Gangsta lean after swapping leafs.

[vsilva1993]

I have a Explorer 98 xlt v8 AWD. I read several threads about how swapping the rear leafs would fix the lean but it doesn't. Would buying Sensa trac shocks with coil overs fix the lean? Should i try cranking the torsion bar on the drivers side a bit more? I really wanna fix it cuz it kinda annoys me lol.

Thanks for the help.

 

[TomCat_Ford]

Your leaf springs are probably in poor shape if you swapped sides and it still leans. If I were you, I would do it the right way and swap out the leafs with some new (or newer) ones. It can be done for a little more than the cost of installing those shocks if you shop around.

 

[swshawaii]

Oops

 

[vsilva1993]

I'll look for new packs and hopefully it goes away. Also would better shocks like sensa tracs help it from happening in the near future? i have cheapo monroe shocks and im thinking of changing them out for the sensa tracs cause i've that they are pretty well rounded.

 

[SoNic67]

I would suggest new leaf packs plus new shocks - not the load leveler ones, you don't need those if leafs are new. The coil-overs have a "spongy" feeling in curves due to increased spring ratio.
You might need to ajust the torsion bar on driver side too.

 

[SnTx4]

The shocks won't level it out, it will still lean. If you use any type of overload spring that you can adjust you can. I use a Hellwig, add a leaf, I carry a lot of weight in back, I was able to adjust to not have the lean. But sounds like new springs would be the best route.

 

[vsilva1993]

I forgot to mention that i added a add a left like 2 months back, I swaped the leads and it still sagged. And does anyone know where i could get new leads springs becuase all the ones I find are used. Thanks.

 

[mambomonster]

I am trying to resolve the same issues on my 99 and let me tell you what I've done so far. I put Monroe Sensatracs all around, with the coilovers in the rear. They raised it maybe 1/2" but not enough to level it out. The rear still sags. I ordered replacement leaf springs and u-bolts from www.sdsprings.com but so far it's not going well. They sent me incorrect leaf springs and u-bolts. The u-bolts are fine anyway - was just going to spend the $18 to put on replacements while I was at it. The leaf packs they sent me are for over the axle, not under, even though I spoke with them on the phone to confirm.

They had UPS pick up the incorrect parts and now tell me the springs are back ordered until 11/7/11. Not a big deal - just hoping to get the right ones this time. I did jack the vehicle up and take one set out before realizing that the packs they sent me had the center pin reversed and let me say, the stock springs are soft as heck. I had to jack like hell and they nearly bent flat before the damn truck started to rise! In other words, they need to go.

I adjusted the left front torsion bar to raise the left corner and level it out side to side. I am not sure it's a good solution though because my truck rides like **** - very rough. I think the torsion bars need to go and maybe get exchanged for softer ones.

I will post an update once I get the new leaf packs in, hopefully by mid-November.

 

[vsilva1993]

keep me updated on how it goes, i ordered the sensa trac with coil overs and see if they help at all and which leaf pack did you order? http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/leaf-springs/truck-suv/ford/explorer/explorer-4-door I'm probably going to buy some soon. which do you recommend?

 

[Turdle]

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fex/full.aspx?Page=79

You might check the front height real carefully at the lower control arm bolts. They should be exactly equal. If you raise the driver front a tad with the torsion adjuster, the passenger rear will settle down. Worth a look.

1/8" difference at the control arm bolts will be a huge difference side to side.

Measuring at the fenders may not give an accurate measurement.

 

[mambomonster]

Thanks Jon. I will keep that in mind. It's hard for me to get a good measurement as I park on uneven/unlevel ground normally. The front level adjustment was actually done at a local tire shop for me. I was having new tires put on and asked them to adjust it. The guy didn't really know what he was doing but saw the adjustment bolt and managed to raise the front left a little. I will re-evaluate after getting my new rear springs on.

vsilva1993, the ones you want if you order from SDSprings.com are the higher arched, 43-1159. At least that's what is required for my 1999. The higher arch and 3/1 pack is for springs mounted UNDER the axle. They sent me something that looked right, but had the center pin reversed as if they were to be mounted on top of the axle. I expect to have replacements around 11/7. Getting those OEM replacments from LMC shown above seems like a good alternative.

 

[mambomonster]

My new leaf springs came last week and I have them installed. They made an immediate difference by raising the rear about 1" which made it level as it was sagging about that much. My left front is still about 3/8 to 1/2" lower than the right so I have to get back to torsion bar adjustments.

As soon as I can figure out how to post a pic I will.

 

[vsilva1993]

My new leaf springs came last week and I have them installed. They made an immediate difference by raising the rear about 1" which made it level as it was sagging about that much. My left front is still about 3/8 to 1/2" lower than the right so I have to get back to torsion bar adjustments.

As soon as I can figure out how to post a pic I will.

I'm torn between the 3 pack and the 4 pack. Which would be better, what are the differences?

 

[mambomonster]

I'm torn between the 3 pack and the 4 pack. Which would be better, what are the differences?

I can only really speak to what I did. The stock springs are a 3+1 pack (part number 43-1159 on the SDSpings.com site). That consist of 3 leaves and 1 short rebound spring. So I bought direct OEM replacement style. They fixed my Explorer's saggy butt.

As an aside, I also needed extra weight carrying capacity because I have a receiver hitch mounted motorcycle carrier. Even with the new springs and coilover shocks, the rear still sat below level with my Honda CB900 loaded. So I also installed Air Lift air bags. For $215 they are awesome and allow me to raise the rear and accomodate the roughly 550 lb bike and carrier combo. I installed a T and put the inflation valve inside the gas filler door.