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!