My rear suspension is all new, but it sits about 5/8" higher on the passenger's side. I looked at it for a while last night, and I have a couple thoughts, but wanted some feedback before I went at it.
I put new poly pads around the springs where they meet the brackets, but it prevents the lower brackets from being bolted on fully. In fact, I think most of the off balance rear is due to one side being bolted down slightly more than the other.
Should I just remove the lower pads altogether so that it sits better? Or should I try to even out the stance by trying to tighten one and loosen the other until it balances? This might not even be the right solution at all.
I'm not familiar with shims for leaf springs, either. How does that work? Thoughts?
Well lets see, first you do need those pads, they are the only insulation between axle/road and the rest of the car. As far as the "poly type" my preference would be to use the original rubber type instead. They will definitely provide a better ride.
Changing them out may solve your problem, if it doesn't than you may have to fabricate some shims for the top or bottom of the spring pads. 5/8 of an inch really isn't that much in the grand scheme of things other than personal preference. Since you replaced all rear end suspension components, double check all your work, you may find the answer there as well.
I have the poly pads on mine and it doesn't effect the ride. You do need them. Did you run the nuts all the way down on the U bolts? And what's with those shackles... oh the overly wide tires. Never mind.
You do not have to use the pads. You still have the dampening of the rubber bushings in the front perches and the rear shackles. Did you tighten the suspension down with the car up in the air or with the full weight on it making it loaded. If you tightened it up with no load on it you could have some binding going on in the bushings. Most of the shims that you can get are for adjusting the pinion angle. It's possible that one leaf might have more arc in it than the other one. It's also possible that something in the front is causing it. I would start with checking the air in all of the tires, body mounts, front coils, control arm bushings. Air up all of the tires and measure from the center of the rim to the fender lip. Is the front off at all? Sorry for rambling but I was typing as I was thinking. LOL
I strongly disagree, they put the pads there for a reason, the main one being, they keep the axle where it's supposed to be and they also reduce axle wrap on hard acceleration...take them out and stomp the gas, bet you feel and hear the difference. I know, my bird had lost the originals at some point and when I replaced them (with rubber) solved both problems. But I guess "problems" can be very subjective. I'd keep them.
I strongly disagree, they put the pads there for a reason, the main one being, they keep the axle where it's supposed to be and they also reduce axle wrap on hard acceleration...take them out and stomp the gas, bet you feel and hear the difference. I know, my bird had lost the originals at some point and when I replaced them (with rubber) solved both problems. But I guess "problems" can be very subjective. I'd keep them.
I also have them in my car but there is a pin that lines up the leafs and the brackets. Most of the 1st and 2nd gen cars that have the suspension set up for heavy performance will take these out. And from what I have read they actually cause the rear end to rock under heavy acceleration. having the leafs and axle in one solid mount will give you less flex. Again I'm not arguing a point one way or the other. I myself would prefer to have them in, but as an option they can be removed.
The best advice I've gotten so far is from my 65-year-old friend, who says, "How many miles have you put on it since you rebuilt the suspension?" I say, "30 or so." He says, "You're an idiot. Drive to Terre Haute and back and measure it again."
If that plate is not flat with your pads or the axle you will put all the loads where you don't want them. I would try to get the pads flush with the plate/axle. As mentioned everything needs to relax a bit, then try to tighten it down some more, and keep trying to get it flush. I would be very concerned with safety if they are not flush.
