I have a rear spring so weak that my ride height adjuster on that side needs to be raised about 3" to get it even with the other side of the car. Do you guys think this could cause my rearend to be pushed off center (its off by about 1/2" - drivers side, where the weak spring is)?
oh, ok, well I know for sure there is no rust or tearing. They are rock solid in that way. So does anyone think the spring could cause the offset in the rearend?
I didn't want to say this until I got some answers on the spring (because the rear-end was offset before and after the inncident) but I had someone try to jack my wheels a couple weeks ago and lost the left rear at 75 on the freeway (and no, I could tell I was missing lug nuts - not until about 3 seconds before the big bang). After that I noticed the offset more, but I think it was just because I was looking closer then (I had to inspect before calling the insurance company).
Anyway, I tried measuring the offset, but I'm having a hard time finding good reference points to find the cars center; especially in a way that will allow me to accurately transfer that to the rear-end and measure the offset. Also, that doesn't really help me find the problem. Maybe control arms bent? If so, how do I figure that out (they look fine visually)?... spring or control arms?!?
It is impossible to measure anything accurately if you have known worn parts like a weak spring. Control arms, axles, shocks and the like don't move in a verticle plane. As the back of the car goes up and down the axle changes position relative to the rest of the car.
Ok, thanks. I was planning on getting MM arms anyway (removing quads to make way for my 10.5's ) so I guess I'll change my springs and arms and see what happens from there.