Need advice. 89 Suburban has slight lean to right.

ponie1992 · 06-13-2008, 08:43 PM

Any idea what would cause a slight lean to the right? Leaf spring?

75K30 · 06-13-2008, 09:00 PM

Rear leaf, front coil spring, bad body bushing, bad suspension bushing, fatigued torsion bar (if 4wd), added weight to any corner, from aftermarket bumper, tool box, accessories for recovery etc.
Lost of factors here.

ponie1992 · 06-13-2008, 09:11 PM

It's not 4WD so I'm leaning towards spring or bushing. Is there a way to tell if a leaf spring is wearing out? Any help on this is appreciated.

75K30 · 06-13-2008, 09:22 PM

Couple of ways, but the best way is to remove it, and compare it unloaded next to a known good one.
For the sake of the conversation, you could measure the distance between the top of the spring plate and the frame on both sides to compare.
You could also look at the angle of the shackle at the rear of the spring. The one with the greatest angle has either too much load on it, or the spring has lost resistance.
Guess you could also measure the spring eye to eye distance. They should measure the same. The fatigued spring will have a longer measurement.
I would also also look at the front coil springs, often times these can be fatigued, or rubber isolaters can squeeze out, or fall off. Do a very good comparisson from one side to the other to notice any differences. I believe you will be able to see any differences which should start to point you in the right direction.

ponie1992 · 06-14-2008, 07:09 AM

That's awesome advice. I really appreciate it. I will check it out and let you know. Thanks again.

06-13-2008, 08:43 PM	#1
ponie1992 Full Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 20	Need advice. 89 Suburban has slight lean to right. Any idea what would cause a slight lean to the right? Leaf spring? __________________ Jeremy Stillson '89 GMC Suburban

06-13-2008, 09:11 PM	#3
ponie1992 Full Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 20	It's not 4WD so I'm leaning towards spring or bushing. Is there a way to tell if a leaf spring is wearing out? Any help on this is appreciated. __________________ Jeremy Stillson '89 GMC Suburban

06-14-2008, 07:09 AM	#5
ponie1992 Full Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 20	That's awesome advice. I really appreciate it. I will check it out and let you know. Thanks again. __________________ Jeremy Stillson '89 GMC Suburban

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06-13-2008, 09:00 PM	#2
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,312	Rear leaf, front coil spring, bad body bushing, bad suspension bushing, fatigued torsion bar (if 4wd), added weight to any corner, from aftermarket bumper, tool box, accessories for recovery etc. Lost of factors here.

06-13-2008, 09:22 PM	#4
75K30 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,312	Couple of ways, but the best way is to remove it, and compare it unloaded next to a known good one. For the sake of the conversation, you could measure the distance between the top of the spring plate and the frame on both sides to compare. You could also look at the angle of the shackle at the rear of the spring. The one with the greatest angle has either too much load on it, or the spring has lost resistance. Guess you could also measure the spring eye to eye distance. They should measure the same. The fatigued spring will have a longer measurement. I would also also look at the front coil springs, often times these can be fatigued, or rubber isolaters can squeeze out, or fall off. Do a very good comparisson from one side to the other to notice any differences. I believe you will be able to see any differences which should start to point you in the right direction.