How To: Correct Chevy Lean

terryl · 08-23-2008, 12:28 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by azpoolman

***Newbie Alert***

So from all the reading that I have done in the thread... I just want to clarify something.

I have a '99 S10 and when the fuel tank is full there is a noticable lean towards the driver side. Adjusting the sway arm will correct this problem?

When measuring... Do I not worry about measuring the lean in the back... and just measure the lean between the two front wheels?

Also... lets say that its an 1" difference... would it make better sense to take a 1/2" down on the left and add 1/2" of washers to the right? Or just to take the full 1" out of the right?

I would not mess with the swaybar at all. You would be putting uneven load on it if you do. Just put the proper spacer on top of the coil. It will raise the back some to. Also since the fuel tank is on the left side, when it's full, it will always be lower on that side than it is when it is empty. When you take measurements always have the same amount of fuel in it. I like to just have it full when I measure anything for accurate comparison.

JJ83 · 08-25-2008, 01:46 AM

I'm trying to fix this problem on my S-10 rigtht now also. I agree with Terryl. If i cut the sway link i'll create more pressure on one side. My question is what causes the lean in the first place? Has anybody taken out the sway to see if its straight or do they bend? If so, wouldn't the obviously solution be to replace the sway bar with a aftermarket they shouldn't bend? If its not the sway bar (like i've heard from the dealer) then it would have to be a design flaw from GM. Making a coil spring spacer the next solution.

greencactus3 · 08-26-2008, 06:26 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by JJ83

I'm trying to fix this problem on my S-10 rigtht now also. I agree with Terryl. If i cut the sway link i'll create more pressure on one side. My question is what causes the lean in the first place? Has anybody taken out the sway to see if its straight or do they bend? If so, wouldn't the obviously solution be to replace the sway bar with a aftermarket they shouldn't bend? If its not the sway bar (like i've heard from the dealer) then it would have to be a design flaw from GM. Making a coil spring spacer the next solution.

i still dont understand you.... swaybars work in torsion... so yes, the have to bend..... what are you saying?

BudRacing · 08-26-2008, 06:36 PM

To answer his question, the coil spacer is the most appropriate and easy fix.

JJ83 · 08-29-2008, 12:10 PM

Ya i got a 5/8 coil spring isolator on order. A factory installer told me that by the time it gets to the wheel the lift doubles. I don't really understand how that works but here's what were thinking.

5/8"....it'll crush to 1/2"....then by the time it makes it out to the wheel it'll double to 1" which is exactly what we need.

*Has anybody heard of the lift doubling by the time it gets to the wheel, or do i have to get 2 and put them on top of each other some how. Right now my driver's side is 3/4" lower than the passengers.

whosbad · 08-29-2008, 01:55 PM

the doubling is due to the spring pocket being about half way out to the balljoints from the pivot point, so if the spring is raised 1/2" the axle stub would be raised 1" (2 to 1).

BTW I'll stick with modifying my springs and let the swaybar do it's thing, limiting roll.

Cauzin_Statik · 08-29-2008, 03:37 PM

I think I will just stick with the Energy Suspesion Coil Spacer that is like $15

JJ83 · 08-29-2008, 08:25 PM

Thats the same one i got cauzin....but i paid $22 for mine!

Cauzin_Statik · 08-29-2008, 08:38 PM

Yeah, I got a discount because my xGF worked at Jegs at the time. Same with the ES End Links. Too bad I am not still with her because Cragar is gonna upsize the Soft 8's to 18s-20s.

JJ83 · 09-01-2008, 07:49 PM

How did it work for you Cauzin? Is your truck perfectly level now or is it still off? How much did it lift it?

nimrod8560 · 09-01-2008, 08:26 PM

Can Chevy lean be alleviated by having a fuel cell installed in the middle of the frame rails?

terryl · 09-01-2008, 08:38 PM

Guess it would help some. Are you gonna sit in the middle to?

nimrod8560 · 09-01-2008, 08:44 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by terryl

Guess it would help some. Are you gonna sit in the middle too?

lol, not when I'm outside lookin' at it.

Cauzin_Statik · 09-03-2008, 12:15 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by JJ83

How did it work for you Cauzin? Is your truck perfectly level now or is it still off? How much did it lift it?

At half a tank of gas its even. Full about a 1/4" off. So its perfect.

JJ83 · 09-03-2008, 01:38 PM

Hmm.....I think thats as close as were gonna get without leaning the other way, lol. Thanks.

One more thing. How much was it leaning before you put the spacer in? Please say 1", lol.

Cauzin_Statik · 09-03-2008, 05:28 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by JJ83

Hmm.....I think thats as close as were gonna get without leaning the other way, lol. Thanks.

One more thing. How much was it leaning before you put the spacer in? Please say 1", lol.

About an 1" to an 1 1/2"

morbid8573 · 09-03-2008, 06:03 PM

I've heard a spacer is the way to go more times than I have this even tho this is a bit quicker.. Do spacers come in sizes or universal? And what kind should I get? AAP has like aluminem adjustables, rubber, and some other kind.

JJ83 · 09-03-2008, 10:06 PM

They come in sizes for a specific applications made with different stuff. Ones that i would consider for my truck are either Belltech's or Energy Suspension. Energy i believe makes a few sizes and Belltech i think only makes .75". Keep in mind that whatever size you get the lift will double. Keep that in mind when ordering.

terryl · 09-04-2008, 12:08 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by JJ83

They come in sizes for a specific applications made with different stuff. Ones that i would consider for my truck are either Belltech's or Energy Suspension. Energy i believe makes a few sizes and Belltech i think only makes .75". Keep in mind that whatever size you get the lift will double. Keep that in mind when ordering.

Belltech's is actually 1/2". They call it 3/4" because it has a 1/4" lip that fits down into the coil. (.5 + .25 = .75)

tohoopty · 09-04-2008, 12:13 AM

how to correct chevy lean.dont buy a chevy.

terryl · 09-04-2008, 12:29 AM

That won't correct it. Only prevent it.

JJ83 · 09-04-2008, 01:46 AM

Well I ordered the 5/8" one from energy suspension. If i'm right it should lift that side 1" after it crushes. It should hardly crush at all maybe 1/8."

morbid8573 · 09-04-2008, 02:34 AM

Wait so why figure double?? Feel dumb asking that cause it's probly something simple but better I know than find out the hard way..

JJ83 · 09-04-2008, 03:37 AM

See post #156. You'll get your answer there.

morbid8573 · 09-04-2008, 09:17 AM

Ahh I got it. Thanks.

JJ83 · 09-05-2008, 12:04 AM

What a pain in the ass today was. I got everything that i needed but i got stumped putting the coil spring back in. How did you guys do it? Did you have to use spring condensors? Their definately not as easy to get in as they were without the spacer. I doubt that just 5/8" more is causing this much of a problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Cauzin_Statik · 09-05-2008, 02:12 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by JJ83

What a pain in the ass today was. I got everything that i needed but i got stumped putting the coil spring back in. How did you guys do it? Did you have to use spring condensors? Their definately not as easy to get in as they were without the spacer. I doubt that just 5/8" more is causing this much of a problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Usually you just have to ge the coil in there so you can assemble everything. The isolater will settle after a few miles.

JJ83 · 09-05-2008, 09:18 PM

well it was a real prick, but after hours of effort I finally got it in there. Sits alot better now. Thanks for the help and comments tho.

JJ83 · 09-08-2008, 03:19 AM

Ok so i put in my 5/8" energy suspension spacer and i'm still leaning about 1/2"! Should i put another spacer in there? Is that safe? What you guys think?

BudRacing · 09-08-2008, 05:31 PM

I wouldn't stack spacers. Is that with a full tank of gas?

JJ83 · 09-09-2008, 10:33 PM

No half tank of gas. Any ideas? Help! I wanna get rid of this damn lean!

JJ83 · 09-10-2008, 02:57 AM

Keep in mind that my alignment is slightly off. the driver's side does have a lil bit more negative camber than the right but not enough to cause all this.

BudRacing · 09-10-2008, 01:56 PM

You never know. A proper alignment might make it better. Camber is one of those funny things that affects all kinds of angles.

JJ83 · 09-11-2008, 11:09 PM

If the alignment doesn't work i'm thinking i need to put both spacers in there. I was thinking i could ziptie both of the spacers to the spring. Not with one but like 12. As ghetto as that is it might actually work. I mean zipties are such a bitch to get off, and added weight will only push straight up on the upper control arm. What do you guys think? I know its ghetto but its now my personal quest to get rid of this damn lean!

08-23-2008, 12:28 AM	#151
terryl I'll do it tomorrow maybe Age: 51 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 3,091 Location: Kingston Springs, TN. User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Quote: Originally Posted by azpoolman *Newbie Alert* So from all the reading that I have done in the thread... I just want to clarify something. I have a '99 S10 and when the fuel tank is full there is a noticable lean towards the driver side. Adjusting the sway arm will correct this problem? When measuring... Do I not worry about measuring the lean in the back... and just measure the lean between the two front wheels? Also... lets say that its an 1" difference... would it make better sense to take a 1/2" down on the left and add 1/2" of washers to the right? Or just to take the full 1" out of the right? I would not mess with the swaybar at all. You would be putting uneven load on it if you do. Just put the proper spacer on top of the coil. It will raise the back some to. Also since the fuel tank is on the left side, when it's full, it will always be lower on that side than it is when it is empty. When you take measurements always have the same amount of fuel in it. I like to just have it full when I measure anything for accurate comparison.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-25-2008, 01:46 AM	#152
JJ83 Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 49 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean I'm trying to fix this problem on my S-10 rigtht now also. I agree with Terryl. If i cut the sway link i'll create more pressure on one side. My question is what causes the lean in the first place? Has anybody taken out the sway to see if its straight or do they bend? If so, wouldn't the obviously solution be to replace the sway bar with a aftermarket they shouldn't bend? If its not the sway bar (like i've heard from the dealer) then it would have to be a design flaw from GM. Making a coil spring spacer the next solution.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-26-2008, 06:26 PM	#153
greencactus3 bellcranks no more Age: 21 Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 23,014 Location: ann arbor, mi User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Quote: Originally Posted by JJ83 I'm trying to fix this problem on my S-10 rigtht now also. I agree with Terryl. If i cut the sway link i'll create more pressure on one side. My question is what causes the lean in the first place? Has anybody taken out the sway to see if its straight or do they bend? If so, wouldn't the obviously solution be to replace the sway bar with a aftermarket they shouldn't bend? If its not the sway bar (like i've heard from the dealer) then it would have to be a design flaw from GM. Making a coil spring spacer the next solution. i still dont understand you.... swaybars work in torsion... so yes, the have to bend..... what are you saying?
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-26-2008, 06:36 PM	#154
BudRacing Molon Labe Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 4,318 Location: Statesboro, Ga User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean To answer his question, the coil spacer is the most appropriate and easy fix.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-29-2008, 12:10 PM	#155
JJ83 Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 49 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Ya i got a 5/8 coil spring isolator on order. A factory installer told me that by the time it gets to the wheel the lift doubles. I don't really understand how that works but here's what were thinking. 5/8"....it'll crush to 1/2"....then by the time it makes it out to the wheel it'll double to 1" which is exactly what we need. *Has anybody heard of the lift doubling by the time it gets to the wheel, or do i have to get 2 and put them on top of each other some how. Right now my driver's side is 3/4" lower than the passengers.
	[Reply w/Quote]


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08-29-2008, 01:55 PM	#156
whosbad my lower toy Age: 40 Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 510 Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean the doubling is due to the spring pocket being about half way out to the balljoints from the pivot point, so if the spring is raised 1/2" the axle stub would be raised 1" (2 to 1). BTW I'll stick with modifying my springs and let the swaybar do it's thing, limiting roll. Last edited by whosbad : 08-29-2008 at 01:57 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-29-2008, 03:37 PM	#157
Cauzin_Statik Doin it My Way Age: 20 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 202 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean I think I will just stick with the Energy Suspesion Coil Spacer that is like $15
	[Reply w/Quote]

08-29-2008, 08:25 PM	#158
JJ83 Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 49 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Thats the same one i got cauzin....but i paid $22 for mine!
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08-29-2008, 08:38 PM	#159
Cauzin_Statik Doin it My Way Age: 20 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 202 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Yeah, I got a discount because my xGF worked at Jegs at the time. Same with the ES End Links. Too bad I am not still with her because Cragar is gonna upsize the Soft 8's to 18s-20s.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-01-2008, 07:49 PM	#160
JJ83 Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 49 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean How did it work for you Cauzin? Is your truck perfectly level now or is it still off? How much did it lift it?
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-01-2008, 08:26 PM	#161
nimrod8560 needs to be lower... Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 154 Location: The Hoosier State User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Can Chevy lean be alleviated by having a fuel cell installed in the middle of the frame rails?
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-01-2008, 08:38 PM	#162
terryl I'll do it tomorrow maybe Age: 51 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 3,091 Location: Kingston Springs, TN. User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Guess it would help some. Are you gonna sit in the middle to?
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-01-2008, 08:44 PM	#163
nimrod8560 needs to be lower... Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 154 Location: The Hoosier State User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Quote: Originally Posted by terryl Guess it would help some. Are you gonna sit in the middle too? lol, not when I'm outside lookin' at it.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-03-2008, 12:15 AM	#164
Cauzin_Statik Doin it My Way Age: 20 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 202 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Quote: Originally Posted by JJ83 How did it work for you Cauzin? Is your truck perfectly level now or is it still off? How much did it lift it? At half a tank of gas its even. Full about a 1/4" off. So its perfect.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-03-2008, 01:38 PM	#165
JJ83 Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 49 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Hmm.....I think thats as close as were gonna get without leaning the other way, lol. Thanks. One more thing. How much was it leaning before you put the spacer in? Please say 1", lol. Last edited by JJ83 : 09-03-2008 at 01:40 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-03-2008, 05:28 PM	#166
Cauzin_Statik Doin it My Way Age: 20 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 202 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Quote: Originally Posted by JJ83 Hmm.....I think thats as close as were gonna get without leaning the other way, lol. Thanks. One more thing. How much was it leaning before you put the spacer in? Please say 1", lol. About an 1" to an 1 1/2"
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-03-2008, 06:03 PM	#167
morbid8573 Registered User Age: 18 Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 82 Location: Clay City, Ky User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean I've heard a spacer is the way to go more times than I have this even tho this is a bit quicker.. Do spacers come in sizes or universal? And what kind should I get? AAP has like aluminem adjustables, rubber, and some other kind.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-03-2008, 10:06 PM	#168
JJ83 Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 49 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean They come in sizes for a specific applications made with different stuff. Ones that i would consider for my truck are either Belltech's or Energy Suspension. Energy i believe makes a few sizes and Belltech i think only makes .75". Keep in mind that whatever size you get the lift will double. Keep that in mind when ordering.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-04-2008, 12:08 AM	#169
terryl I'll do it tomorrow maybe Age: 51 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 3,091 Location: Kingston Springs, TN. User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Quote: Originally Posted by JJ83 They come in sizes for a specific applications made with different stuff. Ones that i would consider for my truck are either Belltech's or Energy Suspension. Energy i believe makes a few sizes and Belltech i think only makes .75". Keep in mind that whatever size you get the lift will double. Keep that in mind when ordering. Belltech's is actually 1/2". They call it 3/4" because it has a 1/4" lip that fits down into the coil. (.5 + .25 = .75)
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-04-2008, 12:13 AM	#170
tohoopty Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,058 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean how to correct chevy lean.dont buy a chevy.
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09-04-2008, 12:29 AM	#171
terryl I'll do it tomorrow maybe Age: 51 Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 3,091 Location: Kingston Springs, TN. User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean That won't correct it. Only prevent it.
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09-04-2008, 01:46 AM	#172
JJ83 Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 49 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Well I ordered the 5/8" one from energy suspension. If i'm right it should lift that side 1" after it crushes. It should hardly crush at all maybe 1/8."
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-04-2008, 02:34 AM	#173
morbid8573 Registered User Age: 18 Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 82 Location: Clay City, Ky User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Wait so why figure double?? Feel dumb asking that cause it's probly something simple but better I know than find out the hard way..
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-04-2008, 03:37 AM	#174
JJ83 Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 49 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean See post #156. You'll get your answer there.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-04-2008, 09:17 AM	#175
morbid8573 Registered User Age: 18 Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 82 Location: Clay City, Ky User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Ahh I got it. Thanks.
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09-05-2008, 12:04 AM	#176
JJ83 Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 49 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean What a pain in the ass today was. I got everything that i needed but i got stumped putting the coil spring back in. How did you guys do it? Did you have to use spring condensors? Their definately not as easy to get in as they were without the spacer. I doubt that just 5/8" more is causing this much of a problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-05-2008, 02:12 PM	#177
Cauzin_Statik Doin it My Way Age: 20 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 202 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Quote: Originally Posted by JJ83 What a pain in the ass today was. I got everything that i needed but i got stumped putting the coil spring back in. How did you guys do it? Did you have to use spring condensors? Their definately not as easy to get in as they were without the spacer. I doubt that just 5/8" more is causing this much of a problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Usually you just have to ge the coil in there so you can assemble everything. The isolater will settle after a few miles.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-05-2008, 09:18 PM	#178
JJ83 Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 49 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean well it was a real prick, but after hours of effort I finally got it in there. Sits alot better now. Thanks for the help and comments tho.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-08-2008, 03:19 AM	#179
JJ83 Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 49 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Ok so i put in my 5/8" energy suspension spacer and i'm still leaning about 1/2"! Should i put another spacer in there? Is that safe? What you guys think?
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-08-2008, 05:31 PM	#180
BudRacing Molon Labe Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 4,318 Location: Statesboro, Ga User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean I wouldn't stack spacers. Is that with a full tank of gas?
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-09-2008, 10:33 PM	#181
JJ83 Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 49 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean No half tank of gas. Any ideas? Help! I wanna get rid of this damn lean!
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-10-2008, 02:57 AM	#182
JJ83 Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 49 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean Keep in mind that my alignment is slightly off. the driver's side does have a lil bit more negative camber than the right but not enough to cause all this.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-10-2008, 01:56 PM	#183
BudRacing Molon Labe Age: 22 Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 4,318 Location: Statesboro, Ga User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean You never know. A proper alignment might make it better. Camber is one of those funny things that affects all kinds of angles.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-11-2008, 11:09 PM	#184
JJ83 Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 49 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: How To: Correct Chevy Lean If the alignment doesn't work i'm thinking i need to put both spacers in there. I was thinking i could ziptie both of the spacers to the spring. Not with one but like 12. As ghetto as that is it might actually work. I mean zipties are such a bitch to get off, and added weight will only push straight up on the upper control arm. What do you guys think? I know its ghetto but its now my personal quest to get rid of this damn lean!
	[Reply w/Quote]