Need some help with Torsion bars

[Quibbs]

I really could use some help....

I just had 285/75 put on my 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 4x4 (not an HD). They are barely rubbing the plastic piece that hangs below the chrome part of the bumper (only on the new GMs). I am as mechanically inclined as a bowl of jello, actually, the edge would go to the jello, so, I need help. What do I need to adjust the torsion bars and where are they? I understand about there being a bolt I need to turn, I take it I will have to go under the truck, but what am I looking for. And where do I measure to make sure I get the truck level? .

Again, the place where the tire is rubbing is too visible to be trimmed, on the '03 GMCs the bumper is chrome on top, then its all black plastic below that. The only place the tires are rubbing, albeit on both sides, is the corner of that black plastic piece of the bumper. Maybe the torsion bar adjustment wouldn't help? Maybe I will have to trim? It looks like the tire is closer the the front bumper than the 245s were... I would take it to a dealer but, I bought the truck in a town 50 miles away, and it's still new, and you know how dealers can be about doing this sort of thing on a new truck that wasn't sold by them

So, can someone "walk" me through what I need to adjust on a 2003 to stop the rubbing?

 

Thanks,

Quibbs (soon to be known as clueless2)

[RyanbabZ71]

adjusting the torsion bars will take the front end up.  I dont think it will move the tire away from the front fascia (lower plastic part).  Your only solution will probably be to trim some of the plastic.

 

As for adjusting the torsion bars.  Go under your truck if you have your legs pointing towards the front you will see two bars running parallel to each other under the truck.  You will see a screw (18 or 19mm i believe).  I am looking for a pic it is hard to explain

[RyanbabZ71]

 

Its kinda hard to see but hopefully this helps

[RyanbabZ71]

[Quibbs]

What a bummer, any idea what is the best way to trim the fascia? We are talking a 1/4 of an inch that needs to be cut away on both sides. Suggestions on the best tool for the job?

 

Heck, I might just put the old tires back on...

 

Thanks for the reply,  it kind of reaffirmed what I was thinking I was going to have to do (trim).

 

Quibbs

[RyanbabZ71]

if its only a 1/4" you may wanna try a heat gun.

[Shotgun]

Quibbs if you are mechanicly impared as bad as you say,you may want to take it to an alignment shop and have them crank em for you,i'm sure they would be happy to do it and you could have your alignment check all in the same trip.......Gun

[Shaners]

Quibbs, as you follow the bars from the front to the rear of the truck, somewhere towards the rear of the cab you'll see the bolts.  Where that torsion bar is mounted in that cross member, you will see one bolt hanging straight down on each bar (one on eaither side of the truck for each bar).  Turn the bolts in several turns to lift the front of your truck.  Count your turns and make sure you do each side of the truck the same number of turns.  That should give you an inch or two of lift...

[Quibbs]

Thanks guys for all the help, this truly is one of the better (if not the best) board for GM trucks :thumb:

[Quibbs]

Well, I just can't bring myself to cut the fascia, so, I am going to sell my Nittos and go buy the 265 versions (have the 285s now). If anyone wants to save over 100$ on 4 brand new 285/75/16 Nittos drop me an email at: [email protected]

 

Quibbs