Difference in rear height

BR-TEXAS · August 12, 2014

I did measure several times (with and w/o parking brakes, changed the position into the garage, etc) to make sure. Driver side is about 1" higher than the passenger side. Just in rear. Besides the measure tape... you case the different in the gap between the end of the spring.

Same tire pressure and 3/4 of gas.

I'm also have the vibration problem, no idea if this is related or not...

thanks

ShotgunZ71 · August 12, 2014

I don't have an explanation for you unless you had a really large person inside while measuring, but mine is within 1/16" left to right. That is measured from concrete pad to bottom of fender well in center of rear tires.

Huthut8 · August 14, 2014

I second this, but my drivers side sits a tad lower than the passenger side... Possibly a full tank of gas makes it sag?

MMC · August 14, 2014

You should not measure from the ground up, measure from the lip of the wheel to the lip of the body. This removes the tire variables.

BigBoreVegas · August 17, 2014

Have someone sit in the drivers seat and measure again, I hear about this all the time and usually unnoticeable unless measured. It is so the truck sits level with a driver and modest amount of fuel.

2strokesmoke · August 17, 2014

Not true, if the vehicle is higher on one side, it is most likely the arch of the leaf springs or torque down of the leaf being different values. Both leaf springs are same height. In fact placing them on a steel table will tell alot about the height differences. In consistent quality of steel being used can effect strength and rigidity of leaf also.

To test run a string from leaf springs center body mount holes and measure down to the top of the leaf spring pack, test both sides and compare height, if one of the leaf pack springs are not the same height and bolt torque is equal ,strength could be compromised in 1 leaf or over compromised in the other leaf too.

If height not true, then thickness is measured for consistency on each leaf finding the one out of spec.

Early model leaf springs fit either side, and I am certain they don't build the truck frame an inch higher on one side!

Remember GM's quality control is lacking in these parts case proven.

Just my opinion folks.

juanlpadilla · August 18, 2014

Im having trouble visualizing how to measure correctly. Can you upload a picture / diagram of how to measure from the center holes to the pack of the leaf spring? Thanks a million!

2strokesmoke · August 18, 2014

Measure the distance of c on each side and they should measure the same.

hope this helps you.

http://www.westraliasprings.com.au/media/spec-drawing2.gif

stevev · August 18, 2014

make sure you are on flat ground! A garage floor is usually sloped a little towards the floor drain. I checked mine and both rear sides were even, although I first checked at my dad's place and the driveway pad was sloping slightly and the driver's side was about 1/2-inch higher.

usafwern05 · November 21, 2014

I did measure several times (with and w/o parking brakes, changed the position into the garage, etc) to make sure. Driver side is about 1" higher than the passenger side. Just in rear. Besides the measure tape... you case the different in the gap between the end of the spring.

Same tire pressure and 3/4 of gas.

I'm also have the vibration problem, no idea if this is related or not...

thanks

do you have an update to your issue? I am having the same issue with the driver's side sitting 1/4 inch low, front and rear.

BR-TEXAS · November 25, 2014

do you have an update to your issue? I am having the same issue with the driver's side sitting 1/4 inch low, front and rear.

Just drove for 2 more months and than asked to the dealer to check (along with recalls, etc). they did all the measures and the truck was leveled. Brought it back home and yes, its leveled now. Between these posts and the visit to the dealer I did not take new measures.

Conclusion? In fact I don't know if the truck just have "set" after more miles and it's something that will come back.

Regarding your concern, I found a service boletim for the old models (we can find online, I don't remember the link) and GM advices to the dealers that up to 1" they should tell that it is "normal". Based on that I don't believe that they will do something for you 1/4".

Spurshot · December 1, 2014

Just drove for 2 more months and than asked to the dealer to check (along with re. lls, etc). they did all the measures and the truck was leveled. Brought it back home and yes, its leveled now. Between these posts and the visit to the dealer I did not take new measures.

Conclusion? In fact I don't know if the truck just have "set" after more miles and it's something that will come back.

Regarding your concern, I found a service boletim for the old models (we can find online, I don't remember the link) and GM advices to the dealers that up to 1" they should tell that it is "normal". Based on that I don't believe that they will do something for you 1/4".

I agree. GM or a dealer won't likely do anything for a 1/4" difference. Remember, we're talking about 5000 lbs balancing on 4 springs here. Take a tape measure and go around a parking lot and measure cars. I bet there are damn few perfect ones, even the expensive stuff.

Spurshot · December 1, 2014

Not true, if the vehicle is higher on one side, it is most likely the arch of the leaf springs or torque down of the leaf being different values. Both leaf springs are same height. In fact placing them on a steel table will tell alot about the height differences. In consistent quality of steel being used can effect strength and rigidity of leaf also.

To test run a string from leaf springs center body mount holes and measure down to the top of the leaf spring pack, test both sides and compare height, if one of the leaf pack springs are not the same height and bolt torque is equal ,strength could be compromised in 1 leaf or over compromised in the other leaf too.

If height not true, then thickness is measured for consistency on each leaf finding the one out of spec.

Early model leaf springs fit either side, and I am certain they don't build the truck frame an inch higher on one side!

Remember GM's quality control is lacking in these parts case proven.

Just my opinion folks.

I agree, leaf spring arch is a possibility. That could arise from incorrect original arch in one or more leaves within the pack or a material condition (hardness) issue. Hardness issues can be from material composition issues, but its more likely something else would cause a substandard hardness such as heat treat deviation. As for "rigidity", more specifically called modulus of elasticity, it effectively doesn't change in low alloy steels with changes in constituents nor hardness. It doesn't matter if it's annealed low carbon steel at 50,000 psi tensile strength or a high carbon steel hardened to 300,000 psi tensile strength. Both have the same modulus or resistance to deflection. ..until yield strength is reached.