Cranking Torsion Bars

fennsz · May 5, 2003

I am cranking up my torsion bars to hope to level out my truck in the next couple of days. Do you suggest realigning the front end in doing this?

lrymal · May 5, 2003

I am cranking up my torsion bars to hope to level out my truck in the next couple of days. Do you suggest realigning the front end in doing this?

Possibly. You might do the alignment, or go to an alignment shop the specializes in a one-time alignment fee, with free alignment touch-ups afterwards, for the life of the truck. In other words, for the cost of a standard alignment, you could get free service throughout.

Several shops will do this, and even include free flat fixes, free tire rotation, and free balance throughout the vehicle's life. You just gotta pay the first service fee and that's it.

Another idea would be to go ahead and have that shop do the torsion cranking, and have them keep an eye on the alignment. Certainly would take away the "mystery" and the "unknown".

HillHound · May 5, 2003

Drive it around for a few days after you adjust the torsion bars before you take it in to get the alignment checked so that the front susupension can settle. Otherwise it may change and need re-aligned again in a few weeks.

cowboy02 · May 5, 2003

Or.................

If you still have the truck under waranty... Take it to your dealer and tell them you think the truck's alignment is off and have them check it under your waranty and fix it if it's off.

Bumper to bumper is just that....... Includes alignment in my mind..

fennsz · May 5, 2003

No more warranty, I thought about that.

Oh well? I'll drive it a bit and see if it did anything with the alignment or not.

BadBowtie · May 5, 2003

I would definately have it aligned, but I agree with Hillhound, Drive it around for a week or so (depending on the amount of driving you do in a week) and then take it to the shop.

-John

Ski-Dooman · May 6, 2003

Get it done. After cranking my toe was way off, camber was off as well as caster. 60$ is worth not having to buy another set of BFG's in a year.

fennsz · May 6, 2003

O.K. I crauled under my truck to crank them last night and the one side was cranked all the way and the other was half. the side that was cranked all the way still sat 3/4 of an inch lower than the other side.

What is up with that. I think I may be purchasing the Ford keys?

KMeloney · May 9, 2003

O.K. I crauled under my truck to crank them last night and the one side was cranked all the way and the other was half. the side that was cranked all the way still sat 3/4 of an inch lower than the other side.
What is up with that. I think I may be purchasing the Ford keys?

Same exact situation with my Tahoe. Yep, the Ford keys will solve that issue. Go for it -- my Tahoe looks 10,000,000 times better now that it's been leveled with the Ford keys.

:thumb:

-Kirk

fennsz · May 12, 2003

Does doing this add more wear and tear on you cvboots and parts up front? I have heard that it can put less life on the suspension parts up front...should I be concerned. I am one who keeps a vehicle until it dies. Is it a good idea to do this mod?

Taaaaaaahoe? · May 12, 2003

Not to sound dumb here, but Im new to the GM world!..>Just came from a Grand Cherokee.

What does tightening these bars do for you? and what are these bars for?

Thanks!!

MIke

rtbrick · May 12, 2003

You don't so much tighten as you adjust. The torsion bars are part of the front suspenison system (instead of having springs). They run from about the back of the cab (on extended cabs) through the lower control arms. Tension on the torsion bars is controlled by a torsion bar adjusting key. As someone else mentioned once, it kinda looks like a pork chop. It is tightened via a bolt and block setup. The bolt pushs against the point end of the torsion bar key (if you look at your truck you'll see all this). The more it is adjusted in, the more the front of the truck is raised. Stock Chevy keys allow for only so much adjustment and it seems that the specific amount varies from vehicle to vechicle. Installing a set of torsion bar keys from a 2000 Ford F150 (yes, they actually fit) will allow for greater adjustment. Most folks adjust to the point that the front of the truck is level with the rear or maybe just a touch below level. The new look is 1000 times better than stock , but the ride stiffens a bit. No big deal. I don't think anyone has not liked the change. Do a search on this site for Ford torsion bar keys or Ford keys. You will find a wealth of information on this subject.

fennsz · May 13, 2003

Ordered my keys this afternoon. should be in by Wed and on my truck by Saturday. I will post pics as soon as the mod is finished. Talked to a GM certified mechanic and he's done this on his last two trucks and recommends it, and doesn't see it ever posing a problem down the road for those of you who keep their trucks for the long haul like myself.