Issue with my car not level side to side

[Blew86442]

Hello,

I recently bought an 86 442 with 95K on it. I noticed the car sits a little lower on the passenger side. I let all the air out completely out of the rear shocks and took measurements. The driver side front sits about 3/4 inch higher than the passenger side. The driver side rear sits about 1 inch higher. This was even after swapping both rear springs around. (the measurements stayed consistent before and after the spring swap) The body lines are all very straight and I cannot see any visible frame repair on the car The car is very solid, hence no rust where the spring pockets are. Is this common for these cars or should I maybe take it to a body shop to see if everything is properly aligned? Thanks!

 

[bill]

Hello,

I recently bought an 86 442 with 95K on it. I noticed the car sits a little lower on the passenger side. I let all the air out completely out of the rear shocks and took measurements. The driver side front sits about 3/4 inch higher than the passenger side. The driver side rear sits about 1 inch higher. This was even after swapping both rear springs around. (the measurements stayed consistent before and after the spring swap) The body lines are all very straight and I cannot see any visible frame repair on the car The car is very solid, hence no rust where the spring pockets are. Is this common for these cars or should I maybe take it to a body shop to see if everything is properly aligned? Thanks!

Whats the age/condition of the front springs? you may have one thats weaker than the other...also, worn ball joints, control arm bushing can also affect the stance of the car.... :?:

 

[KapPartier]

Hello,

I recently bought an 86 442 with 95K on it. I noticed the car sits a little lower on the passenger side. I let all the air out completely out of the rear shocks and took measurements. The driver side front sits about 3/4 inch higher than the passenger side. The driver side rear sits about 1 inch higher. This was even after swapping both rear springs around. (the measurements stayed consistent before and after the spring swap) The body lines are all very straight and I cannot see any visible frame repair on the car The car is very solid, hence no rust where the spring pockets are. Is this common for these cars or should I maybe take it to a body shop to see if everything is properly aligned? Thanks!

My car is the same way. I dnt know why.

 

[bill]

have someone measure while you are sitting in the drivers seat...you may notice its level then.... :wink:

 

[Blew86442]

have someone measure while you are sitting in the drivers seat...you may notice its level then.... :wink:

haha....thats what I was thinking. After doing some searching on this site, I may disconnect all the shocks and sway bars and see what it looks like. Thanks for the info so far.

And I would think that the springs are originals. I may just try to go the cheap route to level it out for now. I think I'll slap some spring spacers in the rear until I take on the full out suspension job!

 

[jmt455]

Did you check the frame to ground measurements or just body or bumper measurements?
If the frame-to-ground dimensions are OK but the body dimensions are off, it could be worn/compressed body mount bushings or rusted body mounts.

Also, make sure the front springs are properly installed in the pockets, with the correct rotation. I had one that was not properly installed and it threw everything off.

 

[Blew86442]

Thanks. I did check he frame to ground measurement. I'll check the front springs in the next couple of days. So much to do and the weather is getting so nice!