Rear end is not level.

[dcogswell]

I measured from the ground to the top of the fender on both sides at the rear tires. My driver side is about 1" lower. This condition was present before I replaced my shocks. I thought this would be fixed with a new set of shocks but no luck.

I've measured with and without a full tank of gas and still get the same results.

How can I level the rear end? Also, is there a better location to check for this condition besides the fender?

'03 tahoe 174k miles. New shocks and tires.

 

[Mr.Jack]

Now you are gonna make me measure also!

 

[chauncey0337]

I think there's a term for this, it's called the GM lean or something like that. Many theories for it but I'm not sure exactly why.

---------- Post added at 07:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:38 PM ----------

Here's a thread about it, I haven't read the whole thing yet but looks interesting. Google chevy lean.
http://www.performancetrucks.net/forums/gm-drivetrain-suspension-22/chevy-lean-477912/

 

[Mr.Jack]

Sure the tire pressure is equal?

 

[dcogswell]

This problem seems to be well known without any solutions, just subtle band-aid type fixes that don't seem to solve the problem.

I may just look for new springs...and maybe just go with small spacers to fine tune.

 

[04gibbstahoe]

I just put brand new lowering springs on and have the same lean the old springs had. Apparently this is pretty typical with these vehicles.

 

[UBILLN]

I fixed my lean by adjusting the torsion bar keys in the front. I got each side in the back to within less than a 1/4 inch difference. Of course mine was also equally off in the front too so this was a no brainer.

 

[Ben]

Typical for those years. Get a fat woman and let her ride shotgun?

 

[Doomsta510]

I believe most solved this issue by installing a spohn panhard bar which will allow you to fine tune the rear end.

http://www.spohn.net/shop/2000-2006-GM-SUV-Suburban-Tahoe-Yukon-Avalanche-Escalade-Hummer-H2/

 

[UBILLN]

A Panhard Rod only fixes lateral axle movement problems... that being said how would that fix a side sagging issue? If you torque the rod so much that it actually effects the ride height on one side or the other, then thats probly going to adversely effect the usefullness of the rod itself by putting too much sideways pressure on the bushings, arms, etc.

I think you should try torsion adjustments or simply swapping the right to the left and visa versa of the rear springs and see if that matters. Otherwise you may need to replace bushings in some of the suspension components.

What sucks about the design of these SUV's is that the battery, the gas tank and the drivers weight are all unevenly distributed over to the drivers side, so if your rides leans to that side its tougher to fix.