Front End Sagging

[Viro]

Looking at my sport trac today and it looks as though the driver side front end is lower than the passenger side front end.

I've recently had the front shocks replaced followed by new lower ball joints shortly after. Figuring I had that all sorted out I went out and got some new tires because the front end problems ruined my tires and made the ride horrible from the cupping that went on with the tires.

I'm scheduled to have an alignment done on Wednesday but I'm not knowledgeable enough to know if the alignment would address the sag or not.

Any thoughts? Is an alignment going to pick up on the sag? Is it because I got a full tank of gas in the Trac? Can't say I've noticed it before. The whole front end problems and tires going bad has been frustrating and I'm happy with the ride now with the new tires but I'm trying to avoid this problem again in the near future.

I didn't pay good money for tires to have them get the same problem all over because the shop missed something .....

 

[John_Rock]

It's a common problem on Explorers being that the gas tank and you are on the driver's side. Plus if you have 4x4 the transfer case adds more weight to the drivers side.

People recommend swapping the rear leaf springs the first time. After the sag returns they recommend replacing both springs.

Discussed here.
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162963

Another possibility is to also adjust the torsion keys.

 

[Viro]

I sorta figured that was the case....

If I wait to swap them, will it affect the alignment or ruin my tires over time?

 

[John_Rock]

I sorta figured that was the case....

If I swap them, will it affect the alignment?

Swapping the rear leafs will not affect alignment.

But most people get a front alignment done after messing with the front torsion bolts.

 

[Viro]

Swapping the rear leafs will not affect alignment.
But most people get a front alignment done after messing with the front torsion bolts.

Kewl, that's good to know. Not sure if I have time to have the dealer swap the leafs tomorrow or not but I really want to get this alignment done (4 wheel alignment).

 

[specialized7]

iv always wondered how they align the rear wheels on a straight axle

 

[John_Rock]

iv always wondered how they align the rear wheels on a straight axle

As far as I know there is no adjustments to be made on the rear axle. But to align the front they hang laser sensors on the rear tires.