turn torsion bars or get leveling kit?

kdeerman · August 29, 2014

I have a 2006 Sierra that I need to level. Have been looking online at leveling kits, but guys at work say I am wasting my money, to just turn up torsion bars. What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this. I know one advantage is the price.

Thanks

TooTall1 · August 29, 2014

A leveling kit is just aftermarket keys that are indexed differently to allow you to crank your torsion bars further. You may be able to level it by cranking your stock keys. The most important thing is not to exceed lifting the front more than 2.5" with stock or leveling keys or you start creating CV and ball joint angle issues as well as limiting your suspension travel. Contrary to what some may tell you, leveling keys do not help with these issues.

servantsalesmen · August 29, 2014

How will it affect ride quality and suspension travel?

gmtech4 · August 29, 2014

You need an alignment after adjusting (messing up) the "Z" height ,

If you're going to do it , raise tire off the ground ,, lube threads of adjusting bolt and turn it

06pirate · August 30, 2014

I have an '06 Sierra SLT 4x4 X-Cab, turned my torsion bars up an inch or so about three years ago, realigned, all OK. No issues here.

As far as I know..............

kdeerman · August 30, 2014

As Servantsalesman asked, How will it affect ride quality and suspension travel?

Thanks.

06pirate · August 31, 2014

As Servantsalesman asked, How will it affect ride quality and suspension travel?

Thanks.

For me, no noticeable difference, but then I didn't go very far.

TooTall1 · August 31, 2014

Depends on how far you crank. If you're reasonable and don't go more than 2"-2.5" you shouldn't notice more than a firmer ride. Beyond that and you start limiting your downward travel and the ride will suffer. you will also have CV and ball joint angle issues if you crank more than the recommended 2"- 2.5". And contrary to what some believe, leveling keys don't help with any of the issues, they only make it possible to crank your torsion bars more, but increase the problems.

chupe442 · August 31, 2014

Your ride will be a bit stiffer pretty much any time you crank the bars beyond stock. Its not terrible but it will noticeable. Most guys will just crank the bars and live with it (after an alignment).

kdeerman · September 1, 2014

OK, Thanks.

Bama_Medic · September 7, 2014

ok after much reading on this subject I plan on doing the cranking the torsion bars to get my truck level. Only wanting between 2.25 and 2.5 inches. how far will I have to crank them to get the 2.5 inch lift? any idea?

chupe442 · September 7, 2014

Give a few turns (by hand), get out from under the truck and give it a measure (repeat).. Count your turns, so that the other side will match the side you just did. On the first side, go up approx to 1.75" as the second side will bring it up a bit as well.