fender looks to close to tire

[96explorerxlt]

hi i am new to this forum i hope someone can help me out here. i have a 96 explorer xlt and when you look at it from the side or front u can tell that its tilting more toward the left front tire, there is probably about a inch between the top of the tire and the fender. i read on a different website that because of the gas tank being on that side and the driver that the rear leaf spring would wear quicker on that side and to switch them. but to me i dont think thats the probably seeing how its more toward the front left and not the rear. if anyone has any imformation that would be helpful i would appreciate it, thanks

[mark v]

Maybe the torsion bar needs an adjustment, can you post pictures?

Welcome to the forum!

[ABE]

Hi explorer, Welcome to the forum. Your Explorer probably weighs more than 5,000 lbs and is rated to carry 1,500 lbs or more in addition. A full tank of gas weighs about 200 lbs and whatever you weigh, probably does not change the ride height of the left side at all.

You need to figure out if you have a body, body mount, frame or suspension problem. So first put the Explorer on a level place and ensure tires are at proper pressure.

1. Measure the height of the wheel arches on all four wheels from the ground;
2. Measure the height of the frame at the same places;
3. Compare side to side, if the frame height is the same but the wheel arch height is not then you have a body or body mount problem;
4. Check each of the body mounts, probably about 10, 2 in front and behind the front axle, 2 in middle of wheelbase and 2 in front of rear axle and 2 behind rear axle, but this is just a guess. Ensure they are in good shape and not bulging and cracked. Try to measure the distance from body to frame for each mount.
5. Note any significant side to side differences in the height the mounts hold the body from the frame. Possible rusted body or failed mount;
6. Now measure the suspension ride height at each wheel from the drive axle (or stub axle) to the top spring perch of the frame. On the rear you can use the suspension snub rubber mount.
7. Note any differences.
8. Note any damage or misalignment in the fenders and their mounting. You could perhaps confirm the distance from the top of the fender to the wheelarch is the same.
9. If your left (driver's side) front is indeed low then you need to jack the body or frame (where ever the problem is) to level the Explorer and confirm the measurements again. One low corner affects everything else.

That should tell you if there is any problem and where it is.

Hope this helps.