My Jeep is listing to the right!

Clinft · 11-20-2008, 01:56 PM

Been a little while since I got my lift on (3" teraflex) and tires (35" BFG KM2) and I have noticed that since my last wheeling trip my Jeep leans to the passenger side. This is most prominent when viewed ffrom the back. I measured and, on level ground, the fender gap is about half an inch less on the rear passenger than the rear driver side wheel.

For the life of me I can't see anything out of place when I look under either the rear or front of the Jeep. Any ideas what might cause this or where to look for problems?

Seems to drive normally, just looks like something isn't right?

Thanks all!

wbower · 11-20-2008, 02:06 PM

Ive heard it's because of carrying a full tank of gas. Never really understood how this leaning sort of just suddenly becomes a problem for people though.

I believe the correct procedure for dealing with the problem is to ignore it.

Clinft · 11-20-2008, 02:09 PM

Yeah? I thought about that but couldn't believe that it would be that prominent (sp?).

I don't recall ever noticing it before but perhaps my springs are breaking in and so it shows up more?

08BlueSahara · 11-20-2008, 02:20 PM

Hi, There are some threads on this issue in our forum, but my search is not currently working to find them. Do a search on "Jeep Lean" and you'll find the threads.

Clinft · 11-20-2008, 02:27 PM

I try that. Thanks! :-)

Xtremjeepn · 11-20-2008, 03:01 PM

This is actually a common issue with cars in general for a few reasons.

The way an engine revs is always to the right, so the torqu of the motor is always pushing down on the right side of the Jeep. Open your hood and rev the motor and you will see what I mean.

The second reason is that the primary drive wheel when the differential is open/lsd is going to be the right rear. So everytime you accelerate all of the weight of the vehicle leans more right rear than any other corner. This is usually the tire that shows the most wear too.

Obviously a full tank of gas over there could contribute when you are not in the vehicle to off set it.

The "Flenders" on the JK are not totally fixed in place. They move around and can vary from side to side. Try your measurements from a fixed point instead and see if it comes out the same. (like the metal edge of the rocker).

Jeep and truck owners have had this issue since the dawn of time. when if gets real bad people often swap the springs right to left to try and extend their life.

DeepSky · 11-20-2008, 03:15 PM

Ever since my lift I've had a very noticeable lean to the passenger side, although, like bower I can't figure out why it would just happen all of the sudden.

In any case, the lean was so annoying on my rig that I put a 1/2" coil spacer in the front passenger side to level it out (it leveled out the back a bit as well). It may be 100% coincidence, but I used to have lots of trouble with the ESP going off on on/off ramps and since I put that puck on there it hasn't gone off once, and it sits level.

Clinft · 11-20-2008, 04:47 PM

I get the same difference (1/2 inch) when measured from the rear bumper. Bumper is level to the body of the jeep. In fact, it suprised me that it was only 1/2 inch as it seems very "leaned" when I look at it from the back.

I was just worried that it could be a problem with the lift, which is only 2000 miles old. The consensus I seem to be getting is that it is relatively normal, if somewhat annoying. Is this accurate?

Xtremjeepn · 11-20-2008, 04:57 PM

Pretty normal.

Might want to just double check to make sure all your springs are seated correctly. Sometimes they move during the install/initial drive and the tech/you miss it.

DeepSky · 11-21-2008, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clinft

I get the same difference (1/2 inch) when measured from the rear bumper. Bumper is level to the body of the jeep. In fact, it suprised me that it was only 1/2 inch as it seems very "leaned" when I look at it from the back.

The consensus I seem to be getting is that it is relatively normal, if somewhat annoying. Is this accurate?

Yup. Mine used to be 1/2-3/4" lower on the passenger side. A lot of JK's new and old have this 'issue'.

Clinft · 11-21-2008, 02:56 PM

Thanks all for the replies. I feel better knowing that my still relatively new Jeep and lift are not necessarily having issues. I also find that the driver's front lifts under acceleration from a stop, even more if turning hard left. As far as I can tell this doesn't happen to the passenger front when turning right, but it is harder to tell from the driver seat :-)

The reason I was initially worried was that I heard some weird sounds from the front left wheel area (clanks) that I was not able to accurately source the last time I was out wheeling. Again, I cant see anything wrong when I look.

I will rest easier though knowing that I am not crazy and that other experiance the "lean" as well!

Xtremjeepn · 11-21-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clinft

... I also find that the driver's front lifts under acceleration from a stop, even more if turning hard left. As far as I can tell this doesn't happen to the passenger front when turning right.......

Look under the front of your Jeep at the track bar and you will see why it does this. The trackbar runs from teh drivers frame rail to the passenger axle side. Which allows the Jeep to lean that way and not so much the other.

Combine that with the engines natrual rev to the right and it amplifies the effect.

OregonVette · 11-21-2008, 05:03 PM

"Hey, get out of the Jeep. You're making it lean to the side!"

Clinft · 11-21-2008, 05:39 PM

Ha!

I'd say that last pic qualifies as a problem!

premo · 11-22-2008, 02:16 PM

welcome to JK ownership....... gain some weight to balance off the saggy rear passenger spring...