springs and shackles don't look right

[callerys]

I'm new the forum. Picked up this 84 CJ about 2 mos ago and it has a few quirks but seems to drive fine other than suspension popping when turning.

I noticed the other day when it was parked in the drive that things didn't look quite right. I'm trying to figure out if it's something with the frame and being bent or the shackles and springs are out of whack. The bumper is bent slightly in on the passenger side. I've attached a pic. I'd like to get your opinions on this and if I should take to a frame shop or if it looks normal.

Thanks

 

[dunebuggy18]

Hmmm... Need some better pictures showing the frame and spring shackles, etc., but it looks like the shackles are bowed out, at least on the passenger side. Could be several things, but it deserves closer inspection! Could be worn out shackle or spring bushings, or could be worse (bent/cracked frame). Bushings is the most likely, but CJ's are prone to cracks in the frame from stress - Especially when stressed from worn components and/or rough use. My '73 suffered from that... Gives us some detailed pics and that are a few veterans on the Forum that can help point you in the right direction!

 

[callerys]

Here are the passenger side ones

 

[callerys]

More passenger ones

 

[callerys]

Drivers Side:

 

[callerys]

More Drivers side

 

[jasonmark1993]

Not sure if its an optical illusion or what but it seems like the pass side shackle is tweaked up the same amount as the bumper; like maybe the frame has a little tweak in it?

Pictures can do that though.

You could always park on a flat surface and take measurements from the frame in a couple places. Although I don't feel too confident in the precision on my CJ frame.

 

[tarry99]

I'm new the forum. Picked up this 84 CJ about 2 mos ago and it has a few quirks but seems to drive fine other than suspension popping when turning.

I noticed the other day when it was parked in the drive that things didn't look quite right. I'm trying to figure out if it's something with the frame and being bent or the shackles and springs are out of whack. The bumper is bent slightly in on the passenger side. I've attached a pic. I'd like to get your opinions on this and if I should take to a frame shop or if it looks normal.

Thanks

I think you need to get the Jeep on level ground...........looking at the picture the right side frame seems to be going in a different direction than the angle of the front housing.
While its on the ground look at the angle of the front shackles on both sides....you may need to use a digital level..............that will tell you perhaps if a spring has lost its lift and increased length.
I don't see anything else of interest in the pictures, it looks like the bushings are all in good shape but check them.
Springs may be the problem............but it could be a similar issue on the rear suspension that's twisting your frame. get it on level ground and start crawling around under the Jeep and take measurements.

 

[Kane]

To me, the fenders line up to the top of the tires so that tells me the body is not leaning. the front bumper looks pretty tweaked upward on the passenger side. If it was classic Jeep lean the body and frame would lean together but it does not. I think you have some bad frame bending going on there.

 

[jasonmark1993]

It must just be from the shackles forward though; which wouldn't surprise me since that was where I found my only frame crack. Otherwise the body be leaning as well (mounts are on the frame).

 

[callerys]

Hopefully not the frame. I will measure. What would be good areas to measure against?

 

[jasonmark1993]

Id go off the frame right behind the bumper on both sides to the ground.

Then off the upper shackle bolt or where the shackle mounts to the frame to the ground.

 

[tarry99]

Hopefully not the frame. I will measure. What would be good areas to measure against?

You need to go back and read #8 again.........Get the Jeep on level ground. Make sure your air pressure is the same all the way around. Hopefully you have the same size tires on all 4 corners. Anything in the Jeep that would make it heavy on one side should be moved to the center or taken out or at least accounted for weight wise.
Measure from your frame rails to the ground side to side in the exact same place on each side. Do the rear the same way. Make a drawing and record the measurements on a piece of paper. Do the same on your body side / side front to rear.
]U]Again Level Ground![/U] This should give you a pretty good picture of what the difference's are and where they are...........
Now look at your front shackles from the side between the bumper and the tire. They will be angled forward a little. Its Important that both sides and angles are close. If one is further forward then that spring on that side should look like it is flatter (not as much arch) as compared to the other side. Do the same on the Rear..........as the spring loose's its arch or tension it grows in length but also loose's it ability to hold up the vehicle.
I don't think you have a bent frame but maybe some old springs.
Take your time and the picture of your problem with these difference will show up.