'74 CJ5 Listing To Port

Will it ever end? The next problem to tackle is to find out why the frame/body does not sit level. The axles are level. Tires are at the correct pressure. Tires are the same size. As are the rims. But the left side sits a little over an inch lower than the right. I think the problem is the springs on the left side. Questions are: How do I tell this is the real problem? Will having the springs "re-arced" permanentlysolve the problem? Would buying new spring be a better fix? Where would I purchase OME springs? Thanks

 

It's common, even when these Jeeps were brand new. How old are the springs? Can you force yourself to ignore the lean? New springs probably won't sit exactly level either. Jeep used to have a block kit that the mechanic would install under warranty. The block was about 1/2" thick and would lower the high side - you can do something similar if it really bothers you.

 

The springs are the original. I could learn to live with the lean but I am getting tired of responding to the question "Do you know your Jeep is not sitting level?".

 

Quadratec has OEM springs in their catalog.

 

So does 4 Wheel Drive Hardware.

 

BTW, everything that I've read about rearcing has been negative. Doesn't last - the springs will quickly return to their previous shape. There are lots of sources for new springs, and they are not outrageously expensive, should you choose to go that route.

 

I've pondered this problem on my own rig. I used to have the same list to port. When I had the body off I took the frame to a body shop and they squared it and trued it for me. It sat level as could be. I put the tub back on and had my list back. I figured that the tub had to be the culprit. Face it, they get twisted up pretty good on the trail. Maybe one day it just doesn't come back all the way. I tweaked the tub and its been fine since then. No lean after about 4 years. I also got rid of my tailgate and boxed in the hole. It has a lot more integrity now.

 

Any jeeps or older cars that have a lean always seem to be to the driver side at least the ones I’ve seen. Just a guess, but could it be that most of the time the weight is only on the left side (driver)? I guess Tim’s statement of new jeep leaning dispel this theory.

No bad intent was meant of a driver’s body weight.

 

Re Chuck's observation, on the new Jeeps, I don't think there was any preference for one side or the other. I'd wonder how much of a weight imbalance there is/was witha CJ, since the PSD drivetrain would be biased to that side, unless the engine were offset.

The lean was really common on new Jeeps in the 70s. In '72 when I first started hanging out at the Jeep dealer a lot, the dealership replaced a lot of springs under warranty for the customers that worried about such things. The anti-lean kit was a lot cheaper - simply a block of steel that would go between the spring pack and the axle on the high side. Not a perfect solution, since it reduces the wheel travel on that side, but a lot cheaper than new springs.

 

I remember that as well Tim.
Even a new spring installed wouldn't level the Jeep out...and then try to explain to the owner that you installed the spacer......under the other side....the wrong side in the customers eyes...

 

Can you imagine that.

Hi dealer my Jeep leans to one side.
Ok bring it down and we'll fix it.

Even the dealers were told by Jeep to use monkey shadetree mechanic fixes!! It's a miracle any of the things survived this long.

 

Sort of hate to resurect an old thread, but what the heck. I bit the bullet & bought new springs. It should be noted I had NO LEAN prior, just worn out springs with wasted bushings. Now I have a small lean to Starboard (that's the passenger side for you less boaty types). So naturally, when I get in it levels out. Not surprising since I tip the scale at 205.

I'm going to try a suggested fix I read on another thread...loosen the shackle bolts & re-torgue with it sitting on the ground. Makes good sense. I also noticed that 1 of the front springs was flatter than the other by about .75". Rears look identical.

Cost was not to bad. 7 leaf fronts @ 79.95 ea & 5 leaf rears at 68.95 ea (from Krage) total with shipping $347.80.

 

I was just checking out your thread. I have the same problem with my 74 and it has new leafs. I measure and measure and everything measures ok, except the lean. Go figure, I'm leaving it.

 

OK, I loosend all the shackle bolts as well as the frame mounts. I jumped up & down on the high side & it still leans, even without torqueing (sp) the bolts back to spec. The front end is off by a 1/4" & the rear by 3/4" (measurements taken at the springs). It is painfully noticeable in the rear. I'm thinking of swapping the rear springs side to side to see if that helps.

Thoughts are appreciated.