Why are our trucks not level?

[MGM]

I have listened endlessley to DP members adjusting torsion bars to level there trucks.But unless i missed it, why did GM build them this way? is it a aerodynamic thing, is it to allow for carrying heavy loads in the bed,or what? surely some GM enginering type can explain it!

[mdrag]

MGM,

My '01 - like many others was low on the DS. I've never heard an explanation...

Topic moved to 2500HD/3500 HD Trucks & Drivetrain forum.

mdrag

[GMC-2002-Dmax]

In my opinion the reason is GM never took into account the weight of the fuel tank full and the driver both being on the same side of the truck.
The front differential as well as th driveshaft are on the drivers side too.

Mine was out of level as well and I had the dealer raise my truck 1" and level the truck at my first oil change.

I had good success and no abnormal tire wear.

If you attempt it yourself an 18mm socket and jack are required. You need to raise the truck and get the weight off of it first.

GMC ;)

[ 10-07-2002: Message edited by: GMC-2002-Dmax ]</p>

[FRMLPLR]

MGM

Next time you put 1000# + in the bed or hook up a trailer with the tongue weight, notice the rear will drop 1.5 -2" depending on the weight. Appears to be so that the vehicle will ride level loaded. GM's have been like this since the 88-99 body style.

Keeps your headlights out of oncoming drivers eyes too! ;)

[SoCalDMAX]

If you're talking about front to rear level, I believe it was a combination of aerodynamics to get economy numbers up and so it would be closer to level with a load in the bed.

If you mean why is the DS lower than the PS, I think the torsion bar key was miscast, indexed wrong. This is JMHO.

Regards, Steve

[MountainMax]

All of the truck mfg.s do this. They assume that a pickup truck is designed to carry a load. The rear springs without a load raise the bed above the forward level. However they are designed to level and distribute the weight more evenly and safely when doing what they are designed to do. Carry a load. You wouldn't want to buy a 3/4 ton truck, put 800lbs in the rear and have the headlights pointing to the moon. The other consideration is suspension travel. Once you put a load in the back, you want the suspension to still have adequate travel before bottoming out. So, the rear suspension has travel distance to absorb the load weight and still have travel. Yes you can raise the front end to even it some, but the front end weight is constant so it does not have the extra travel built into it. Aerodynamics has little to do with the reason. When they get to that point they will start rounding the front ends and raking the windshields like todays cars.

[ 10-08-2002: Message edited by: MountainMax ]</p>

[deerhunter7]

I agree with FRMLPLR when I haul my 4-wheeler or
tow my camper trailer the truck sits level . This keeps your handling great and leaves the suspension where it is made to preform the best.
25 years ago we use to jack the back end up on evrything .. :D