You’re not the only one. This is a fairly common occurrence, and normally not much of a problem. Jeeps lean to the driver’s side because of a few reasons.
Willys Jeep with Severe Lean
One is because of the way they were made. Jeeps are made to be relatively small and compact. With the weight of the steering equipment, the left side is already heavier. Also, you the driver are probably most often the only person riding in your Jeep. Your weight added to the weight of the steering equipment adds a constant enough pressure to the driver’s side suspension, to create the leaning effect.
If your Jeep’s lean is pronounced and affects your driving, it may be time to get new springs.
Front CJ Spring Assembly
A common mistake that many Jeep owners make is replacing the worn springs on the driver’s side only. However, after doing so, they are usually are disappointed to learn that a new, similar problem has arisen. Their Jeep now leans to the passenger side because their new springs are over-compensating for thealso worn passenger side springs. Whatever your reason for replacing
your Jeep’s springs, it is best practice to replace all of the springs at once. When shopping for springs, look for the best quality – at least eight leafs per spring. Look for springs made in the USA, which have a tendency to last longer than foreign-made ones.
With over 16,000 sq feet, over 10,000 items in-stock and over 30 years in the business - we've earned our status as the world-wide premier replicator and retailer of Willys Jeep parts and as the most dedicated Jeep restoration experts you'll find. Since we cut out the middleman and reproduce and reclaim most parts ourselves, you always get the lowest possible price on your parts.
#1 by Don H on March 6, 2010 - 1:26 AM
Carl: Taking this heavy side jeep theory to more moderns. I noticed same thing on my Cherokee, 1994. They even put the spare tire on drivers side, inside. I've been working on putting it on the passenger side, inside, where it belongs.
Don H.
PS: I know of a really cherry 56 Willies Wagon under a tree, all stock except for eng tranny: Chevy. Good price. Wife would kill me if I got another one at my age, lol!
We have adopted the Cherokee into the family. I hope they will bury me in it when my time comes, as who would work on a modified rig?
Don H.
#2 by Carl Walck on March 9, 2010 - 4:29 PM
I’m sure overtime almost every Jeep that gets older will have some sort of lean in the suspension. Even a 1994 doesn't seem that old, but it is already approaching 20 years old.
About the 1956 willys wagon, put the word out where this Jeep is or contact owner if he wants to sell it. Maybe there would be somewhere that it could be listed that he wants to sell it.
#3 by mikealexander007 on March 20, 2010 - 11:20 AM
When will you add more restoration/maintenance topics to your blog?
#4 by Carl Walck on March 26, 2010 - 5:14 PM
Mike,
Have you checked out the hub and drum removal/ separation posts?
Carl
#5 by Mike H on April 20, 2010 - 2:51 PM
I am extremely satisfied with the high quality leaf springs I bought from Walck's for my 51 CJ3A. “Old Yeller” has not sat this level or driven this nicely since the 1950's! Thanks Carl and Dan for the high quality USA made leaf springs!
#6 by Donkleinschmidt on June 15, 2010 - 7:43 PM
I installed new rear springs on my M38A1 and it has a driver side lean. Can new springs have different archs? I am going to remove and check (I did not check before installing) and maybe change sides. Any other ideas why it leans. In measuring it appears only the arch is different between the two sides.