Torsion Bars/ What are they?

["350Vortec"]

I always hear my friends say there going to crank there torsion bars to lift the truck a bit, But are there any bad side effects to doing this? And where in the world are they located? My truck always sat a little low in front and i would love to lift it a bit.

[Sepiroth]

The torsion bars are what is used in place of springs. The torsion bars control ride height as well as some bounce.

[JKmotorsports]

The torsion bars are a type of spring that twists rather than compresses like coil springs do. They attach to a crossmember on one end towards the middle of the vehicle and the other end slips into an opening on the control arms. Just like coil and leaf springs, they lose their stiffness after time and can start to sag.

[jmildoc]

the only side effect is that you will need an alignment and just dont go over 2" hence my 2" front end lift. or just get ford keys which i still plan on doing

["350Vortec"]

Did you notice a difference in the way it rode? and what tools do you need?

[96ProCompTahoe]

the ride gets stiffer as you crank them up. i haven't touched mine yet but its just tightening the bolts on the cross member if im not mistaken.

[bowtiefreak]

One thing not to overlook when cranking with new keys or stock....the CV angles when they get too steep they break in 4x4. IFS is very weak on the 1/2 ton trucks so be careful.

[Grebbler]

Torsion Bar Tips:

Jack up the front and let the wheels hang to relieve some stress off the bolts before adjusting them.

Scribe or paint the bolt heads so you can measure how far you turn them.

Squirt bolt threads and key cup (where end of the bolt contacts the key) with oil or rust buster so you don't strip the threads.

Each side may not have equal threads showing so don't panic.

Drivers side usually sags lower than passenger side and may need more cranking.

1 turn = about 1/4 inch height change (I think).

Although there is a dealer approved method to measure and adjust the front height correctly, most folks measure from the wheel well to the street with measuring tape running over the center of the wheel/spindle.

Do your adjustments on flat level pavement or alignment rack.

After adjusting, drive around a bit to settle the suspension and re-check.

Adjust with a full tank of gas.

The bolts use an 18 MM socket. ?


Did I miss anything, guys?

[bowtiefreak]

Sounds about right. With the penetrating spray, let it sit for a while. Over night is good and a few sprays may make your life easier.

[Redman7]

O.K. using the road to the wheel well method, does anyone know the stock height number for a 99' 4x4?

Red

[bowtiefreak]

It will vary a bit depending on the tire size that came on the truck, fender flares and so on. My truck sat at least an inch taller than other trucks when it was stock

[blackhoe02]

can this be done to lower the truck too? my buddy told me i could lower it with the torsion bar and then put drop blocks on the back?

[EpicRasta]

can this be done to lower the truck too? my buddy told me i could lower it with the torsion bar and then put drop blocks on the back?

I have the same question. My truck sits pretty high and i'd like to lower the center of gravity a little. I have a '94 4x4...any thoughts??

[bowtiefreak]

To lower the back you need new springs or new shackles...blocks with out an axle flip will lift it up. as for lowering the front. New keys and uncrank the bolts and that should do it. Poor 4x4 though.

[992door]

For lowering it you can get i think the keys out NBS 3/4 which are purple keys and swap them for yours and I believe that should lower it

[sparg93]

Bowtie - your comment:

"One thing not to overlook when cranking with new keys or stock....the CV angles when they get too steep they break in 4x4. IFS is very weak on the 1/2 ton trucks so be careful. "

Is there a way to strengthen? Is it weak for driving on the street, mild offroading or only weak for serious offroaders?

I'm trying to gauge just how careful I have to be when I lift my truck.

[96ProCompTahoe]

if you don't crank them way up, highway and mild offroad shouldn't hurt them. if you are taking it out to beat the hell out of it, you run the risk of breaking it either way.

[bowtiefreak]

^^yeah, the CJ joints bind and break when they are at extreme angles. I want to say 35* or so

[bradmps]

how do you crank the keys?
sorry i am extremely new and want to level out the front end of my tahoe

where are they located?

[low4x4]

Torsion bars are the best!

[quietfly]

definitely be careful! but odds are if you do*serous* off roading they will beak anyway

[T-Bagg]

Bowtie - your comment:

"One thing not to overlook when cranking with new keys or stock....the CV angles when they get too steep they break in 4x4. IFS is very weak on the 1/2 ton trucks so be careful. "

Is there a way to strengthen? Is it weak for driving on the street, mild offroading or only weak for serious offroaders?

I'm trying to gauge just how careful I have to be when I lift my truck.

https://www.rcvperformance.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=36

This is how I fixed my weak CV problem.

[quietfly]

https://www.rcvperformance.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=36

This is how I fixed my weak CV problem.

yeah but at about 1k total.....

[T-Bagg]

yeah but at about 1k total.....

You can break weaker CV's over and over again and end up paying 1K total over time any ways. Or you can pay 1K at once and not have to worry about it any more. It's like an investment. I got tired of breaking CV's so I upgraded.

[Bobster]

How much can I lower my 1999 4wd Yukon with the "KEYS"?

2" would be great. I can live with less if needed. Still want to pull my camper. Thanks, Bob

[stuntmanray385]

how do you crank the keys?
sorry i am extremely new and want to level out the front end of my tahoe

where are they located?


yea! the posts would help if we had some pictues or something to go by. i want to lower the front of mine about an inch. its a 96 2 door 4wd

[99Yuk]

yea! the posts would help if we had some pictues or something to go by. i want to lower the front of mine about an inch. its a 96 2 door 4wd

The short answer is:
Look under your truck until you see these bolts. One bolt for each side of the truck.

Shorter amount of thread left = higher/lifted ride.
http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1217&pictureid=9426

Longer amount of thread showing = lower ride.
http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=1217&pictureid=9425

The long answer is:
There are other threads around here that give the exact procedures about adjusting TB's. Might need to use the SEARCH button. I'm too lazy to do it for you right now! :D



BTW: before I get flamed again for the rust, I just bought a quart of por15 this morning. I'm gonna experiment around with it maybe this weekend.

[SunlitComet]

It's okay your Canadian.

[stuntmanray385]

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/59/lowerd.jpg/

i did it!!!!! i found the bolts last night and lowerd the front end of my truck about 2 inches...now she hits the corners smooth!

[bowtiefreak]

Ray, make sure you get an alignment.....You need to after altering the height

[stuntmanray385]

Ray, make sure you get an alignment.....You need to after altering the height

yea i noticed that today...i like how she hits the corners with less body roll...i like it. im thinking of adding air shocks in the back so i can adjust it when i want.