Frame / Springs: My 1948 Champion is leaning...

[Ted 1958]

Hi... I have recently purchased my first Studebaker! A 1948 Champion Starlite. She runs fine, handles fine, however, I noticed she lists to the port side a bit. I did some measuring and the drivers side is exact 1" lower than the passenger side. Should I be concerned? Ted

[thunderations]

I had this problem with a 65 Lincoln a few years ago. Spring specialists suggested that it's usually the rear leaf spring that causes it. You can jack the frame up a little at a time from the side just in front of the rear wheel and see if that levels the car.
If it does, pull that spring off and take it apart to see if a leaf has broken and replace it. It might be easier to just replace both rear springs with new or rebuilt. Check all the bushings in the springs for totally worn out ones and replace anything needed.
On my Lincoln the spring was just weak and an extra top leaf, minus the eyes for mounting, was added. Car rode as level as could be.
If jacking a corner won't level the car, you could be looking at a bent or rusted weak frame.
Good luck.

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

On these cars with a cross mounted front leaf spring you would want to inspect that very carefully for a broken or weak leaf, or excessive internal friction.

[Blue 15G]

I'm no expert on this model but I recall reading years ago in TW that a lack of proper greasing of these front springs (?) can cause the problem you're describing. I'm sure someone more familiar with this era of Studebaker will know for sure.

[6hk71400]

I'm no expert on this model but I recall reading years ago in TW that a lack of proper greasing of these front springs (?) can cause the problem you're describing. I'm sure someone more familiar with this era of Studebaker will know for sure.

I believe many years ago Earle Haley addressed this problem in the Co-operator. As the front spring was ignored on greasing and service, what Earle mentioned was placing a penny at the end of the springs when lubricated. On any of the two 48 Commanders I owned I never had this problem but I have seen some of the Champions that seemed to lean.

Earle worked for Studebaker and helped write the service manuals back in the 40's and 50's. Bob Palma owns his last car, 1964 Daytona 4 door. I will I could remember which Turning Wheels issue that was in but I have given so many older issues to new members that I don't have the collection I used to have.

Bob Miles
Different by Design
Different by Delight!

[jclary]

Think about it...these cars are now 70 years old. Many of the components could even be older than the assembly date. My '48 tends to lean to the driver's side. But, it is a Business Coupe. Probably mostly driven with only one occupant (driver). In addition to the driver's weight, the battery is on the same side, and for convenience, probably most cargo carried behind the seat was placed on the same side. So, for all these years, it is the driver's side that gets the unbalanced load. I probably should get mine out, park it on the level and measure the ground clearance on all four corners.

Many times, in my youth, I recall older folks talking about never leaving a pickup loaded overnight to keep the springs from sagging. I admit that I have violated that idea a lot.

[Jeffry Cassel]

Had a similiar issue with my 61 Hawk. Had a bit of a list to port. Figured it was because the original owner was a big fat Texas sheriff. So I replaced all the springs and now it is better but if you look close it still does lean a little to the left.