car sits lower on 1 side

[Tom Welch]

I searched the archives and suspension threads but found only sketchy info on the best way to sort this out. My 67 firebird is almost 1 1/4" higher on the pass side than the drivers side, I have changed to a multileaf spring and no difference. Is there a way to accurately determine how to adjust the suspension? Is there a way to do that? Is a frame shop in my future? How about shimming one side or changing the rear shackle length on 1 side to compensate for the differing heights? There are no traction bars on the car. I'm using a 4 leaf spring on each side and its bolted to a 9 inch diff. I put it together tonight with the new springs, I did check the free height of the new springs prior to install, within 1/16th inch. New bushings and hardware too. any help is appreciated greatly.

[Damn True]

I searched the archives and suspension threads but found only sketchy info on the best way to sort this out. My 67 firebird is almost 1 1/4" higher on the pass side than the drivers side, I have changed to a multileaf spring and no difference. Is there a way to accurately determine how to adjust the suspension? Is there a way to do that? Is a frame shop in my future? How about shimming one side or changing the rear shackle length on 1 side to compensate for the differing heights? There are no traction bars on the car. I'm using a 4 leaf spring on each side and its bolted to a 9 inch diff. I put it together tonight with the new springs, I did check the free height of the new springs prior to install, within 1/16th inch. New bushings and hardware too. any help is appreciated greatly.

Just kidding.

[vanzuuk1]

I am not an expert, but I have the same problem.

I am going to put the car on jackstands , shim between the jackstands and get the car level. I want to take any twist out of the car and measure from the suspension pivot points (leaf spring mounts and control arm pivot bolts) to a level floor until left/right is the same. Then weld in the four point and frame connecters and hope that some of the "twist" goes away.

I want to measure from the suspension points to eliminate all the variables in the body and frame. I think these cars just flex a lot and time and abuse take their toll.

I had a video of my streetbike leaving a corner hard with the tire spinning, I was shocked to see how much the whole frame and forks were flexing like spaghetti!

[formula]

I was gonna say, are you quite certain you don't have a fat kid hiding in your trunk? But I got beat to it.

Where's your battery mounted, out of curiosity?

[Tom Welch]

No jenny or fat kid here, the car is being built and i am concerned that this issue will worsen as the car gains weight from interior , gas tank etc. So stuff the cowbell in the fat kid's mouth and send him home. I have taken measurements at several points and the drivers side is 1 to 1 1/4 inches lower than the pass side, maybe the car is twisted or bent but measurements show it to be square within 1/8th inch at all points. I know that I'm not the exception here, so what to look for? Hey fatboy your momma's cowbell is ringing.

[Chad-1stGen]

Only thing I can think of is that the suspension was torqued down at differnt heights, otherwise something isn't right.

[Tom Welch]

All fasteners are loose on shackles and at bushed ends. The u bolts are snugged down pretty good but not torqued yet, as are the front subframe bolts. Should I shim 1 side to level the car or adjust the shackles to compensate for the difference?

[harshman]

did you get new front springs?

[Rick Dorion]

You measured from the frame? On my car, the sheetmetal (due to some repairs) causes a difference although not 1"+.

[MrQuick]

thats what I was going to suggest. I try to do a comparison of the two. Also did you replace your front springs as suggested before? If one is out of the upper pocket your car will never sit right.

[zbugger]

The cars are known to flex a lot, but there's one thing that's forgotten when someone sees a car as being twisted or lopsided. Often times it's amplified when new springs are installed as well. Check your body bushings. Worn out body bushings can wreak havoc on how your car sits.

[Tom Welch]

OK, I'll check my front springs, which are new. All bushings are new, so I will assume that this area is correct. I am beginning to suspect that the body is twisted sort of. If I can figure out how to untwist it or to level the ride height I'll try it.

[Z06vet]

I had this same problem. Took it to the frame shop, and both rear frame rails were bent. We used the fisher body measurements I got off this site, and also used a newly finished 69 to compare my car to. Sad to say, mine was off about 1.25". Someone had put new sheet metal on the car and never fixed the frame, or at least didn't realize it was bent. I am having both full length frame rails replaced as well as a full trunk pan. Hope this is not the cae for you. Costly mistake on my part, but it will be right when finished. Scott

[Gtrpunk23]

I have a '69 Camaro and when I measured the corners when on a lift...the driver side rear corner is 1 1/4 inches lower than the passenger side...the fronts are the same. Everything SEEMS fine...any suggestions?? By the way the springs are new hocthkis drop springs all around.
Thanks
Rich

[EFI69Cam]

I played hell trying to figure out why my car leaned after I restored it. swapped springs right to left, etc. Finally noticed that the forward spring eye bolt on one side was lower than the other. That side was also a bitch to get the bolts started. Turns out, a previous owner had replaced a spring perch with one off a 2nd gen. Check the front bolts in the springs and see if one is hanging below the rocker pinch weld.

[BRIAN]

Hate to be so basic but if you want to be sure it isn't elsewhere simply swap the springs and see what happens. Also support the front from the rails not suspension to rule out the front. Take shocks off rear also. Everybody says shocks do not effect ride height but they can. Make sure it is level side to side. Back to front is not always level so do not go crazy on that one.

Get 4 plumb's from the depot and hang from each mtg point. Make sure ground is clean and start taking measurements. That rails is going to be short if it is arcing the spring.


Good luck!!

[OneslowZ28]

to really tell if the body is twisted look closely at the roof top. my 78 t-top car is way twisted and it will be fun making it str8. i would have to agree with BRIAN here mount it all from the pinch welds on the body and plumb it, unless you take it to a body shop and have them measure. it may be worth the cost and less of a headache for you.
and thats my 2 cents lol. good luck man, ill be in your shoes shortly.

[Tom Welch]

great info guys, I have checked nd re checked the springs and body bushings and rear springs/bushings, all shocks are off, front is supported on the frame. I am contemplating a shim between the spring and axle tube on 1 side and re check my measurements. I wouldnt be concerned if it wasnt so obvious when looking at the car from the rear.

[Wall]

Just wondering if you ever found your problem? My 67 firebird is also lower on the driver side.