flyer92
Well-Known Member
- Thread starter
- #1
A couple months ago, I noticed that my 2-door Sport (with stock suspension) was noticeably leaning to the passenger side and took it to the dealership for a look. They determined that "something was wrong" with the stock rear springs and replaced them under warranty, although they never explained what the problem really was.
Although this seemed to correct the lean somewhat, it still seemed apparent, especially when observing the front of the Jeep. So....back to the dealership again, this time focusing on the front suspension. Not surprisingly, they returned it to me, stating that it was "within spec," even though they agreed that the passenger side was 1/2" lower than the driver's side. The service advisor explained that this is caused by the gas tank running lengthwise under the passenger side of the Jeep, and the extent of the lean would potentially fluctuate depending on how much gas is in the tank.
While that was a good story to hurry me out of the service department, I disagree with the service advisor's opinion because:
-None of the other Wranglers on the lot were leaning, and I never see this on other Wranglers in parking lots, driving down the street, etc.
-Assuming that the eTorque battery and other components on the driver's side would balance out a full gas tank, one would expect that the vehicle would lean to the driver's side or at least level out on an empty tank. However, this never happens. The lean is always 1/2" to the passenger side, no matter if the tank is full or empty-ish.
-As discussed elsewhere in the forums, the springs are apparently designed with different rates to accommodate the weight disparity caused by the gas tank.
Next week, I am taking my Wrangler to a second dealership for another opinion, although I'm prepared for a similar story.
While the whole gas-tank-balancing theory sounds good, I really doubt that a modern vehicle would be designed this way and suspect that there is something wrong with the suspension, frame, or goodness knows what other "Jeep thing." Just curious if others have experienced the same issue with their Wranglers or have any advice. I will probably install a Clayton lift kit in the near future, but until then, just trying to solve this mystery amid the dealership's dubious theories. Thanks in advance for any feedback and happy Jeepin'!
Although this seemed to correct the lean somewhat, it still seemed apparent, especially when observing the front of the Jeep. So....back to the dealership again, this time focusing on the front suspension. Not surprisingly, they returned it to me, stating that it was "within spec," even though they agreed that the passenger side was 1/2" lower than the driver's side. The service advisor explained that this is caused by the gas tank running lengthwise under the passenger side of the Jeep, and the extent of the lean would potentially fluctuate depending on how much gas is in the tank.
While that was a good story to hurry me out of the service department, I disagree with the service advisor's opinion because:
-None of the other Wranglers on the lot were leaning, and I never see this on other Wranglers in parking lots, driving down the street, etc.
-Assuming that the eTorque battery and other components on the driver's side would balance out a full gas tank, one would expect that the vehicle would lean to the driver's side or at least level out on an empty tank. However, this never happens. The lean is always 1/2" to the passenger side, no matter if the tank is full or empty-ish.
-As discussed elsewhere in the forums, the springs are apparently designed with different rates to accommodate the weight disparity caused by the gas tank.
Next week, I am taking my Wrangler to a second dealership for another opinion, although I'm prepared for a similar story.
While the whole gas-tank-balancing theory sounds good, I really doubt that a modern vehicle would be designed this way and suspect that there is something wrong with the suspension, frame, or goodness knows what other "Jeep thing." Just curious if others have experienced the same issue with their Wranglers or have any advice. I will probably install a Clayton lift kit in the near future, but until then, just trying to solve this mystery amid the dealership's dubious theories. Thanks in advance for any feedback and happy Jeepin'!Sponsored
