2000 Explorer Sport 4X4 with noticeable lean to the left

[BigE]

My 2000 Explorer Sport 4X4 has a noticeable lean to the left.

Background: I have a 2000 Explorer Sport 4X4 Automatic – 33,000 miles – CarFax and records at a local dealer (not the one I purchased it at), where prior owner had it serviced confirm one local owner (female), correct mileage, and no accidents – under carriage is clean – there is almost no opportunity to go off road any where near the area I live, thus I believe that it has never been off-road – so whatever damage that may exist with the suspension most likely was not caused by bending something while off road nor a reportable accident.

Description of problem: There are 2 rods that connect to the under body (rear) and then to the suspension. On the right side the rod extends down to approx. the same level as the springs. On the left side it extends approx. one and half inches below the spring. This is obviously a result of the lean, but I can not see what is causing the lean. Both of the rods have consistent bends in them, thus neither looks bent beyond the factory bends.

Anybody have a suggestion for what maybe causing this? What to look for to fix it? Should the rod extend to the level of the spring or below it, e.g. trying to figure out whether the left side is low or the right side is high. I recently purchased a CD that purports to be a copy of the Ford Factory Service manual, but it does not go into enough detail to even label what this rod is called nor how to tell what the specifications are for it.

The Explorer drives fine with no noticeable side effects from the lean. It does not pull and there is no noticeable wear to any of the tires, e.g. that you would get with an out of alignment problem. It appears to not affect the suspension, only the height of the body to the suspension.

I do not have the adjustable air suspension.

 

[Sport4x4]

sagged leaf spring?

 

[IZwack]

assuming that no other suspenions parts are bent (rear axle housing, control arms, steering knuckle, etc..), my guess is that it would have to either be the leaf springs in the rear or the torsion bars up front. If one torsion bar is off compared to the other, the entire vehicle will lean as most of the weight is up front (engine, transmission...).

BTW my guess is that the "two rods that connect to the under body" you had mentioned are the rear anti-sway bar links.

 

[MONMIX]

Well first remember this, the gas tank is on the left side and a full tank WILL lean your truck let me assure you.
Even from the show room floor Explorers are wack from wheel well to wheel well.

I measured mine one day and there was at least 3/4 inch difference at each wheel well at 1/2 tank of gas.

 

[IZwack]

i believe gasoline weighs in at about six and a quarter (6.25) pounds per gallon (weight does vary from grade to grade and between vendors -- Mass = density*volume - but this variation is small enough to neglect. and density is dependant on temperature too!).

so a 20 gallon tank would weigh at about 125 pounds (or about 56.7 kilograms).

 

[MONMIX]

Yikes !!!!!!
Some one is smart

 

[IZwack]

or noT! :frustrate

 

[jjm0001]

I bought my explorer new and shortly there after realized it had a lean to the left. It would really anoy me. Your post seems to describe a variance at the rear leaf spring shackles, I'm not sure from the description. But the connection of the springs in the rear to the frame should be uniform from side to side or you have a problem. I had two adjustments performed on my vehicle with pretty good results the second time, but I didn't have the same problem as you. I'd get it in the shop and have this looked at. Anyway, see previous thread below.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66964

 

[IZwack]

Your post seems to describe a variance at the rear leaf spring shackles, I'm not sure from the description. But the connection of the springs in the rear to the frame should be uniform from side to side or you have a problem.

Just as an FYI: there really isnt any way to "adjust" the rear end height/balance without putting in new/additional parts (longer/shorter shackles, new leaves, add-a-leafs, switching to a spring-over-axle setup, and so on). I mean it's not like we can twist a bolt and adjust the rear's ride height.

The front 4wd IFS on the other hand is adjustable by simply twisting the torsion bar bolts.

I'd say try the torsion bar bolts first, I mean it doesnt cost u anything except maybe a few minutes of being under you're vehicle.

 

[Lloyd10977]

i believe gasoline weighs in at about six and a quarter (6.25) pounds per gallon (weight does vary from grade to grade and between vendors -- Mass = density*volume - but this variation is small enough to neglect. and density is dependant on temperature too!).

so a 20 gallon tank would weigh at about 125 pounds (or about 56.7 kilograms).

This is exactly right. And keep in mind what other weight is in the vehicle every time it is driven! The DRIVER!!!! So you have two weights located on the same side of the vehicle EVERY TIME IT HITS EVEN THE SLIGHTEST BUMP!!!! Mine sagged 1.25 inch on the driver side and 0.75 on the passenger side below specs. Also, whenever I hit a bump, the rear suspension bottomed. I resolved it not by adding leaves or the overload springs that you purchase anywhere (and will eventually begin to sag, too!) but by replacing the #2, 3, and 4 springs in the stock spring pack with 3 inch wide springs from a Bronco. (See the sticky on modifications using springs from an F150.)

Result: I now have a level lift of 2.25 inches in the rear. No more sag. A firm but comfortable ride and improved weight carrying capacity. No bottoming with passengers in the back seat.

 

[bumpinkicker04]

Do you have air suspension on it?