Suspension height differs by 1/2" side-to-side
 

Hello folks,

On my 47 Plymouth, the passenger side sits about 1/2" higher than the driver's side. I know it seems like an insignificant amount, but it is noticeable and is driving me crazy.

The front suspension is a complete clip from a 1972 Nova, and the rear end is from the same Nova. The rear leaf springs are stock 47 Plymouth.

There is an anti-sway bar installed on the rear suspension. Typical installation, with the end links mounted to the frame, and the center of the sway bar mounted to the top of the rear axle via u-clamps and rubber bushings.

Could the (anti) sway bar be causing the difference in the side-to-side height differential? If not, could worn front coil springs be the problem?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers, Ken

Does the rear suspension have lowering blocks? The reason I ask is that it is not uncommon to have a ride height difference as you are describing. What works well is to modify the lowering blocks to adjust out the difference. Either shorten a tall one (preferred) or make a taller one for the low side.

It could be either the front or rear springs causing the problem. As to the sway bar, it can also pre-load a suspension. Just disconnect it on one side and go for a drive and re-measure to find out.

Andy

Andy,

Great idea on the lowering blocks - never thought of that. :thumbup:

I'll check the sway bar tomorrow.

Thanks again.

It could definitely be a weak spring. I've got a 69 Corvette I've owned since 71, and the left front spring on it was weak and sagging noticably by the mid-70's when the car only had maybe 70K miles on it.

Waaay back I had to replace the front coils on my '75 Nova because one had the end of a coil broken off. Always replace as a set. BTW there are different rate springs available. IE 6 cyl or V-8