How To: Correct Chevy Lean

PRES 10 · 05-04-2006, 03:11 PM

Ok, so you did a drop with coils and the front passenger isn't as low as the drivers, this is called chevy lean.

There are a couple ways to fix this, I will be showing you the way that I did and it works really well.

First you need to measure how much lower the passenger side needs to be to match the drivers side.

This is my drivers side and it is at about 7 1/8" from the lip of the rim to the fender.

This is my passengers side its at about 8 1/2" (sorry about the fuzzyness)

So 8 1/2" - 7 1/8" is 1 3/8"

PRES 10 · 05-04-2006, 03:13 PM

This is the sway bar end link, this is a replacement part from advanced auto parts and I believe differs from the stock piece. You will want to get a new one because the old one will be very rusted and probably break when you remove it.

PRES 10 · 05-04-2006, 03:14 PM

Remove the end link with a 9/16" socket and a wrench (after you remove the wheel obviously)

PRES 10 · 05-04-2006, 03:15 PM

This is the end link loosely assembled, the gold colored piece is what we will be cutting to fix the lean issue.

PRES 10 · 05-04-2006, 03:18 PM

Measure the and cut off the difference of the drivers and passengers side (1 3/8 in my case).

This is the link after i cut the tube and loosely reassembled it, you can see the bolt is way too long know.

PRES 10 · 05-04-2006, 03:20 PM

You will need to get a shorter bolt, a 6"x3/8" hex head is what you will probably need depending on how much of the tube you cut out. I was an idiot and got a 5 1/2" and it made things more difficult in the reassembly.

Here are the two bolts, the bottom is the stocker and the top the replacement.

PRES 10 · 05-04-2006, 03:22 PM

Then just reassemble in the reverse order as disassembly, I used a rachet srap to pull the sway bar down.

PRES 10 · 05-04-2006, 03:23 PM

Tighten the nut down firmly

PRES 10 · 05-04-2006, 03:24 PM

This is the passengers side after I cut the end link, its at about 7 7/8"

PRES 10 · 05-04-2006, 03:25 PM

This is the drivers at about 7 3/4"

PRES 10 · 05-04-2006, 03:26 PM

This corrected my lean issue for less than $8 and 35min. It did raise the drivers side by about 3/4" but it was worth it to knix the lean IMO.

slammed_S-10 · 05-04-2006, 04:07 PM

Great, im going to the hardware store to get what i need, i had droped mine 3/3 with belltech and nitro shocks last year and was pissed because my ride looked f#$@k up going down the road but ill try it hope it works.Thanks man.

PRES 10 · 05-04-2006, 04:14 PM

No prob man, im tryin to get this thing moved to a how to thread, but no luck yet.

S10Cruzin4ever · 05-04-2006, 04:15 PM

God i hate fractions lol, looks nice, i guess i will have to compromize my driverside ride height damit, lol ill probably just buy a new one to hack at so that way i can just get all of the parts in one stop, by the way how does it ride?

mrshaft696 · 05-04-2006, 04:20 PM

different, im trying to think if thats gonna mess up or put extra stress on certain components

1989s15 · 05-04-2006, 04:21 PM

im prob going to do this it seems better tahn the spacers and it is cheaper lol

S10Cruzin4ever · 05-04-2006, 04:40 PM

hmmm just out of curiosity couldent you do this to both of them to get a lower ride height also?

PSYKO_Inc · 05-04-2006, 04:46 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by S10Cruzin4ever

hmmm just out of curiosity couldent you do this to both of them to get a lower ride height also?

No, the swaybar doesnt support any weight on the truck. It just acts as a torsional spring to prevent body roll. In other words, only a side to side differential in ride height will put any load on the swaybar.

thomnjohn · 05-04-2006, 04:48 PM

Good idea, but I too wonder about the stress. How long have you had this done? I wonder if one side rolls more than the other in turns. Maybe not. It'll be interesting to see some long term use.

PSYKO_Inc · 05-04-2006, 04:55 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by thomnjohn

I wonder if one side rolls more than the other in turns.

That's the one thing I was wondering about as well. I guess since the driver's side has more weight to it (which causes the lean to begin with) the additional preload on the swaybar would make up for it...

PRES 10 · 05-04-2006, 06:04 PM

I just did this to my truck after i got out of class today at about 1 o'clock, after i finished i took it out to the twistys and gave it hell, i didn't notice any difference in ride quality or anything wierd in cornering.

slammed_S-10 · 05-05-2006, 12:53 AM

I guess it will work for now i did it and it worked.But like ya all said is it really puttin stress on my sway bar or not!

slammed_S-10 · 05-05-2006, 12:56 AM

When i droped it i dint"t even put my sway bar back on but now that i have it.It works vry well.....................Thanks brother.

smitty1715 · 05-08-2006, 01:34 AM

is this good to do???

redmike954 · 05-08-2006, 01:47 AM

i was wondering how do they make it lean in the first place. someone said it has more weight?? and why do they make it lean?

FTC · 05-08-2006, 03:59 AM

just to be perfectly clear, you cut teh passenger side endlink right, thats what it looks like in the pics

SpYnOnU · 05-08-2006, 05:24 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by FTC

just to be perfectly clear, you cut teh passenger side endlink right, thats what it looks like in the pics

Yes that is correct...

Cosmonut · 05-09-2006, 12:25 AM

I've been told by tech's that they come like that so its easier for the driver to enter the truck.

johnster0228 · 05-13-2006, 04:49 PM

how the hell can I fix the rear "lean"?? That is really what bugs me the most. Any suggestions??

PRES 10 · 05-13-2006, 05:31 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by johnster0228

how the hell can I fix the rear "lean"?? That is really what bugs me the most. Any suggestions??

if the front is leaning the rear will also be leaning, so if you correct the front the rear will level out as well. hope that is what u ment

gregoneck · 05-13-2006, 08:02 PM

i did this yesterday, and hell yeah it works! hella less work than a coil spacer and only cost me $10.

johnster0228 · 05-13-2006, 10:08 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by PRES 10

if the front is leaning the rear will also be leaning, so if you correct the front the rear will level out as well. hope that is what u ment

Uh huh....interesting. Thanks a bunch man!!! I will have to work on this mod in the next couple of weeks, much props to you !!

PRES 10 · 05-13-2006, 10:32 PM

I like helping people

im still tryin to get a mod to turn this into a how to but no luck yet, *sigh*

gregoneck · 05-13-2006, 10:39 PM

pretty much looks like a how- to to me

PRES 10 · 05-13-2006, 10:41 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by gregoneck

pretty much looks like a how- to to me

yea, but they havent moved it to the "how to" section of the forum yet, im workin with avtekk right know to git r done

gregoneck · 05-13-2006, 10:41 PM

i will say that i have a slight concern as to the stress on the right side parts, ie end link, sway bar and control arm.

PRES 10 · 05-13-2006, 10:44 PM

my trucks been like this for 2 weeks now and its been fine, and i beat the hell outa my truck(live on a gravel road)

gregoneck · 05-13-2006, 10:46 PM

well you'll find out for sure how well it holds up. keep us up to date on how it holds up for ya'.

PRES 10 · 05-26-2006, 08:55 PM

I put this to the ultimate test today and i jumped my truck, no problems at all. Thanks Dragginbody for putin this in the sticky.

Tom S · 05-26-2006, 09:43 PM

You actually don't need to get a shorter bolt. You can just put the piece you cut under (between the bushing and a washer) the lower control arm.

PRES 10 · 05-26-2006, 10:04 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tom S

You actually don't need to get a shorter bolt. You can just put the piece you cut under (between the bushing and a washer) the lower control arm.

Good idea, i never thought of that, lol.

gregoneck · 05-27-2006, 10:01 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tom S

You actually don't need to get a shorter bolt. You can just put the piece you cut under (between the bushing and a washer) the lower control arm.

tom s>grego. hella idea

Kovz · 06-22-2006, 10:13 AM

well it's been another month. how is it holding up? still riding good and no problems? i am highly considering to do this very shortly. let me know. thanks!

gregoneck · 06-22-2006, 02:46 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by kovz34

well it's been another month. how is it holding up? still riding good and no problems? i am highly considering to do this very shortly. let me know. thanks!

i have not had a problem at all with this. i'm very pleased.

PRES 10 · 06-25-2006, 12:46 AM

Yup, no problems

Kovz · 06-25-2006, 12:27 PM

just did mine the other day. evened it out just perfect! thanks guys

SpYnOnU · 06-27-2006, 02:13 PM

well did mine today, 20 min, and it was basically free... its great thanks a lot to the guy who discovered this

**hamagc** · 06-27-2006, 05:36 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tom S

You actually don't need to get a shorter bolt. You can just put the piece you cut under (between the bushing and a washer) the lower control arm.

would it work if you just put a couple of spacers on the drivers side end link? if it doesn't adjust the ride height, just the side to side, then i could see it saving you the work of cutting anything out...

just a thoguht. maybe i'll give it a try.

sokr2004 · 06-28-2006, 03:58 PM

^^^^wouldnt hurt to try...it should work

***DJDAudio*** · 06-28-2006, 04:02 PM

I like it. nice thought.

05-04-2006, 03:11 PM	#1
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	How To: Correct Chevy Lean Ok, so you did a drop with coils and the front passenger isn't as low as the drivers, this is called chevy lean. There are a couple ways to fix this, I will be showing you the way that I did and it works really well. First you need to measure how much lower the passenger side needs to be to match the drivers side. This is my drivers side and it is at about 7 1/8" from the lip of the rim to the fender. This is my passengers side its at about 8 1/2" (sorry about the fuzzyness) So 8 1/2" - 7 1/8" is 1 3/8"
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 03:13 PM	#2
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean This is the sway bar end link, this is a replacement part from advanced auto parts and I believe differs from the stock piece. You will want to get a new one because the old one will be very rusted and probably break when you remove it.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 03:14 PM	#3
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Remove the end link with a 9/16" socket and a wrench (after you remove the wheel obviously)
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 03:15 PM	#4
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean This is the end link loosely assembled, the gold colored piece is what we will be cutting to fix the lean issue.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 03:18 PM	#5
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Measure the and cut off the difference of the drivers and passengers side (1 3/8 in my case). This is the link after i cut the tube and loosely reassembled it, you can see the bolt is way too long know.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 03:20 PM	#6
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean You will need to get a shorter bolt, a 6"x3/8" hex head is what you will probably need depending on how much of the tube you cut out. I was an idiot and got a 5 1/2" and it made things more difficult in the reassembly. Here are the two bolts, the bottom is the stocker and the top the replacement.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 03:22 PM	#7
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Then just reassemble in the reverse order as disassembly, I used a rachet srap to pull the sway bar down.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 03:23 PM	#8
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Tighten the nut down firmly
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 03:24 PM	#9
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean This is the passengers side after I cut the end link, its at about 7 7/8"
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 03:25 PM	#10
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean This is the drivers at about 7 3/4"
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 03:26 PM	#11
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean This corrected my lean issue for less than $8 and 35min. It did raise the drivers side by about 3/4" but it was worth it to knix the lean IMO.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 04:07 PM	#12
slammed_S-10 Registered User Age: 40 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 241 Location: maryland User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Great, im going to the hardware store to get what i need, i had droped mine 3/3 with belltech and nitro shocks last year and was pissed because my ride looked f#$@k up going down the road but ill try it hope it works.Thanks man.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 04:14 PM	#13
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean No prob man, im tryin to get this thing moved to a how to thread, but no luck yet.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 04:15 PM	#14
S10Cruzin4ever Lowered Intentions Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 24 Location: Kansas User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean God i hate fractions lol, looks nice, i guess i will have to compromize my driverside ride height damit, lol ill probably just buy a new one to hack at so that way i can just get all of the parts in one stop, by the way how does it ride?
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 04:20 PM	#15
mrshaft696 Primer Spots Age: 30 Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 3,706 Location: Philadelphia, Pa User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean different, im trying to think if thats gonna mess up or put extra stress on certain components
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 04:21 PM	#16
1989s15 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 430 Location: Bucks county , PA User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean im prob going to do this it seems better tahn the spacers and it is cheaper lol
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 04:40 PM	#17
S10Cruzin4ever Lowered Intentions Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 24 Location: Kansas User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean hmmm just out of curiosity couldent you do this to both of them to get a lower ride height also?
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 04:46 PM	#18
PSYKO_Inc Ass-Ten Layin' Y-Pipe Age: 28 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 6,272 Location: Fairfield, CA User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Quote: Originally Posted by S10Cruzin4ever hmmm just out of curiosity couldent you do this to both of them to get a lower ride height also? No, the swaybar doesnt support any weight on the truck. It just acts as a torsional spring to prevent body roll. In other words, only a side to side differential in ride height will put any load on the swaybar.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 04:48 PM	#19
thomnjohn Garnet-n-Gold Age: 28 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 1,691 Location: GA User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Good idea, but I too wonder about the stress. How long have you had this done? I wonder if one side rolls more than the other in turns. Maybe not. It'll be interesting to see some long term use.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 04:55 PM	#20
PSYKO_Inc Ass-Ten Layin' Y-Pipe Age: 28 Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 6,272 Location: Fairfield, CA User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Quote: Originally Posted by thomnjohn I wonder if one side rolls more than the other in turns. That's the one thing I was wondering about as well. I guess since the driver's side has more weight to it (which causes the lean to begin with) the additional preload on the swaybar would make up for it...
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-04-2006, 06:04 PM	#21
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean I just did this to my truck after i got out of class today at about 1 o'clock, after i finished i took it out to the twistys and gave it hell, i didn't notice any difference in ride quality or anything wierd in cornering.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-05-2006, 12:53 AM	#22
slammed_S-10 Registered User Age: 40 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 241 Location: maryland User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean I guess it will work for now i did it and it worked.But like ya all said is it really puttin stress on my sway bar or not!
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-05-2006, 12:56 AM	#23
slammed_S-10 Registered User Age: 40 Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 241 Location: maryland User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean When i droped it i dint"t even put my sway bar back on but now that i have it.It works vry well.....................Thanks brother.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-08-2006, 01:34 AM	#24
smitty1715 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 63 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean is this good to do???
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-08-2006, 01:47 AM	#25
redmike954 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 54 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean i was wondering how do they make it lean in the first place. someone said it has more weight?? and why do they make it lean?
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-08-2006, 03:59 AM	#26
FTC Registered User Age: 27 Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 271 Location: Honolulu, Hawaii User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean just to be perfectly clear, you cut teh passenger side endlink right, thats what it looks like in the pics
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-08-2006, 05:24 AM	#27
SpYnOnU AVTekk is my HERO Age: 23 Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,225 Location: illinois User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Quote: Originally Posted by FTC just to be perfectly clear, you cut teh passenger side endlink right, thats what it looks like in the pics Yes that is correct...
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-09-2006, 12:25 AM	#28
Cosmonut Registered User Age: 23 Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 42 Location: Minnesota User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean I've been told by tech's that they come like that so its easier for the driver to enter the truck.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-13-2006, 04:49 PM	#29
johnster0228 EL COO COOI Age: 29 Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 939 Location: orange county User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean how the hell can I fix the rear "lean"?? That is really what bugs me the most. Any suggestions??
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-13-2006, 05:31 PM	#30
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Quote: Originally Posted by johnster0228 how the hell can I fix the rear "lean"?? That is really what bugs me the most. Any suggestions?? if the front is leaning the rear will also be leaning, so if you correct the front the rear will level out as well. hope that is what u ment
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-13-2006, 08:02 PM	#31
gregoneck child at heart Age: 36 Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,540 Location: DFW User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean i did this yesterday, and hell yeah it works! hella less work than a coil spacer and only cost me $10.
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-13-2006, 10:08 PM	#32
johnster0228 EL COO COOI Age: 29 Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 939 Location: orange county User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Quote: Originally Posted by PRES 10 if the front is leaning the rear will also be leaning, so if you correct the front the rear will level out as well. hope that is what u ment Uh huh....interesting. Thanks a bunch man!!! I will have to work on this mod in the next couple of weeks, much props to you !!
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-13-2006, 10:32 PM	#33
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean I like helping people im still tryin to get a mod to turn this into a how to but no luck yet, sigh
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-13-2006, 10:39 PM	#34
gregoneck child at heart Age: 36 Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,540 Location: DFW User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean pretty much looks like a how- to to me
	[Reply w/Quote]

05-13-2006, 10:41 PM	#35
PRES 10 Go Kart Draggin Member Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Lapeer, MI User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Quote: Originally Posted by gregoneck pretty much looks like a how- to to me yea, but they havent moved it to the "how to" section of the forum yet, im workin with avtekk right know to git r done
	[Reply w/Quote]