Beginner question on rear suspension

[Spiderinmlnj]

So i'm busy sorting out my new acquisition and have a beginer question.
The clearance on driver side tire is 1 to 2 inches less than on right side.
Is this normal?

The gas tank is full so based on its placement i would expect the weight might be part or all of the cause but wondering if anything else to look at?


Thanks
Geoff

[124JOE]

bounce each corner to see if your shocks are ok or sticking

[Sunracer]

It should be a little higher, the plastic spring cups at the bottom of the spring that sit on the rear end are different sizes, with the passenger side being higher than the driver's side. this is because under accelleration the force of the engine twists down on the passenger side. But it shouldn't be a couple inches. I agree about a possibly seized shock. PB

[azygoustoyou]

It should be a little higher, the plastic spring cups at the bottom of the spring that sit on the rear end are different sizes, with the passenger side being higher than the driver's side. this is because under accelleration the force of the engine twists down on the passenger side. But it shouldn't be a couple inches. I agree about a possibly seized shock. PB

Is that the reason one is gray and the other blue? I never noticed any thickness difference.

[manoa matt]

Its more likely a spring seat is missing or the spring is not indexed to the spring seat.

[Sunracer]

It should be a little higher, the plastic spring cups at the bottom of the spring that sit on the rear end are different sizes, with the passenger side being higher than the driver's side. this is because under accelleration the force of the engine twists down on the passenger side. But it shouldn't be a couple inches. I agree about a possibly seized shock. PB

Is that the reason one is gray and the other blue? I never noticed any thickness difference.

yes, they come in a variety of colors which all have different thicknesses. Always tall on Rt, short on Lt. If you measure you will see. PB : )

[Spiderinmlnj]

Shocks seem same on both sides in terms of travel.
Difference is 1 inch.

Sounds like i need to lift it up and check suspension more closely.

Thanks for suggestions

Geoff

[v6spider]

The drivers side sees more weight so naturally it would wear first... I would pull the springs(marking which is passenger side and which is driver side..) an compare spring heights. They should be exactly the same. If not you may need replacement springs.

Cheers!
Rob

[leftfield6]

How are you measuring? If by clearance you refer to the distance between the tire and the fender lip, that's not a super reliable measurement. You want a measurement that is not influenced by any irregularities in the tires themselves.

A more accurate measurement is to measure from the center cap of the wheel to the fender lip. That removes the tire from the equation altogether. Be sure to measure from the exact same point on both sides. For example, on my 83, which I know has a tweak in the rear quarter on the passenger side, I get these measurements:

Driver's side, dead center of the center cap to the wheel well lip: 14 1/2 inches
Passenger side, dead center of the center cap to the wheel well lip: 15 inches

Measurements taken using a 36 inch straight edge with a level for a perfectly vertical measurement.

[Daniel]

your dealing with an older car anything can go bad even springs can go bad and sag it might be a faulty spring .

[v6spider]

Most likely a bad spring and/or shock. I would disconnect the shocks first then check ride height.. For a quick check that is... still pulling them would be best.

Rob

[Spiderinmlnj]

So measuring from center of wheel I get 14.5" on driver's side and 15 on the passenger side.
Based on this my first task is to replace the tires which are showing signs of dry rot in any case.
Now to find good 185/70 R13 to replace what is there now.

Thanks for all advice to date
Geoff