1940 Pontiac rear leaf question/problem.

I started working on my 1940 again after sitting since last fall, and one of the things to address was the fact that the left rear tire is about 2" ahead of the right one. Actually the right one is about 1/2" back because for left is that far forward.

I went to look at the center pin, thinking it was broken and it looks to be still good and centered.

The one thing that I noticed, is there is a "S" bracket at the back of the leaf w/ grease fittings on it. (there is a grease fitting for the front also). The right side, it's nice and high and tucked up by the frame. The left one is extended down about 2-3" lower than the other one, which would explain why the left is forward.

I put a floor jack under the arm to try and force it back up, and it won't budge, even with me jumping on the rear bumper while lifting against it (actually lifting the car at that point)

So, what do I need to do? Seems that the rear arm needs to raise up to align the backend, but I am missing something.

Thoughts?

Thanks!!

-Mark

 

BTT for the morning folks..

 

My 38 Pontiac has the same deal, the "s" bits are jacking points according to my manual, if it is siezed and wont move id say the rear shackle bushes are knackered. One of mine sits a tad higher than the other also, but doesnt seem to affect anything else and thats after i replaced the bushes. Hope this helps??????
Chris.

 

I'm just trying to figure out why my rear axle isn't straight, and that was the only thing that I found so far that is different between the sides.

 

btt, anyone have any suggestions? Original leaf springs with the covers on them, center pin looks good from the outside.

The only thing that looks wrong is that the rear arm is just about 3/4 of the way down and won't budge.

 

A picture of both sides would help.

I think a disassembe is in order here to get both sides the same.

Maybe frozen pins in the bushings?

 

Here are pics.

Right then left, right then left.

You can see how far down the arm is, and it's forcing that leaf forward on the left.

At least that is the way it looks.

 

Seems to make sense on the difference as the one hanger seems to be pulling the whole spring back and that pulls the rearend center line back.
Looks like the spring perches must be seized with the drivers a bit forward and the passengers pulled to the rear.
Should be able to balance it with new bushings that swing freely.

 

Yeah! greased them up really good and took it down the gravel driveway (1/4 mile) nice and fast. Once them them let loose and is nice and centered now..

Some more grease and a few more trips up and down that driveway!