Not the "taco lean" but the "taco twist"?

Ok, new guy, second post...

I know I'm not the only one with this problem since I've seen it while following other tacos on the road. About 10k ago I noticed in my rear view that my tailgate appeared to be rather low on the passenger side. (This is where I get crazy as a design build contractor.)

First I sighted from the back on level-ish pavement and noticed the same thing referencing the tailgate against the bed at the cab...looked to be almost a 1/2"!

Second, I measured the drop from the bed rail cap down to the tailgate, the difference was insignificant.

Third, I measured from the window trim down to the bed, also not worth noting.

4th...the kicker, I strung an X from corner to corner (like you might a door jamb to ensure everything is co-planer) and at the intersection of the two strings it was a heavy 1/4". Since this is the center, it confirms that my bed is twisted about 1/2".

This drives me nuts for several reasons better suited for a therapist.

Any ideas what or why? Anyone remedy this?

I'm thinking about shimming this sucker flat with delrin pads.

 

Is it possible you are experiencing the taco lean but in only one corner (rear) and its causing a twist? Any visible or measurable sag of the rear spring on one side versus the other? Just wondering if you have a semi-worn spring on one side causing the frame not sit level which would make the bed look twisted.

 

And this is a problem? 1/2 inch. Are you sure that the surface was flat that you were parked on. An uneven surface could give you more deflection than 1/2 inch.

OCD Much?

 

I have this same issue. i measured mine at the fenders. I crawled underneath and checked the frame rails and found no evidence of being wrecked. I've got air bag helpers and tried them both inflated and deflated with no change. Even jumped on it, then wheeled it - but still them same amount off. My passenger rear corner is about 3/4" off.


Could it be from a busted shock or worn springs?

 

Take out the battery and never fill the gas tank above 1/4

 

Try and find an absolutely flat and absolutely level slab of concrete and do your measurements again. We set up the suspension of race cars on such a slab of concrete here at the local speedway.

 

Don't forget to carry a passenger of equal weight to the driver at all times.

 

I agree it's annoying, but as others have pointed out, the weight, even stock is not nearly 100% evenly distributed. If it really bugs you you could beef up the suspension all around so that the weight differential would be less noticeable i.e. have less of an impact on any given side, but honestly it's no biggie. I put on a shell that's noticeably lowered my rear end even though I have the 4-leaf sport spring pack. When I get new tires/lift I'm going to aim for a spring/leaf/shock combo that accounts for the heavy weight I frequently carry also.

Cheers!

 

Wrong side. the passenger side sags

 

OCD is a skill !

 

I'm pretty picky, but 1/2 inch is nothing.

 

It's CDO- spelled alphabetically like it is supposed to be

 

Oh no, mine is like that on the driver side..........................it's just an illusion. After much measuring went and had it checked out by a magician. The truck was certified as OK. I on the other hand, wasn't. (insert ominous movie music here)

 

Everything begins at the frame. If the frame is twisted (common on pickups that are worked hard and/or off-roaded) then the body will never be straight.

Mike

 

OP, the bed on these trucks is composite and the fenders and bedrails fasten to the composite bed.

When I was setting up my suspension, I found similar results without string flatness checks. I placed a long straight edge across the bed top rails. The bed is obviously twisted beyond the infamous Taco Lean on account of weight placement.

You could shim it as you mentioned, but plan to realign your bumper since it is secured to the frame.

I'd like to know how your results of shimming the frame to bed attach points turn out.

PK