highcking Posted January 20, 2021 Share Posted January 20, 2021 My current project is a ‘58 Roadmaster. Recently the car got new, correct bias ply tires, new springs, new shocks, many new front end parts, and alignment. Problem is that the front end STILL does sit level. Measured from frame to floor behind the front wheel wells, the drivers’ side sags about 1”. Several body cushions are missing, and others are badly worn. Is that the likely cause? Can shimming the drivers side spring effect a temporary improvement? Bill in Luray Va Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 Bad or missing body mounts won't help. Have you measured frame to ground both sides? That will tell you if it is a spring or body sag issue. There could even be old accident damage that was not repaired properly. Hard to tell on a car that old, without examining it carefully. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highcking Posted January 21, 2021 Author Share Posted January 21, 2021 Rusty - Yes, the frame is 1" lower on the driver's side front than the passenger side at the same location. Rear end frame heights are very close to the same. Springs are a matched set, brand new, installed with correct rubber pads. Car was aligned after all work was done, by very competent shop. I'm going to let the best mechanic in the shop take a hard look. I'm hoping spring shims or spacers will even out the 1" difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 There are rubber shims or spacers made to go under the spring. They are used to make up for the extra weight when air conditioning is installed. One of them may solve your problem. It would be better if the driver's side were slightly higher, to make up for the weight of the driver when driving alone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highcking Posted January 21, 2021 Author Share Posted January 21, 2021 Good point! I've located the rubber spacers online. Probably two will be needed. Since the car will not be driven like a road rally car, I think the spacers will be safe to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted January 21, 2021 Share Posted January 21, 2021 Because of the leverage involved a half inch spacer will raise the car an inch, more or less. One spacer should do the trick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highcking Posted January 21, 2021 Author Share Posted January 21, 2021 Rusty - yes, the rear is uneven too, about 3/4” low on the drivers side. I also noticed that one of the old rear springs (not yet recycled!) had a rubber spacer stuck on the bottom. Is a spacer both front and rear on the drivers side the best way to go? Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted January 22, 2021 Share Posted January 22, 2021 You say you are having it checked out by a mechanic, he is in a better position to know than someone commenting from thousands of miles away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highcking Posted January 22, 2021 Author Share Posted January 22, 2021 He’s an excellent and experienced mechanic, but naturally doesn’t encounter 1958 Buick Roadmasters every day. Whatever we agree on to do, he does it very professionally for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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