that it leans to the left (drivers) side. The left side is lower than the right side. What might be causing this? shocks/springs are relatively new but i figure i could swap those out as a starter. anyone else ever had that issue? __________________ 1970 Chevy C-10 Stepside My build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528167

08-17-2012, 10:02 AM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Truck leans to one side? it is a very common thing on old trucks due mostly to 40years of hard work the frame has taken a set it is twisted// sometimes by shimming bed and or cab can make it less noticable __________________ 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

08-17-2012, 10:15 AM	#3
LMREESE Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Ringgold GA Posts: 149	Re: Truck leans to one side? I had the same problem on my truck. New springs and no more problem. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 67 C10 swb bored out 350 granny 4 speed I come from a long line of moonshiners

08-17-2012, 10:20 AM	#4
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,207	Re: Truck leans to one side? It is the infamous Chevy Lean. Most Chevy trucks have the problem, and my bet would be the truck has been lowered? S10's have it, C10's .. I think it's in the way Chevy designed the trucks. I know it's goofy but search the forums for Chevy Lean and you'll find some stuff. I promise. __________________ 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)

08-17-2012, 10:38 AM	#5
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,995	Re: Truck leans to one side? Yup, Chevy lean. Most trucks 40 yrs old have it. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

08-17-2012, 11:08 AM	#6
jtj143 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Dotsonville, Tennessee Posts: 194	Re: Truck leans to one side? I had an '85 K10 that was only ten years old and it leaned...the '71 leans....I just try to park on a slope :-) __________________ '65 GMC Suburban 4X4, '71 GMC 4X4 LWB - The Yellow Eyed Monster, '86 C10 Silverado - Oldest Daughter's Pickup, '88 S15 GMC Work Truck, '95 GMC SLE 4X4 - Second Daughter's Truck, '99 K1500 GMC Suburban Road Trip Machine, 2000 C2500 W/T Utility Bed Work Truck, '03 Silverado - Wife's Grocery Getter

08-17-2012, 11:29 AM	#7
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,207	Re: Truck leans to one side? just for example -- http://www.355nation.net/forum/lower...-use-them.html If you google 'Chevy Lean Belltech' they make a spacer you can put on the top of the spring on the driver's side and correct the problem. (driver's side up 7/16" makes the rear correct itself too) I used the S10 spacer on my white truck and it worked perfectly. (96 4.3 Ext cab) While yes, this is an S10 I'm referencing as you can see even the new Coloroados / Canyons have it. Just my opinion I think it's by design to compensate for the torsional regidity of the frame / engine mounts. I'm sure people smarter than me would know exactly why but when I drop a truck I usually have the spacers handy for this reason. __________________ 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)

08-17-2012, 11:46 AM	#8
Dunenutt Newbee Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 1,406	Re: Truck leans to one side? It's not leaning, it's hiking it's leg! __________________ My Build, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...58#post4464158

08-17-2012, 11:52 AM	#9
1970 Bowtie It's all in the timing Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lake Mary,Florida Posts: 600	Re: Truck leans to one side? Is it parked next to a ford. __________________ The Dude Abides. ---------------------- I aint sayin, I'm just sayin.

08-17-2012, 02:02 PM	#10
nate_g_2003 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Gregory, TX Posts: 413	Re: Truck leans to one side? My old truck (03 Ranger) had a lean as well. Lot's of them had it, known as the Ranger lean. I can't recall exactly, but I think it was due to the gas tank, battery and weight of driver all on one side of the truck. My suburban has it too, but it leans to the right. Putting some air in my tires helps a little, but not 100%. Good to know some new/fresh springs can help out. __________________ -Nathan- 1972 GMC K2500 Suburban "The Project" 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT Z71 "The Daily Driver" 2005 Ford F150 Lariat SCrew 2WD "The Daily Driver" SOLD 1995 GMC Sierra C1500 SLE "The Daily Driver"SOLD 2003 Ford Ranger Edge 2DSC 2WD Flareside "The Daily Driver/Project"SOLD

08-17-2012, 02:06 PM	#11
Rdrdave Broke and still trying Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 562	Re: Truck leans to one side? Mine leans also, but maybe because I'm from Oakland.

08-17-2012, 02:20 PM	#12
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,207	Re: Truck leans to one side? A big ole woman would fix it too. __________________ 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)

08-17-2012, 03:28 PM	#14
dmw319 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 639	Re: Truck leans to one side? yall are funny! thanks for the info though. im still gunna probably throw some new shocks/springs in there when i do my front disc converstion soon though. __________________ 1970 Chevy C-10 Stepside My build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528167

08-17-2012, 05:11 PM	#15
MikeyMan Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.W. Chicago, IL. Posts: 317	Re: Truck leans to one side? My cab was leaning to the right. Turns out the rubber cab mounts were shot on that side. Had to add some washers/shims to the new mounts to make things level and match the body lines.



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