1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

A Little Bit Of Lean

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Jonathan Young, Sep 17, 2016.

  1. Sep 17, 2016
    Jonathan Young

    Jonathan Young LiteFiter

    Watertown New York
    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2016
    Messages:
    59
    i have a CJ with a rear lean on the drivers side. I am unable to tell if it is a matter of bad mounts, leaf spring or both. Just looking underneath nothing stands out and I don't have the suspension experience to just "know" what the problem is. So being limited in funds, what is most likely the issue? And, if it ends up I have to change the spring, can I just do the rear springs for now or should I do all 4 at once? Thanks
     
    Jonathan Young, Sep 17, 2016
    #1
  2. Sep 17, 2016
    Chilly

    Chilly Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2007
    Messages:
    1,486
    Not uncommon. Try swapping left springs for right on back axle and see what happens. If no change then do same with front springs.
     
    Chilly, Sep 17, 2016
    #2
  3. Sep 17, 2016
    Desert Runner

    Desert Runner Member 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hickory, Pa
    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2005
    Messages:
    819
    It is also not uncommon to find out the frame is not square. There was a post awhile back where a guy put his frame on laser level and one rear frame leg was about an 1 higher that the rest.

    Jay
     
    Desert Runner, Sep 17, 2016
    #3
  4. Sep 17, 2016
    Rick

    Rick Member

    Hanson,Ma.
    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2006
    Messages:
    287
    I had the same thing and Tim suggested the factory fix of placing a 3/8" thick shim between the right hand axle spring pad and the spring. This brings the high side down to more or less match the other side. I probably could have used a little thicker, but it was a drastic improvement.
     
    Rick, Sep 17, 2016
    #4
  5. Sep 17, 2016
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    The lean is very common. As Rick mentioned, Jeep had a service bulletin and a kit that lowered the high side a little.

    I would ignore a lean that did not make a functional difference. But it bothers some people...
     
    timgr, Sep 17, 2016
    #5
  6. Sep 17, 2016
    montanacj

    montanacj Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2012
    Messages:
    794
    My 55 has the lean I have decided it's no biggie, but everyone's different. It's super noticeable though
     
    montanacj, Sep 17, 2016
    #6
  7. Sep 17, 2016
    Beach66Bum

    Beach66Bum 1966 Tuxedo Park Mark IV 2024 Sponsor

    Big Island on...
    Joined:
    Oct 30, 2015
    Messages:
    1,607
    You'd be surprised that even new vehicles will have differences in height measurements from side to side, and front and back. Usually a 1" difference is considered within acceptable tolerances. The classic jeep "Lean" has been around since the early days. Some guys like it as it has become iconic for the "JEEP WINK" giving classic character. But if you want a jeep that doesn't have any lean to it, fixing with shims is the way to correct it. You will see some mentions of re-arching one spring pack, but that creates how the suspension will act/respond during driving/braking etc. (My jeep has a 3/4" lean on the drivers side)
     
    Beach66Bum, Sep 17, 2016
    #7
  8. Sep 17, 2016
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2003
    Messages:
    1,201
    Spring bushings could be wore out
     
    zila, Sep 17, 2016
    #8
New Posts