Bad Suspension...

[ebumdude]

I have a 2000 xls w/ over 100k...

I noticed the other day that when you look at it from the rear, my X sags or almost leans to the rear passenger side. Anyone think it might be a bad leaf spring or something different?

I've already replaced the shocks and it didnt do anything for the leaning.

I appreciate the input.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Your rear springs are weak. Every Explorer/Mountaineer experiences this.

Your options are:
AAL (Add-A-Leaf)
Shackles
or
New springs.

 

[410Fortune]

the warrior shackles would lift the rear back up nicely, they are cheap and easy to install, also provide a nice ride

To level out the lean you need to adjust your front torsion bar bolts

Then get an alignment

Shocks do not have anything to do with ride height, shocks only dampen the spring

 

[ebumdude]

thanks for the info about the springs and shackles...

i looked in the haynes manual, and it doesnt say where to adjust the torsion bar bolts, just how to take the old one out and replace it.

call me an idiot, but is this something that has to be done while the vehicle is on a lift, or can it be done on floor jacks?

 

[Rottie]

Yes it can be done on floor jacks. Just jack the front of the truck up until the front tires are off the ground, locate the torsion bar adjusting screws, and turn them in the tightening direction. Not too much though or you can put your front axles in too sharp of an angle. If you're going to put shackles in the rear, I wouldn't think you would need to adjust the torsion bars much to just level it out. Then do as 410 suggested and get an alignment done.