Frame twisted???

[static22]

I Have a 77 short bed (used to be long). Suspension is iffy at best, lowered old school except for rear has shackles. Original body bushings. Frame done by pro so I've eliminated shotty work as it "appeared twisted before the cutting. Very strong motor with no posi. Right side drive.

I think it could be a combo of the right side drive "pulling" the frame down over time as well as the iffy suspension causing the twist (right rear corner appears lower then left). I've seen other trucks look the same way but never asked. Looking to get to work again on it soon and need to get this corrected before any more body work and alignment can be done. Suspension is definately getting an overhaul along with new body bushings.

Any ideas on the frame issue or is it possible the twist will subside once the suspension and bushings are correct? I've got access to a frame machine but don't know if it would do much good with the suspension being highly suspect.

[Captkaos]

What is leaning?  The body and bed or?  How bad are you talking? 3/4" or 2"?
Take a few measurements from certain points on the frame to level ground, then take a few measurements from the body to the ground and compare.

Keep in mind that over time springs settle independently of each other so no truck ever made will sit level. 

[static22]

Measuring common points there is a 1/2" difference from the pass rear to the drivers rear. The front being measured at common points is within an 1/16" to 1/8" max of being the same. Measured the rear at common frame points and the rear wheel openings at the center using the axle center as my level point to help make sure I didn't have the measurement tilted to either direction.

Visually it appear the pass. rear corner of the bed is lower which is supported by my measurements. I'm still back to is it the frame, suspension or body bushings or possibly a combination of these. You are correct in that I have never seen one that appears the same but I want to get mine looking straight and not twisted.

[Captkaos]

If you are measureing from the body wheel opening to the ground and it is 1/2" difference, that is common.  That is spring sag.

[static22]

I hope your right. I wasn't looking forward to asking my buddy to use his frame machine even though he would do it.

That half inch looks like a foot once you mount the bed to the frame.

[Captkaos]

The frames on these trucks weren't designed to be rigid, they were designed to flex.  Get the bottom of the frame level with the ground and then measure to the ground.

[static22]

I've done that with the wheels on the ground so I would have the weight on the suspension and that is where I find the 1/2" difference. Are you thinking of a different way?