hey everyone, I noticed the other day when I was at the rear of my truck that it leans to the drivers side(to the left). Wasnt sure what could cause this or if my springs are bad or shocks? anyone have any ideas about this and what it could be? Thanks

Jamie

 

Sounds like you got a broken leaf spring shackle, leaf spring (or combo). I'd also check the frame for cracks too.

 

Ill check everything out. Ive also been told these older models tend to lean to the driver side after years of wear and tear, also called sagging to the left. But Ill check but sure everything is good since it just came off the lot and was in great shape. Some people also said it has to do with the fuel tank on the driver side too.

 

Well, yes, anything will lean after years of wear and tear. It just needs service.

 

How does it sit with a 1/4 tank. How many miles? Could be a tired spring or bushings too.

 

Ive only had it to half a tank and really didnt notice much of a lean but I have a full tank of gas now and you can tell. The springs are old and a little rusty(probably originals) likewise the shocks too. So they might need to be replaced soon. It has 257089 miles on it.Not sure exactly how much of deal the gas will make, ive heard these trucks and years are known to lean a little.

 

Level and height are a function of springs, not shocks. Shocks and struts control the spring compression and rebound. It's possible to have air shocks on the back of a car or truck to level the loads, in such a case you can have one shock not filled with air to the same degree as the other side.

I do not know the Ford spec for ride height, if there is one. But you can measure from the bottom of the wheel to the top of the wheel opening in the fender on both sides. It should be reasonable that there be a variance of somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 inch. If within the variance, no action is required.