Rear axle alignment

[Justin]

I discovered to day that my rear axle about 1/4" off center when measured with a plumb bob from the frame. The spring perches are spaced equally on the tubes as measured from the flange ends. Does this matter? I'm not sure how much the rear axle moves around under cornering loads, so I'm not sure if this is within normal spec. All of the rear spring and shackle bushings are new rubber ones.

[Kinder]

Is it still in the air? It may move around a bit when loaded.

[Justin]

It's supporting the weight of the truck. I've got jack stands under the ends of the rear axle. I'm wondering if it settled to one side after I put weight on it.

[Gunnibronco]

After I installed my new shackle bushings, the left/rear corner sat much higher than the right. After a little driving it settled down to level. I'm sure it would have measured off center if I had checked.

[Justin]

Thanks, that's what I'm figuring. It's easy enough to pull the rear apart that I'll probably get it driveable, run it around a bit and then take it in for a 4 wheel alignment to see where things are.

[Digger]

1/4" isn't terrible. Many lifted track bar equipped axles are not centered under the truck at ride height so that under compression they strike the bump stops squarely.


If your driver's/passenger's side wheelbases were off by 1/4", I would say fix it, but off-center laterally is far less of an issue.

[Justin]

That brings some peace of mind, thanks!