The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Truck lists to the left

I'm not sure if this is the best forum for this question but I'll start here. In the past week or so I've noticed (and my wife has noticed when following me in her car) that my truck is listing to the left a bit. I put a level on the front and rear bumpers just to make sure I wasn't imagining this and, sure enough, it seems to be sinking a bit. Interestingly, I can temporarily correct the problem by lifting the truck at the bed or the wheel well but it sinks again when I get in the driver's seat. It's obviously a suspension problem so where should I look first? Thanks

Are you sure this is recent? Listing to one side can be a bent frame from a previous accident. If it truly is a recent issue, then it may be a problem with a spring or broken spring hanger, etc. Also, putting a level on a bumper may not tell you whether it is a bent bumper bracket vs true listing of the truck frame. Try measuring the distance from frame to ground on both sides.

Kent

Good idea about measuring from the ground, Kent. It confirms that the truck is lower by 2" at the front & rear bumpers on the far left (driver's) side. Interestingly, I can eliminate the drop by lifting the cab at those spots. It stays there until I climb in again. This problem is definitely new. I've had the truck for 5 years & my wife & I independently noticed it at the same time.

I just read in the shop manual "...if spring assemblies have taken a set-that is-lost their resistance or elastic properties, they should be replaced with complete new assemblies". Do you think that's the problem? Nothing looks broken upon inspection. Thanks for your help.

Check the function of the shocks by removing one end. I bound up shock will cause your issue. (My bet as to what is causing your problem.)
Check the condition of your spring shackle pins and spring eye bolts to make sure that they are articulating properly. Too sloppy or too tight will interfere with how the springs react.
Have someone stand on the bumper and jump up and down (without their feet leaving the bumper) while you look at the motion of the shackles. The action should be the same and the shackles should return to the same position (angle) comparing from one side to the other.
Measure the distance between the top of the axle and the frame on each side to see if they are the same. You may have a tired or broken spring on one side.
Carl

My '48 hung low to the left and the picture shows why. The left side spring was broken and had no wrap-around for attachment. It simply lifted and cushioned. I drove it like this for 20 years.

Springs, Good and Bad
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Well, I used Carl's "bumper jumper" idea & measured from the axles to the frame. It appears that my 66 year old leaf springs are spent & I plan to replace all four. Thanks for the help.

My 53 listed left because I was the only person and it had the side mounted spare, I had to add another leaf to the left rear but eventually I removed the spare. Frankly I hated it being there.

They all lean left. That's why it's called the "Chevy Lean."

I'm hanging a spare on the passenger side to help balance out driver weight.