Uneven rear stance - bad springs?

[6fire]

Hello,

My 87 GN is leaning in the rear with one side of the rear bumper up 1 1/2" higher than the other (passenger side is high). The rear suspension is all new with progressive wound springs and KYB shocks. Is it possible that I have a bad shock, or do I need to get a set of GM springs to try out?

Any else heard of this problem? I just purchased the car, and don't know how it sat before the new suspension.

Thanks,
6fire

 

[Dan Thompson]

Mine did the same thing so I swapped springs. No difference.

I think I will get it the tire pressure in the back to be the same and put the front on jack stands and see what happens.

Shocks should not make any difference. You could always disconnect them from the axle just check out the lean.

 

[tazgn]

Is the bumber level with the body? I just found out I could adjust the front bumper at least about 1.5-2" from the mounts. I assume your rear is level, but I thought I'ld just throw the idea out that the rear bumper may be adjusted wrong on one side giving the illusion the car is sagging.

Derrick

 

[JToups386]

I hate to even ask, but you did check to see that there is not an airbag in the coil spring on one side, causing it to be more elevated on that side? I know I can set mine up at a strange stance, due to only having one airbag. I'm sure this is a mute suggestion, but.......?

 

[Roger]

Are the measurments at the wheel wells the same? You could have bad or missing rubber body mounts.
Has the car ever been bent?

 

[zam70]

Check the bumper for even alginment ("eyeball" it to the tail lights)

If you recently changed suspension bushings (front or rear), loosen them up and retighten with the suspension loaded.

Check the body bushings. (missing or rusted through)


I had the same problem and the above is what I did to solve it. (I had all the problems listed) My biggest problem was the right rear body mounts. The body had rusted through right around the circumfrence of the bushing allowing the bushing to go up into the body (only one...it was wierd). Had to weld in a new chunk of metal.

 

[6fire]

Good suggestions. I did check for an airbag and the body has no rust or frame damage. It does have new suspension and body bushings, I'll try the loosening and re-tightening.

One of the local club members mentioned that some drag springs will purposely raise the passenger side rear of the car. Both sides sit high (looks jacked up) and the springs are definitely not stock (they are progressively wound). Would this make a 1 1/2" difference from side to side?

 

[CCG789]

G-Bodies

It’s something about the G-Bodies. They all seem like the don’t sit right. I had a 86 Monte Carlo SS and from the back it just didn’t look right, my GN looks the same way as the SS, it just doesn’t look right.

 

[BUICKTR]

a pair of air bags will help.

 

[Red Regal T]

Originally posted by BUICKTR
a pair of air bags will help.

If all else fails, use the air bags to even out the stance.

 

[REDS HOT AIR]

rear swaybar can do it it car wont level when it was tightened up ....especially if it an after market one.

loosen the bolts on it and see what happens.

you can always jack the right rear and tighten swaybar up to give a lil preload to the right rear..