Torsion bars 2000 1500

[jffmaz]

New here. Also new to me my 2000 Silverado 4x4 z71 stepside truck, 5.3L auto, LT.

I have been considering torsion lift kits, slid underneath the truck this morning, and have a few questions:

 

1)There seems to be very little room between the bottom out bumpers and the control arm, maybe just enough to get my finger inbetween. Is this normal?

2) the torsion bars in the control arms don't appear to fit tight, I can see light around the flats on the bar and flats in the contol arm. Is this normal?

3) If the bars are a little weak (its aligned good, but seem low to me) - has anyone tried swapping bars from pass to drivers side and drivers to pass side to take advantage of the twist in the bar? Are the bars interchangeable for each side?

4) Anyone know a what a stock ride height should be in the front, and how to measure it?

Like I said, truck is new to me, 185,000 seems to be very well taken care of, very clean in and out.

Any help is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[newdude]

The bump stop clearance seems about right for stock.

 

Not sure on the fitting tight deal, never paid attention myself as to how they sit in the lower a-arms.

 

The bars are side specific. The left and rights twist opposite each other.

 

Best way to check if the ride height is in spec is a Z Height or trim height measurement:

 

 

Trim Height Measurements

Trim height is a predetermined measurement relating to vehicle ride height. Incorrect trim heights can cause bottoming out over bumps, damage to the suspension components and symptoms similar to wheel alignment problems. Check the trim heights when diagnosing suspension concerns and before checking the wheel alignment.

Perform the following before measuring the trim heights:

1. Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface, such as a alignment rack.
2. Remove the alignment rack floating pins.
3. Set the tire pressures to the pressure shown on the certification label. Refer to Vehicle Certification Label in General Information.
4. Check the fuel level. Add additional weight if necessary to simulate a full tank.
5. Make sure the rear compartment is empty except for the spare tire.
6. Close the doors and hood.

Z Height Measurement

Important: K models only the Z height must be adjusted before the alignment.

The Z height dimension measurement determines the proper ride height for the front end of the vehicle. Vehicles equipped with torsion bars use a adjusting arm in order to adjust the Z height dimension. Vehicles without torsion bars have no adjustment and could require replacement of suspension components.

Important: All dimensions are measured vertical to the ground. Cross vehicle Z heights should be within 12 mm (0.47 in) to be considered correct.

1. Place hand on the front bumper and jounce the front of the vehicle. Make sure that there is at least 38 mm (1.5 in) of movement while jouncing.
2. Allow the vehicle to settle into position.
4. Measure from the pivot bolt center line (2) down to the lower corner (5) of the steering knuckle (1) in order to obtain the Z height measurement (4).
5. Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.
6. Use the highest and the lowest measurements to calculate the average height.
7. The true Z height dimension number is the average of the highest and the lowest measurements. Refer to Trim Height Specifications.

1. For vehicles without torsion bars, replace damaged or worn components as necessary.

Z Height Adjustment For vehicles equipped with a torsion bar suspension turn the bolt (1) that contacts the torsion arm clockwise to raise the and counterclockwise to lower the height adjustment. One revolution of the bolt (1) into the nut increases the Z height by approximately 6.0 mm (0.2 in).

 

 

They allow for 110–122 mm (4.3–4.8 in) measurement with a preferred measurement of 4.5 in. An alignment shop would be your best bet for measuring this properly. Chances are if they can't adjust the bars to get the front into trim height specs, then you may have weak torsion bars.

[jffmaz]

Thanks, I just looked in my service manual (picked up the set of original Service Manuals for the 99 model on ebay for 30 shipped!!!!!

I see where it says what you quoted. Going out to check it out.

Still curious about the fit of the torsion bars into the control arm. Seem suspicious to me, like the clearances would be alot tighter. If my ride height is low, this may be the cause (if it isn't supposed to be that sloppy.)

Next would be to see if my control arms are the wrong ones or torsion bars, need to look for part # on them.

If anyone gets under their 4x4 truck, take a look and see if you see slop.

If I can figure out how to do it, I will try to post a picture.

thanks again for the help.

[jffmaz]

 

Here is what slop I am talking about. Does this look normal? I mean I know its not going to twist in there, but really?

[gmtech4]

Normal , don't over think this please

 

Drive truck man

[jffmaz]

Thanks, just what I needed

[BlackZ71Silverado]

Everything looks fine in the pictures. I had a 2000 single cab Z71 4x4 and the front end sat pretty low, that's how GM designed them. You can always raise the front end if you're not happy with the height.

 

Good luck & Enjoy your truck.

 

 

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