Torsion Bar Lift

[T Loz]

My brother has a 2006 Sierra SLT ECSB with only 60k on it. He wants to level the truck by adjusting the torsion bars. He has been told by qualified mechanics etc. that doing this will cause problems with the drivetrain. Has anyone done this and had problems? Thanks in advance.

 

Terry

[Matt_]

he should heed the advice of those qualified mechanics.

 

generally, anything under 2" of increased ride height is considered "safe". over that and you start running into issues really fast.

 

I personally would not recommend cranking the torsion bars further than 1.5" change in ride height.

 

also keep in mind that the higher you raise the front end via torsion bars, the more harsh the ride will be. the ride really starts going downhill after 1.5".

[[email protected]]

No, it want hurt it, but it will wear it out faster. keep an eye on the cv axles. Don't tighten em' too much or they'll ride shitty.

[Matt_]

and yeah, its not so much the "drivetrain"... the CVs are affected but its really the tie rods, balljoints, idler/pitman arms, etc that'll suffer

[[email protected]]

Matt, is that you?

[Matt_]

Matt, is that you?

 

?? yeah..

[[email protected]]

Matt, is that you?

 

?? yeah..

 

 

 

I don't think so!

[Matt_]

Matt, is that you?

 

?? yeah..

 

 

 

I don't think so!

 

 

care to clarify why you think that is?

 

remember theres a difference in leveling gmt800 and gmt900 trucks. my answers are specific to the suspension in question- torsion bars

[[email protected]]

Matt, is that you?

 

?? yeah..

 

 

 

I don't think so!

 

 

care to clarify why you think that is?

 

remember theres a difference in leveling gmt800 and gmt900 trucks. my answers are specific to the suspension in question- torsion bars

 

 

I'm just a post whore, let's say it was a bet by another site.

[oldmann]

Cranked mine Fromm 21 miles til 80000. It did fine. Got the free new truck alignment done right after I did it. First set of tires went 60+k

[the hammer]

Torsion bar crank = Rough Ride, new alignment, and wishing you left it alone and saved the money to put on a REAL LIFT KIT!!!!!!

 

Trust me, my steering gear started leaking due to torsion bar crank, and it is NOT cheap ($600 for the gear alone some places). Not to mention your cv angles and ball joints, pitman arm, etc.

 

The ride will just not be as good either.

 

Small height adjustment may be fine, but with some miles on her already, you may start to see problems fairly quickly. Just be prepared.....

[[email protected]]

I agree with the hammer as well, I cranked mine then decranked em' back down, for a really rough ride. It was horrible. So I just dropped the rear.

[shadetree25]

97 Z71. Had 93K when I got it. First weekend I clanked the TB'S. I measured from bumper to ground. Cranked up to add 3 in. At 129K I found out an explorer can stop faster than my Z71. Estimate to replace original bumper and other pieces at $1700. Installed front end replacement, Bull guard, at $750. This 200# unit lowered it back down one inch. I cranked TB'S back to 3" increase. I now have 290K. Never had alignment done.

I have only replaced the lower balljoints, 1 upper and two tierods. Use LOT'S of grease. original CV's.

I am thinking of purchasing my son's 03 Z71. he has 3" body lift and another 3" lift from TB keys. His has 120K on it. Had alignment done when keys installed.

It also has 35" M/T Baja Claws. Drives like a dream and ride is smooth as a Caddy.

[bruce0429]

I had a 2002 AV and cranked about 2" into it to level it and just sold it at 190K miles. The AV had a soft front end and I felt it improved the ride. I had replaced tie rod ends at about 170K and needed to replace the pitman. But the way I drove that truck cranked TB's or not I was gonna need those parts....