Does not sit level

[DeeM]

I just got a 2004 reg cab, 8ft bed, 4X4 with 122,000 miles. (It replaced a 1995 1500 with 165,000 rough miles.)

Anyhow, this truck does not sit the same. It looks like the front is about 2 inches lower than the rear. The '95 sat level, and higher off the ground.

It looks like the front suspension now uses torsion bars. Is there some known problem with this setup? I've had torsion bar suspension onn other vehicles with lots of miles and did not notice this issue. (I will say it rides much smoother than the '95.)

I plan on taking it to my drive-train shop to be aligned and I'd like to know a little more about this issue before asking them about it.

Please advise.

 

[G-Ride990]

The rear end should sit higher to compensate for when you load the rear down with trailer tongue weight or payload. Nothing to worry about.

Next time you are driving around town take a look at other pickups on the road, they should all have this rake to them. Though, on some trucks it is more obvious than others.

 

[DeeM]

The rear end should sit higher to compensate for when you load the rear down with trailer tongue weight or payload. Nothing to worry about.

Next time you are driving around town take a look at other pickups on the road, they should all have this rake to them. Though, on some trucks it is more obvious than others.

Thanks for the response. I've since spoke with the previous owner and he said he felt like the front did sag a little since he's owned it, but he never worried about it. He's had it since it was a year old.

I HAVE been looking at other trucks on the road, (funny how you notice the same model once you get one!) and most don't look like they have much rake, although, like you say, some seem to have more than others.

I measure the wheel well opening from the top of the tire and the front is about 2 inches closer...I think that's why I notice it...the wheel wells. Also the running board is not level by about 1.5 inches. Driving it seems fine. Plus my old truck sat higher so maybe that contributes to the perception as well.

I guess I won't worry about it. Both sides are the same. I need to get it aligned, so I'll see if they say anything about it.

Thanks again.

(I attached a pic. I know it's hard to see with the snow in the drive.)

 

[MikeT]

You can buy a leveling kit for the truck. Don't know the cost or which ones are good, mine was leveled when I bought it. Assuming they won't be to difficult to install, as most of the trucks here in AZ are level. To me they look much better leveled.

Mike

 

[MADDOG]

Looks like normal rake to me for a 2WD truck. I trust it is a 2WD vehicle?

A 4WD truck will be a little taller in the front but there will still be rake.

 

[DeeM]

Looks like normal rake to me for a 2WD truck. I trust it is a 2WD vehicle?

A 4WD truck will be a little taller in the front but there will still be rake.

It's a 4X4. I had a '95 4X4 before this one and it did sit taller and was level...did not ride nearly as well. FYI - my truck before that was '74 Jeep J4000. The '95 Dodge rode better than it, so I've been upgrading each time.

 

[DeeM]

You can buy a leveling kit for the truck. Don't know the cost or which ones are good, mine was leveled when I bought it. Assuming they won't be to difficult to install, as most of the trucks here in AZ are level. To me they look much better leveled.

Mike

Thanks Mike - I've since found out...
1) there is some adjustment of the factory keys on the front torsion bars and
2) you can get a set of replacement keys ($90) that are clocked and with adjustment can give between 2 & 3 inches of lift.
* (Is this what your calling a leveling kit?)

For the factory keys, it depends on where the adjustment ended up from the factory as to whether there's enough left to raise the front properly.

You need a special tool to do any of this work.

I'm guessing this small adjustment or new keys (plus an alignment) would not throw any other geometry too far out of whack.

 

[MikeT]

Dee,
My truck is a 2500 (so no torsion bars) and a 4X4 so a solid front axle. Totally different setup than what yours would be. As I said in my original post mine was leveled prior to buying it, so I have no idea what was used to do the leveling. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. The replacement keys sound like they would work well, typically a leveling kit raises the front about 2 inches.

Mike

 

[KyleW2]

I'm not sure if there is a technical term for that style of step, but the side steps are making it look like it has more rake than it does.

I noticed the exact same thing on my 08 with tubular steps. Once I pulled them off, I don't notice it anymore.

Also worth noting that a level kit is usually 1-3", so a 2" rake is completely normal.

 

[DAVID C SHOUN]

I just had Rancho QuickLift struts, then an alignment.....

Rancho QuickLIFT Coil Over Shock Absorber Assembly RS999929 (autozone.com)