body sag
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 215
Likes: 6
From: Mebane, NC
body sag
The front of the car is level. At rest looking at the rear, the passenger side sits about 1.5-2" higher than the drivers. What are the usual causes or where do I start looking?
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,782
Likes: 2,597
Looking at the rear spring does one side or the other look flatter or more bowed? Are the nuts on the spring bolts set to the same position? does the body mount behind the rear wheels look rotted on either side?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 2
From: Castle Hills Texas
When my 80 started leaning hard I found that my leaf spring cushions had rotted into a fine dust under the car. After replacing those, I was back to level. Body mounts cushions could be a culprit as well.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Measure the distance from the frame to the ground. that will tell you if it's an issue with the suspension or the body.
I had the same problem as you. My frame was level. Turned out the factory bonded the rear clip crooked to the tub. We found it when we restored the body a few years ago due to a rear end collision.
I had the same problem as you. My frame was level. Turned out the factory bonded the rear clip crooked to the tub. We found it when we restored the body a few years ago due to a rear end collision.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 215
Likes: 6
From: Mebane, NC
Cause
The frame is not equal distance to the floor on both sides. Started looking. The cushions on the bolts between the spring and the wheel assembly are dry rotting and the bolts are snugged down to different lengths. Repair kit on order.
Any tricks to changing these bolts/cushions? I have a healthy respect for springs, know the power than can unleash if not handled correctly.
Any tricks to changing these bolts/cushions? I have a healthy respect for springs, know the power than can unleash if not handled correctly.
