The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks 1960 C10 Truck is not level

Hey Guys...

I have a 1960 Chevy C10 with the front torsion bar suspension. I have always been able to adjust the front suspension to get the front of the truck level. The rear is not level.

I replaced the rear springs thinking this would correct the issue. Nope... still uneven. All of the shocks have been replaced and yes, the tires are all inflated correctly.

It leans towards the driver side as if a heavyset person is driving it. I can use the front suspension to level the back, but then the front is way off.

Any ideas?

Sounds like you may have something bent.
I would start by measuring at different points.
With the truck on level ground, start measuring at different points from the frame to the ground, working your way back to the rear bumper. Compare these to the other side.
That’s what I do when I have a ride height issue.
Hope this helps,

Chris

I had the same problem with my 1960 GMC. The frame measured square but first the front sagged and then the rear. In the front I added a spring rubber to square everything up. Much later when the rear spring went soggy I just added a 1" disc of solid aluminum between the spring and the trailing arm. Now it sits perfectly level in spite of having an old fat guy driving it.

The rear seemed to have a mind of its own on mine for a while. Low one time and fine the next I checked everythiing and found nothing. It finally stayed right for the last 2 years... Go figure. I believe it was a airbag malfunction in the front, not rear.

Thanks for the information.

Just a few more notes: This truck is completely stock, no aftermarket stuff added to improve ride except radial tires. She has new shocks all the way around and new rear springs. I have yet to find signs or any accidents so I do not think the frame is bent.

I was wondering if the torsion bar front suspension might be playing a role. Maybe one spring is weaker or worn more than the other. I always thought you could just adjust them regardless of ware: maybe I am wrong.

Thanks again for the information and I welcome any more thoughts on this. She looks 'worn out' when sitting in the parking lot at the cruise night because of the lean.

Measure from points on the frame to the ground, and then measure from points on the body (rockers, bottom of quarter panels, etc.) to the ground, and determine if it's the frame/suspension that is sagging, or the body.
Bad body mounts, worn out body bushings, rusty floors, etc. will make a body sag over the frame.

-Brad

Count the number of threads on your front suspension adjusters and make them even first. Then, as the others suggest, take measurements to determine if body or frame or even a crooked bumper is the culprit. You may have to eventually just have to make a "non-factory adjustment"! Like Mark did with the spacer on the spring, or maybe a cab or bed mount needs shimming, or whatever works.
I once saw some NOS torsion bars on eBay, I think. I don't believe that they would be something particularly easy to get. I think you'll have to live with what you have in that regard.

If you have a front and / or rear sway bar, disconnect them / it from - either both sides of the frame or both sides of the suspension. A bent sway bar can prevent getting a truck level. I have leveled a vehicle by shimming one side of the bar where it bolts to the body.