Cruiser lean... One new leaf spring or add a leaf? (1 Viewer)

[seyser]

Question about my leaning 79 FJ40... I have all original leafs with CCOT shackles. It sits about an inch lower on the DS. Im looking at a couple options and would like some input.

1. Could I buy one new non lift leaf spring for the rear DS...How long would it stay level before it started to lean again? Days, weeks, years?

2. Could I do some sort of add a leaf to the DS? would that help any?

I eventually might buy a ome 2" lift but for now I like the height im at and would just like to rid the lean somewhat if possible.

-Jeremy

 

[cruiserjunkie]

Thousands of opinions on this did you try a search? You might research a leveler block as an option

 

[Fast Eddy]

It's not the springs, it's the flexy frame. If you correct it with springs it will eventually lean the other way if you wheel it.

You could try to correct it by parking it twisted in the opposite direction.

 

[seyser]

Thousands of opinions on this did you try a search? You might research a leveler block as an option

Yes I have read through some of the previous threads. I did not know it was the frame flexing, just assumed it was the leafs. I wouldnt mind a leveler block except Im running 33x10.5 tires so Id rather not lower the passenger side.

 

[Fast Eddy]

Yes I have read through some of the previous threads. I did not know it was the frame flexing, just assumed it was the leafs. I wouldnt mind a leveler block except Im running 33x10.5 tires so Id rather not lower the passenger side.

I have a leveler block in my stocker with 33x9.5s. It only compensates about 1/4-3/8". Mine was almost level when I put it in, but now it's back to leaning. I'm going to leave the low corner sitting up on a floor jack for a month over the winter and see if it helps.

 

[Downey]

Left Rear Lean Dilemma

Here's the problem; if you put a fresh spring ( or add-a-leaf ) on the left rear corner, then every time you hit a bump the softer right rear corner spring will compress more, splaying the right rear spring shackle further rearward, then the whole rig jerks from side to side---weak choice. Same thing happens to the guys who put a longer spring shackle on the left rear corner, it then splays further rearward than the right rear spring shackle, essentially twisting the axle housing from it's normal alignment

 

[SteveH]

I had pretty severe lean on an FJ and added an add-a-leaf to the low side, after removing the two lower-most leafs, per the usual approach. The truck sat level, looked great and rode fine. Prior to this, I tried swapping the springs left-to-right and with other springs. There was no easy solution to my lean.

So, my fix was not super elegant, but it worked well.

 

[jami599pat]

There's normally a left and right spring check you have them on the right sides (I put them on the wrong side once)

 

[cruiserjunkie]

Jami swapping side to side will not solve cruiser lean but will take up a whole saturday

 

[Fast Eddy]

There's normally a left and right spring check you have them on the right sides (I put them on the wrong side once)

Not true. The two sides are exactly the same.

 

[jim land]

swapping side to side will tell you if its the springs or the frame that cause the lean
and if it is the frame , look for a body shop with a FAME MASTER i did that at the time off my frame off , but its possible with the body on , it cost about 100$ maybe more , the frame is solidly clamp from under in 4 place in the center section ,it mesure diagonaly and the hight of the 4 corner and push or pull to make it true.
after that if its still lean you can lose or gain some weight for final ajustement

 

[Gusb]

Don't know if it relates, but I had substantial driver's side lean when I bought my 1978 40. The new OME suspension I bought recently came with some +- springs. I put the + on the driver's side and I no longer have lean (not that I can eyeball measure anyway) with the new suspension. I do have a driver's side rear shackle that's closer to 90 degrees than the passenger side shackle, so maybe as the springs break in some lean will come back.

 

[reddingcruiser]

It's just the way it is with the FJ40. Learn to love it, and find something else to tinker on that you CAN fix.