diagonal - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

primetime · 03-27-2010, 10:11 PM

hey i got some trouble with my truck that i hope can be fixed with your advice. i'm going down the road at a weird angle. other than a bent frame, what can make this diagonal driving happen?

bitchin85 · 03-27-2010, 10:24 PM

bad alignment probly.. was it ever in a wreck that you know of?

**N2TRUX** · 03-27-2010, 10:36 PM

Check your rear springs. If the alignment pin is sheared the axle could be running crooked.

**old Rusty C10** · 03-27-2010, 10:36 PM

first off are all the tires the same kind and type and SIZE??? check your springs and hangars then allignment

LONGHAIR · 03-28-2010, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Check your rear springs. If the alignment pin is sheared the axle could be running crooked.

I have seen this several times, cars and trucks.

primetime · 03-28-2010, 09:34 AM

the guy i bought it from never informed me if it was in a wreck. so i don't believe the frame is damaged. he did tell me he tried or someone tried to lower the back end. i assumed that meant he did something with the rear springs. but they are leaf springs not coils. so i'm not sure how they went about this drop.nothing looks out of place to me.

bitchin85 · 03-28-2010, 09:40 AM

n2truck could be right. if lowered the back by removing some leafs, thes the pin in the middle of the springs could be broken, cut, or even missing. i would measure from the edge of the tire to the front edge of the wheel well on both sides and make sure they match, also coult the leafs on both sides and make sure there is the same ammount on both sides. iknow it sounds dumb but ive seen people do worse.. trust me. if thats all ok, then i would say alignment. or mis-matched tires or really uneven tire pressure

James McClure · 03-28-2010, 10:02 AM

Primetime, this condition is called "dogtracking", and is caused by the rear axel not being square with the frame. There are only a few causes for this out of square condition. Depending upon how far it's out it isn't easy to spot. Number 1 is the frame itself and this can be checked by finding 2 locations on the front of the frame and 2 out back. Using a plumb from each, mark the floor and move the truck off the area and measure from LF to RR and from RF to LR. Measurements should be the same within 1\4". Ideally they would be identical. Next would be rear springs. To check this (assuming frame is square) find a spot on each frame rail that is in the same position. Measure from there to the center of the axel at the inner "U" bolt. They should be the same. If not, look for "rust trace", an orange powdery rust, it's a good indicator where something is shifting that shouldn't be. Look for broken springs and like N2TRUX said, spring center bolt and assorted mounts. It doesn't take alot to cause this. 1\4" at the rear axel can be a foot by the time you get up front, so look carefully. Jim

primetime · 03-28-2010, 11:56 AM

yup,i see it. i looked underneath and my leaf springs seem misaligned. i see the powered rust areas. and also where it appears i'm missing one or two leafs per side. i don't know how many suppose to be stacked on one another.
is this something that can be fixed quickly or doe it have to be done by professionals?

James McClure · 03-28-2010, 04:23 PM

OK, glad I got you on the right road, now, check the other stuff as time permits. Your going to have to replace the springs if they have broken leaves. Generally, ok, half ton trucks have 4 leaves and 3\4 tons have 5. You could put 20 in if ya wanted. Seriously, think about what you carry, then select the spring. I haven't a clue as to cost, so call spring shops. Get new bolts, and "U" bolts for sure. I recomend using a sawsall to cut old bolts. Just torch the old "U" bolts. Cut on the INSIDE of the shackle or hanger and spring will fall out. Just be real careful not to cut into shackle or hanger. You don't want to try to unbolt them and try to get the bolt out of the sleeve in the bushing, WAYto much work. Good luck, Jim

87chevy.com · 03-28-2010, 04:55 PM

depending on which springs broke just remove them. as far as torching thoe old bolts off... thats up to you. I've always soaked the bolts with some penetraing lube and let it soak... zapped it with a impact.. you could go to 4 wheelparts and grab a new centering pin... and just cut it to size. all in all its something that doesnt have to go into a shop unless you just cant crawl under your truck for some reason.
clint

primetime · 03-31-2010, 01:24 PM

hey can someone post a pic of their leaf springs. i have 2 thin leaf springs on top of 1 thick one per side. i want to see how far off i am from correctness. also, the end of my springs have crazy angles to them where they mount to the bolt. almost looks like a 's'. i'll post a pic later when i get home.

Keith Seymore · 03-31-2010, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by primetime

hey can someone post a pic of their leaf springs. i have 2 thin leaf springs on top of 1 thick one per side. i want to see how far off i am from correctness. also, the end of my springs have crazy angles to them where they mount to the bolt. almost looks like a 's'. i'll post a pic later when i get home.

r'uh r'oh - sounds like someone may have heated and re-arched the ends to lower the truck, and didn't get them the same side to side.

K

bitchin85 · 03-31-2010, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

r'uh r'oh - sounds like someone may have heated and re-arched the ends to lower the truck, and didn't get them the same side to side.

K

exactally what i thought. its a cheap, not so safe way to lower one of these.. heating and bending the springs weakens them..

primetime · 03-31-2010, 08:57 PM

i got a few pics of the leaf springs with my phone camera.

bitchin85 · 03-31-2010, 08:59 PM

yeah those were heated and bent.. and someone removed some leafs.. it works, but its not the best/safest way to lower a truck..

primetime · 03-31-2010, 09:06 PM

so there's no fixing this other than buying new factory leaf springs?

bitchin85 · 03-31-2010, 09:08 PM

pretty much.. if i were you, id get new springs. 5 leafs i believe, and do a flip kit. it will ride better, and youll have about the same ammount of drop

primetime · 03-31-2010, 09:11 PM

this is how its sitting right now. the only problem is the dog tracking

primetime · 03-31-2010, 09:13 PM

what is a flip kit? what does it look like?

bitchin85 · 03-31-2010, 09:36 PM

it moves the rear axle to the top of the leaf springs. i blieve it just comes with a couple brackets, and longer u-bolts

primetime · 04-01-2010, 10:12 AM

i found another post where someone said they are going to install a flip kit on his truck. so i'll be following his progress to see the before and after pics. guess i'm looking to buy a new set of springs and flip kit before i can drive my truck again.

Adams74Chevy · 04-01-2010, 10:14 AM

I'd call around to the local junkyards to see if they've got anything.

primetime · 04-01-2010, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adams74Chevy

I'd call around to the local junkyards to see if they've got anything.

i wish i had realized last week what was going on with my leaf springs. now i'm back in WV and the closest pull-a-parts is 2hours away in Canton,Ohio. so for convience sakes i'll just buy some new ones from somewhere. do napa,carquest,autozone sell those?

03-27-2010, 10:11 PM	#1
primetime Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 410	diagonal hey i got some trouble with my truck that i hope can be fixed with your advice. i'm going down the road at a weird angle. other than a bent frame, what can make this diagonal driving happen? __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 swb fleetside 2005 Chevy Silverado crew cab (SS) 1977 Goldwing cafe racer 1977 Chevy nova (first car/ first love)

03-27-2010, 10:24 PM	#2
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: diagonal bad alignment probly.. was it ever in a wreck that you know of? __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"

03-27-2010, 10:36 PM	#3
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: diagonal Check your rear springs. If the alignment pin is sheared the axle could be running crooked. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

03-27-2010, 10:36 PM	#4
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: diagonal first off are all the tires the same kind and type and SIZE??? check your springs and hangars then allignment __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

03-28-2010, 09:34 AM	#6
primetime Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 410	Re: diagonal the guy i bought it from never informed me if it was in a wreck. so i don't believe the frame is damaged. he did tell me he tried or someone tried to lower the back end. i assumed that meant he did something with the rear springs. but they are leaf springs not coils. so i'm not sure how they went about this drop.nothing looks out of place to me. __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 swb fleetside 2005 Chevy Silverado crew cab (SS) 1977 Goldwing cafe racer 1977 Chevy nova (first car/ first love)

03-28-2010, 09:40 AM	#7
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: diagonal n2truck could be right. if lowered the back by removing some leafs, thes the pin in the middle of the springs could be broken, cut, or even missing. i would measure from the edge of the tire to the front edge of the wheel well on both sides and make sure they match, also coult the leafs on both sides and make sure there is the same ammount on both sides. iknow it sounds dumb but ive seen people do worse.. trust me. if thats all ok, then i would say alignment. or mis-matched tires or really uneven tire pressure __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"

03-28-2010, 10:02 AM	#8
James McClure One shot, one kill. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Saratoga Springs NY Posts: 859	Re: diagonal Primetime, this condition is called "dogtracking", and is caused by the rear axel not being square with the frame. There are only a few causes for this out of square condition. Depending upon how far it's out it isn't easy to spot. Number 1 is the frame itself and this can be checked by finding 2 locations on the front of the frame and 2 out back. Using a plumb from each, mark the floor and move the truck off the area and measure from LF to RR and from RF to LR. Measurements should be the same within 1\4". Ideally they would be identical. Next would be rear springs. To check this (assuming frame is square) find a spot on each frame rail that is in the same position. Measure from there to the center of the axel at the inner "U" bolt. They should be the same. If not, look for "rust trace", an orange powdery rust, it's a good indicator where something is shifting that shouldn't be. Look for broken springs and like N2TRUX said, spring center bolt and assorted mounts. It doesn't take alot to cause this. 1\4" at the rear axel can be a foot by the time you get up front, so look carefully. Jim __________________ 1984 K20 350M engine with 465,000 miles. Well, it's finally done!! Almost 2 years of work, but it was really worth the effort. Little stuff left to do is mount winch, wet sand & buff out and build belly pan\running boards. Body work takes lots and LOTS of beer!!!! God, Guts and Guns made America and God, Guts and Guns will preserve it! The worst thing you could do is get into my sights, but that don't matter, you'll never know it, cause you'll never hear the shotJim or Paladin whichever you choose.

03-28-2010, 11:56 AM	#9
primetime Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 410	Re: diagonal yup,i see it. i looked underneath and my leaf springs seem misaligned. i see the powered rust areas. and also where it appears i'm missing one or two leafs per side. i don't know how many suppose to be stacked on one another. is this something that can be fixed quickly or doe it have to be done by professionals? __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 swb fleetside 2005 Chevy Silverado crew cab (SS) 1977 Goldwing cafe racer 1977 Chevy nova (first car/ first love)

03-28-2010, 04:23 PM	#10
James McClure One shot, one kill. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Saratoga Springs NY Posts: 859	Re: diagonal OK, glad I got you on the right road, now, check the other stuff as time permits. Your going to have to replace the springs if they have broken leaves. Generally, ok, half ton trucks have 4 leaves and 3\4 tons have 5. You could put 20 in if ya wanted. Seriously, think about what you carry, then select the spring. I haven't a clue as to cost, so call spring shops. Get new bolts, and "U" bolts for sure. I recomend using a sawsall to cut old bolts. Just torch the old "U" bolts. Cut on the INSIDE of the shackle or hanger and spring will fall out. Just be real careful not to cut into shackle or hanger. You don't want to try to unbolt them and try to get the bolt out of the sleeve in the bushing, WAYto much work. Good luck, Jim __________________ 1984 K20 350M engine with 465,000 miles. Well, it's finally done!! Almost 2 years of work, but it was really worth the effort. Little stuff left to do is mount winch, wet sand & buff out and build belly pan\running boards. Body work takes lots and LOTS of beer!!!! God, Guts and Guns made America and God, Guts and Guns will preserve it! The worst thing you could do is get into my sights, but that don't matter, you'll never know it, cause you'll never hear the shotJim or Paladin whichever you choose.

03-28-2010, 04:55 PM	#11
87chevy.com BMW & ASE Master Certified Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 1,266	Re: diagonal depending on which springs broke just remove them. as far as torching thoe old bolts off... thats up to you. I've always soaked the bolts with some penetraing lube and let it soak... zapped it with a impact.. you could go to 4 wheelparts and grab a new centering pin... and just cut it to size. all in all its something that doesnt have to go into a shop unless you just cant crawl under your truck for some reason. clint __________________ 1987 Silverado - L83 5.3 w/ 6L80e ,A/C,P/W,P/L,TILT, HID projectors, Wilwood C-10 Pro Spindles w/ 2018 silverado front brakes & C-5 Corvette Rear Disc Brakes 1999 BMW 528i - 5.7 LS1 w/ 4l60e, Ford 8.8 IRS w31 spline posi & FX-r projector retrofit New project: 2006 BMW x5 6cyl AWD to L83 6l80e 4wd to 2WD / RWD A poor man buy's it twice finally got my domain name back, 87chevy.com.... site rework in progress

03-31-2010, 01:24 PM	#12
primetime Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 410	Re: diagonal hey can someone post a pic of their leaf springs. i have 2 thin leaf springs on top of 1 thick one per side. i want to see how far off i am from correctness. also, the end of my springs have crazy angles to them where they mount to the bolt. almost looks like a 's'. i'll post a pic later when i get home. __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 swb fleetside 2005 Chevy Silverado crew cab (SS) 1977 Goldwing cafe racer 1977 Chevy nova (first car/ first love)

03-31-2010, 08:57 PM	#15
primetime Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 410	Re: diagonal i got a few pics of the leaf springs with my phone camera. Attached Images __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 swb fleetside 2005 Chevy Silverado crew cab (SS) 1977 Goldwing cafe racer 1977 Chevy nova (first car/ first love)

03-31-2010, 08:59 PM	#16
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: diagonal yeah those were heated and bent.. and someone removed some leafs.. it works, but its not the best/safest way to lower a truck.. __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"

03-31-2010, 09:06 PM	#17
primetime Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 410	Re: diagonal so there's no fixing this other than buying new factory leaf springs? __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 swb fleetside 2005 Chevy Silverado crew cab (SS) 1977 Goldwing cafe racer 1977 Chevy nova (first car/ first love)

03-31-2010, 09:08 PM	#18
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: diagonal pretty much.. if i were you, id get new springs. 5 leafs i believe, and do a flip kit. it will ride better, and youll have about the same ammount of drop __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"



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03-31-2010, 09:11 PM	#19
primetime Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 410	Re: diagonal this is how its sitting right now. the only problem is the dog tracking Attached Images __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 swb fleetside 2005 Chevy Silverado crew cab (SS) 1977 Goldwing cafe racer 1977 Chevy nova (first car/ first love)

03-31-2010, 09:13 PM	#20
primetime Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 410	Re: diagonal what is a flip kit? what does it look like? __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 swb fleetside 2005 Chevy Silverado crew cab (SS) 1977 Goldwing cafe racer 1977 Chevy nova (first car/ first love)

03-31-2010, 09:36 PM	#21
bitchin85 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Lambertville MI Posts: 962	Re: diagonal it moves the rear axle to the top of the leaf springs. i blieve it just comes with a couple brackets, and longer u-bolts __________________ "I'll keep my guns, money, and freedom. You can keep the "change"

04-01-2010, 10:12 AM	#22
primetime Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 410	Re: diagonal i found another post where someone said they are going to install a flip kit on his truck. so i'll be following his progress to see the before and after pics. guess i'm looking to buy a new set of springs and flip kit before i can drive my truck again. __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 swb fleetside 2005 Chevy Silverado crew cab (SS) 1977 Goldwing cafe racer 1977 Chevy nova (first car/ first love)

04-01-2010, 10:14 AM	#23
Adams74Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: MD Posts: 417	Re: diagonal I'd call around to the local junkyards to see if they've got anything. __________________ 2006 Silverado Crew Cab 1500 4x4 5.3L automatic 1986 M1008 CUCV 6.2L Detroit Diesel TH400 4.56 Detroit Locker rear NP208 1973 K20 "Silverado" 350ci, HEI, TH350, NP203 with 2wd conversion, A/C, power windows,tilt wheel, dual tanks. My '73ish K20 thread My 5yo son claims it as his. 1987 V20 Custom Deluxe 350 TH400 NP208 "farm truck" getting parted out. 2016 Nissan Altima grocery getter/commuter

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