Cranked T-Bars

tps0424 · March 19, 2003

I had my t-bars cranked to raise the front of the truck just over an inch today. I didn't want to go higher because I didn't know how I'd like the way it rode, drove, looked, etc. I have got to say I can't believe an inch makes so much of a difference.

With the crew cab and long bed, I thought that an inch would make very little difference but I wanted to try it. I'm really glad I did. The truck looks so much more masculine now. Less like a car with a bed and more like a real truck!

I never would have known of this mod if I hadn't read about it here so 'Thanks!'

Frank S · March 19, 2003

It definitely gives the trucks a more aggressive look.

Be sure to get that front end aligned now to avoid tire and suspension component wear.

May 12, 2003

tps,

Could you tell me where "exactly" to crank the t-bars

thanks in advance

Troy

steppetoe · May 12, 2003

I had my t-bars cranked to raise the front of the truck just over an inch today. I didn't want to go higher because I didn't know how I'd like the way it rode, drove, looked, etc. I have got to say I can't believe an inch makes so much of a difference.
With the crew cab and long bed, I thought that an inch would make very little difference but I wanted to try it. I'm really glad I did. The truck looks so much more masculine now. Less like a car with a bed and more like a real truck!

I never would have known of this mod if I hadn't read about it here so 'Thanks!'

So you found out how much more masculine you look with an extra inch? I guess those cheesy ads on the free porn links really are telling the truth then.

Charlie in TX · May 12, 2003

tps,

Could you tell me where "exactly" to crank the t-bars

thanks in advance

Troy

PP, First grab a 18mm socket/ratchet.

Get on a creeper.

Slide under at the front door, head towards the front.

Look foward to the front wheel, follow the lower 'A' arm to it's pivot point.

From the pivot point follow the pipe (about 1 1/4 in dia) to under the front door. They stop on a cross member near the back of the front door.

At the cross member there is a bolt with an 18mm head. Turn it clockwise and count the number of turns.

Repeat on the otherside. Put in the same number of turns on both sides.

On my truck, 1 turn raised my truck 1/8 in. 8 turns for an inch. Your milage may vary.

MarkD · May 12, 2003

Here

awdvkd · May 12, 2003

Always take the weight off the torsion bars before you start cranking on them!!!! Just jack the front end off the ground. :thumb:

May 16, 2003

Thanks guys,

I cranked the TB's 2 full turns and gained about a 1/2" on each side. Did not want to turn any further. One thing I noticed is that I had more threads on the driverside key than on the passenger side key? This kind of bothers me because I just ordered the green keys so that I can gain more lift. Once the green keys are installed, do I try and keep the adjusting bolts the same as they are now?

Thanks

PP

BadBowtie · May 16, 2003

I would say adjust the bolts so that the truck sits level from side to side. As long as it is how you want it, then it doesnt matter how they relate to one another.

-John

gizzgm · May 16, 2003

Anyone got a before and after pic for about an inch of lift from the TB adjustment? Curious to see the difference. How's the ride afterwards? Stiffer? It's already pretty stiff on my 2500HD so i'd hate to add much more.

May 16, 2003

Here's a before and after picture that includes two full cranks on the torsion bars and new bfg 285's.

enjoy

PP

tps0424 · May 17, 2003

I haven't noticed any real difference in the way it rides. It rode like a truck before the bars were cranked and it rides like one now. What may make a difference is the wheelbase. Mine is so long that it may negate any additional stiffness from the cranking.

Mortgage Paul · May 17, 2003

very rarely do they end up even to get a level from side to side ride height. They arent even from the factory on most trucks.

SxViper · May 18, 2003

Ok is there anything bad about cranking up the t-bar. Does stuff wear out quicker? I have a 4x4 crew cab with the plow package. I don't put a plow on the truck(only truck I could find that had everything I wanted just one extra). My truck right now looks like it sits amlost even. Were do you guys measure from to see if the front is even with the back?

Thanks for any info.

BadBowtie · May 18, 2003

If you are on a perfectly leve driveway or parking lot you can measure straight up to the center of the fender from teh pavement, that is fairly accurate. Otherwise y ou could measure form teh center of the wheel to the top of the fender, that too can be difficult to center the tape measure perfectly with the rim...

-John