Leaning towards the driver's side

Volvo TGB and 30X (303/304/306) mods and resto work, news, resources and non-technical stuff
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thedoeges
Posts: 75
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2012 11:16 am
Location: Castle Rock, Colorado

Leaning towards the driver's side

Post by thedoeges »

Well, here is a question for the TGB11 specialists.....

I have heard, and that includes mine as well, that some TGB11s are leaning to the left. Before I am getting crazy on buying new springs and shocks, I'd like to understand why that might be.

Anyone?

Thanks,

Marcus
aclark79
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Re: Leaning towards the driver's side

Post by aclark79 »

I know mine has a little bit of a lean to it. Don't know why, haven't had a chance to measure how much yet.

It could be the gun wasn't mounted in the exact center so one side was beefed up, now without the guns they lean.
63rover
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Re: Leaning towards the driver's side

Post by 63rover »

If a vehicle is driven by one person for most of its life it develops a left lean from the uneven loading and wear in the springs. This is especially noticeable with older leaf spring as the internal rust starts to make them bind. Approximately 200 lbs bouncing on one side takes its toll. :roll:

Series Land Rovers are actually sprung heavier on the driver's side to compensate for this. Are the Volvos? Perhaps a mild helper spring from a good truck spring shop.
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VinceAtReal4x4s
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Re: Leaning towards the driver's side

Post by VinceAtReal4x4s »

When I had my rear springs lightened, by taking out one of the main leafs (which made for a better ride since I never carry around 5-6 soldiers with equipment), they also put in a spacer under the left spring to even it out. The 40 year spring shop had no solid answer as to why it leaned and said that the little spacer was the best solution. Mine also had newer springs from the refurb that was done in the 90's.

The spacer was just a piece of leaf spring steel but was cut down and fit under the leaf and you could barely see it. The truck was perfectly level after that.
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Garrycol
Australia
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Re: Leaning towards the driver's side

Post by Garrycol »

Maybe the driver needs to get on the scales to see if that is the cause :shock:
1973 Haflinger AP700
1977 Landrover FC 101
2007 Range Rover Sport TDV6
1971 Jaguar Series 3 E-Type Conv
1957 Landrover 88" Station Wagon
1957 Landrover 88"
dokatd
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Re: Leaning towards the driver's side

Post by dokatd »

Leaf springs can be re-arched. A good old-school spring shop will take your old spring set and rebuild them to match each other. No need to ship rare heavy steel from Europe unless the leaves are rusted beyond use and at that point a little lean should be the least of your concern.
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thedoeges
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Re: Leaning towards the driver's side

Post by thedoeges »

Thanks guys, all you input in very much appreciated. Was hoping the shocks were the reason, as that's the cheaper option.
dokatd
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Re: Leaning towards the driver's side

Post by dokatd »

thedoeges wrote:Thanks guys, all you input in very much appreciated. Was hoping the shocks were the reason, as that's the cheaper option.
Bad high pressure gas charged shocks can cause a lean, but typical gas charged shocks are low pressure and usually won't cause a lean if they loose their charge. Otherwise shocks are rarely the culprit of a consistent lean. A bent shock shaft may cause a random lean. Otherwise shocks do not support the weight of the truck in any appreciable way.
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