Total Headscratcher on Gangster Lean

Folks - I'd like to hear suggestions on where to go next, I'm in too deep to turn back now!

Truck: 1996 Tacoma 4wd, 4 cyl., with camper shell, reconstructed/totaled at one point not sure of details. 130k miles, Runs like a top.

Problem: Immense lean to driver side rear and negative arch to leaf spring.

What I've done:
1) replaced stock rear leaf springs with Wheeler's 5-leaf springs (beefier by one leaf and supposed to be correct length) - this did not help - there is still a big negative arch on the driver side.
2) Total overhaul on front end. Brand new struts and coil springs (Bilstein) and all new bushings up front, new ball joints as well (not related, just saying) - the lean and negative spring arch is worse than ever.

Current guess: Frame is bent. I figured this was the problem from the get-go, but also thought that I could help it out with beefier springs and new suspension up front. $2.5k later and I am still damned worried about the negative arch on that spring (plus it looks silly).

What about?: What about putting a leaf spring assist just on the driver side leaf spring? Other ideas?

Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any feedback guys, it's much appreciated.

 

measure the distance between the mounts for the leaf spring. check that against the stock length.

 

I should add that the lean is about 1 1/2" lower on the driver side - not you usual puny 1/2" lean from the gas tank/battery/whatever.

 

I would check with a tape all the measurements for that side of the frame to get an idea where the problem is.

 

This sounds like a good place to start

 

Alright guys - I've got 49" between the center of the front mounting bolt and the center of the bolt that pins the shackle to the frame. Make sense? Seems to be the same on both sides (within 1/4" and as good as I could measure by myself)

 

Nest question would be where do I find what that number should be?

 

I checked mine for ya, it's at 49 1/4" both sides, so your ok.

Did your leaf packs have a specified left and right side?

If your frame is bent, nothing in the suspension department will make it sit flat I'm afraid, you may get close but the ride will suck imo.

 

It's just a fiberglass bed cap? Nothing else?

 

Thanks for the measurement. Yes, there was a left and right side to the springs and I did install them accordingly.

I guess my main concern is not so much the lean for looks but the negative arch on that spring. I am a falconer and I drive around in remote sections of desert daily - don't want to break a spring out there.

 

That's correct, just a fiberglass bed cap.

 

Pictures showing the lean and then some of the underside of the bed/frame might be helpful.

I know with the OME Dakar springs they are driver or passenger side dependent. Not sure about the Wheelers springs though.

 

ummmm, I'd get that checked out

 

Yeah, get some pictures up. Looking from behind, underneath, etc. Curious to see it. Would have to be pretty tweaked to cause just the one side to negative arch..

 

Alright, here it is





Driver side spring, from the back



From the front

 

have you tried adding a new sound system and the "windows rolled down" mod and rockin the shit out of it?

just messin but it looks like its that driver side rear corner. try new shocks? new leaf pack? im thinkin its only that corner sagging which makes is look like the whole driver side is sagging also looks like you got a bro lean goin.

sorry if someone mentioned this up there because i

 

we can see that lol.
those are brand new dakars




OP, can i see the other side?

its so hard without looking at the truck in person.

if you can, jack up the rear from under the axle so the weight is still on the springs, remove both rear tires and post pictures both close and far.

 

i read the OP but no one elses responses my money is still on that rear driver side whether it be the shocks or maybe a faulty new leaf

 

Will do, but I can't do it at this moment. The passenger side spring is still concave as it should be.

 

The shocks don't really hold weight do they?