68 GT uneven rear

[jv68gt]

hi guys - i'm new here, looks like a nice forum.

i've got a 68 gt j-code 3 speed convertible, about 90% original. (bought it 3 years ago)

the drivers side rear end sits about 2" lower than the passenger side rear.

i've had the frame checked out, it's perfect. i've put in new leaf springs, but the problem persists.

i put in some monro air shocks and i put 35lbs in the drivers side, and 25lbs in the passenger side, to try to level it out, but it's still not right.

any advice?

thanks.

-jim

 

[dodgestang]

Does it still sit crocked when you are in it

I had a similar problem with my car, the PO replaced the passenger side frame rail. He put it in well enough and it measures out correctly but the rail has a slight angle to it so the leaf spring would sit at a slight angle making the passenger rear a little lower.

I had a couple choices.

1. Tear is out and replace which would have been costly and lengthy
2. Live with it.
2a. Thanks to the help of a friend who does body work we loosened the bumper up and 'adjusted' the bumper to be slightly crocked....the crocked car with the crocked bumper actual cancel each other out and it appeared level (unless you were looking closely for it).

The actual long term fix I did was put a 3 link suspension in the rear that allows me to dial in ride height at the rear on either side so it really sits level now.....but my bumper is crocked

 

[jv68gt]

hey, nick - thanks for your reply.

someone once suggested that the issue might not be in the rear, but might actually have to do with the front springs. (ie, if the passenger front spring is standing taller than the other, it would push down the drivers side rear). the front looks level to me, though.

i'd like to try to keep the car as original as possible - was wondering about possibly getting an extra leaf added to the drivers side leaf springs to make that side raise up a little. (but there's no controlling it like you do with your dial-in rear).

what 3-link suspension did you get?

thanks,
jim

 

[109jb]

To check if the problem is in the front or the rear:

1. park the car on level ground, like in the garage.
2. Jack the front of the car up using a single floor jack under the front frame crossmember that is under the oil pan. Make sure the floor jack is right under the center of the crossmember.
3. Check out the back end to see if it sits level. If it isn't level now the problem is in the rear. If it does sit level, then the problem is in the front. this is provided the body isn't twisted.

One other thing is how you put the rear springs in. You should install the bolts in the rear leaf springs and shackles loose and then let the weight of the car down and then tighten the spring bolts.

 

[2+2GT]

The front springs are much stronger than the rears, since they support the engine. A small problem in the front can be spotted in the rear, so check the front carefully.

 

[dodgestang]

I am running an EVM 3 link/watts setup. The closed up shop though so it is a rare item

 

[zookeeper]

I agree that the problem could be in the front. My '65 fastback sat a lot higher on one side as well, so I replaced the rear springs and ended up with the same lop-sided ride height. Then I found the whole front end needed to be rebuilt, which was causing the problem in the first place.