Is Lean A Big Deal?

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T

TheBigB

Joined
Sep 1, 2020
Threads
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I read a lot on this forum about lean- mostly under 2 inches it seems. Ok dumb question- is this really a big deal? I currently have an SUV that leans just a little because I'm a big guy always sitting in the same seat, but it never bothered me. Should I be worried? How do you even accurately measure lean?
 
TheBigB said:
I read a lot on this forum about lean- mostly under 2 inches it seems. Ok dumb question- is this really a big deal? I currently have an SUV that leans just a little because I'm a big guy always sitting in the same seat, but it never bothered me. Should I be worried? How do you even accurately measure lean?
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2” is a SIGNIFICANT amount of lean. Less than 1/4” is negligible.

The lean is not induced from weight (large drivers and gas tank aside). It’s due from the binding of suspension components (KDSS) not allowed to return to their neutral position. Not good.
 
From all I have learned on this and other forums is that most 4x4s and large trucks develop a lean over time wether they are KDSS equipped or not. KDSS does adds another wrinkle to the equation. There are a lot of reasons why a lean could occur. Worn or damaged parts, or simply Suspension components settlIng over time. Trim packers are the simple solution.

I am at 1.25” lean which is visually frustrating but there are no issues with its drivability. Just annoying to see one side of the rear “sagging” after installing a new lift. The amount of one’s OCD seems to dictate how aggressive we pursue resolving the lean.

me personally, Anything over 1” would get my hackles up and I’d start looking for answers.

I believe most folks measure vertically from the hub or center of each wheel to the bottom of the fender.

If you provide your vehicle specifics we can dig deeper into the Issue.
 
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I don’t have my Land Cruiser yet, expecting it in a couple months. I don’t want to hijack this forum talking about my current non-LC vehicles so I’ll just keep watching the threads and learning.
 
TheBigB said:
I don’t have my Land Cruiser yet, expecting it in a couple months. I don’t want to hijack this forum talking about my current non-LC vehicles so I’ll just keep watching the threads and learning.
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All good, congrats on the future LC. New or used? This place is great and a wealth of knowledge. If the search function is not giving you the results try using the Google search engine It seems to filter threads and key words better.
 
Make sure your truck is on a VERY level surface when you measure. even slightly off surfaces like driveways and most street taper can really make it measure funny.

If you park on an uneven surface, driveway or tapered street, try flipping your truck the other direction for a week and measure again.

PS... Just saw that you are not referring to an LC! :)

My message above is meant for LCs with KDSS...
 
I am at solid 3/4" difference. Doesn't seem to affect drivability but it is annoying.
 
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