Driver side one inch lower than passenger. Why?

[cliffw2000]

Hi all. New member here and new to 4Runners. I just bought a 98 Limited 2wd and some how did not notice that the entire driver side is exactly one inch lower than the passenger side.

Any ideas?

My neighbor (he restores cars) said it was the front strut.

It was in a minor accident. Has some scratches in the paint on the fender flares and a hole in the wheel well like the strut bolt did it.

Thanks,

 

[JeremyH]

Cliff, it is quite possible that your front strut was damaged in the accident. It's best to check out everything up there. Look for signs of a leaking shock.

 

[cliffw2000]

Would that be the shock or the spring part? Could that make the back lower also?

 

[JeremyH]

It could be either. Most likely your spring was damaged, but I would replace both parts of the strut.

The frount should not be negatively affecting the rear? Is the back sagged as well? Same side?

 

[004Gunner]

Hi all. New member here and new to 4Runners. I just bought a 98 Limited 2wd and some how did not notice that the entire driver side is exactly one inch lower than the passenger side.

Any ideas?

My neighbor (he restores cars) said it was the front strut.

It was in a minor accident. Has some scratches in the paint on the fender flares and a hole in the wheel well like the strut bolt did it.

Thanks,

The driver side is typically lower than the passenger side due to stock suspension setup and the fact that the fuel tank is on the driver side. IIRC it should not be off by 1 inch though, I think the norm is half inch so I would look into replacing springs.

 

[JeremyH]

IIRC it should not be off by 1 inch though

I didn't think it would be off at all. OME makes their drivers side spring a bit taller and I would assume that Toyota would do the same as well. Maybe I am incorrect though...

 

[shawnstcyr]

The driver side is typically lower than the passenger side due to stock suspension setup and the fact that the fuel tank is on the driver side. IIRC it should not be off by 1 inch though, I think the norm is half inch so I would look into replacing springs.

I agree. A full gas tank puts a lot of weight on the driver's side. I have all new lift springs and shocks. It still sets lower on that side. Almost 3/4 inch.

 

[Nuke]

When I had the dealer install new shocks on my 3rd gen, they re-installed the passenger side with the spring seated incorrectly, causing that side to sit about an inch or more higher. They had to re-do the install on that side.

Compare how the springs seat on both sides, top and bottom, and see if they match. It's possible the previous owner never noticed if and when he replaced his front shocks

 

[cliffw2000]

It could be either. Most likely your spring was damaged, but I would replace both parts of the strut.

The frount should not be negatively affecting the rear? Is the back sagged as well? Same side?

Yes both front and back.

The passenger hight is; Front - 5"
Back - 5 1/2"

The Driver side hight is; Front - 4"
Back - 4 1/2"

Measurements are from top of tire to bottom of fender flare.

 

[cliffw2000]

Yes both front and back.

The passenger hight is; Front - 5"
Back - 5 1/2"

The Driver side hight is; Front - 4"
Back - 4 1/2"

Measurements are from top of tire to bottom of fender flare.

Update the Driver front is only 3 3/4". The rest are correct.

I am going to take it to a shop but don't want to be ignorant of the possible issues.

That's why I am asking for help here.

I am somewhat mechanical. I have just never done anything with suspensions.

 

[bgmac]

Wel, if you decide to replace the springs...I have a set from my 98 that I could sell you. Depending on your 4runners mileage, it might be a good idea to replace the shocks as well.