Body Lean / Pulls RIght
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Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Colorado
Body Lean / Pulls RIght
My '98 XLT S/C 4x4 has always pulled right. I've had it back to the (incompetent) Ford dealer 4 times with no luck.
It now pulls even harder to the right AND now the driver's side (front & back) sits 3/4" lower than the right side.
If only one front corner was low, I would assume that a torsion bar needed adjustment, but why would front and back be lower now?
I am 100% sure that it was level when new because I measured all four corners.
Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
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98 F150 XLT SC 4x4 4.6L 5spd 3.55 Lt Denim Blue
It now pulls even harder to the right AND now the driver's side (front & back) sits 3/4" lower than the right side.
If only one front corner was low, I would assume that a torsion bar needed adjustment, but why would front and back be lower now?
I am 100% sure that it was level when new because I measured all four corners.
Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.
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98 F150 XLT SC 4x4 4.6L 5spd 3.55 Lt Denim Blue
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Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Bakersfield, CA, USA
Regarding the pulling to the right, I remember some people in the Lightning Board were having the same problem - you might search over there. I can't remember what the problem was, and it might be different since your 4x4 has different suspension.
Your dealer should be able to print up a copy of the actual front end alignment from when they have your truck on the rack. If they aren't giving you a copy, I would be suspicious that they aren't doing anything.
Regarding the lean to the left, if your gas tank is full, you are carrying more weight on that side. Measure again with an empty tank, and see if the difference is so great.
Others have reported the same problem, and my theory is that the left side springs are starting to sag (especially the rear leafs compared to a front coil or torsion bar). If you are a big guy and have a full tank, the left side springs are carrying more weight than the right most of the time, so it makes sense that they would wear out faster.
Good luck tracking down the problems.
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1999 XLT S/C, 4.2 V-6, auto, 3.55 rear, dark torreador red/harvest gold, bed liner, Sony 10 disc CD, Edelbrock IAS, K&N filter, Superchip
Your dealer should be able to print up a copy of the actual front end alignment from when they have your truck on the rack. If they aren't giving you a copy, I would be suspicious that they aren't doing anything.
Regarding the lean to the left, if your gas tank is full, you are carrying more weight on that side. Measure again with an empty tank, and see if the difference is so great.
Others have reported the same problem, and my theory is that the left side springs are starting to sag (especially the rear leafs compared to a front coil or torsion bar). If you are a big guy and have a full tank, the left side springs are carrying more weight than the right most of the time, so it makes sense that they would wear out faster.
Good luck tracking down the problems.
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1999 XLT S/C, 4.2 V-6, auto, 3.55 rear, dark torreador red/harvest gold, bed liner, Sony 10 disc CD, Edelbrock IAS, K&N filter, Superchip
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Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Colorado
Thanks Dave,
1) My tank was full, but the lean is more severe now than when new... probably a leaf spring.
2) Dealer DID give me pre & post alignment data the 2nd time I had it in. The data showed that half the parameters were out of spec at first. When they finished, even more were out of spec! On the 3rd visit, they wouldn't return that incriminating sheet and "couldn't find" the data for the 3rd visit.
Time to find a new shop.
btw, the service advisor quietly told me that his front-end guy "had a bad attitude".
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98 F150 XLT SC 4x4 4.6L 5spd 3.55 Lt Denim Blue
1) My tank was full, but the lean is more severe now than when new... probably a leaf spring.
2) Dealer DID give me pre & post alignment data the 2nd time I had it in. The data showed that half the parameters were out of spec at first. When they finished, even more were out of spec! On the 3rd visit, they wouldn't return that incriminating sheet and "couldn't find" the data for the 3rd visit.
Time to find a new shop.
btw, the service advisor quietly told me that his front-end guy "had a bad attitude".
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98 F150 XLT SC 4x4 4.6L 5spd 3.55 Lt Denim Blue