Adjusting Torsion Bar

Hayers27 · September 3, 2021

So a friend told me about adjusting my torsion bar for a free lift in the front of my Sierra. I jacked it up a little tires weren’t off the ground and I got an impact and went to town. Then I was reading how you shouldn’t max them out and you should soak them with pb blaster before and so on. I’m just wondering if I could have messed anything up. I drove about a half mile and noticed that the right side was lower then left. So I grabbed the impact again and turned in maybe a half turn and measured and it’s level now. But I forgot to jack it up that time. It raised the truck about 2” in front maybe a little more cause previous owner had them all the way out.
Question 1- Chance I messed anything up? If so what should I look for?

Question 2- Should I lower the bolts a little bit so they aren’t all the way up?

asilverblazer · September 3, 2021

Is the front level from side to side?

The downsides of any torsion bar lift are decreased suspension droop. Increased angles on the ball joints and cv shafts.

The decrease in suspension droop will have an immediate impact on ride quality.

The increase in suspension geometry angles will only be seen as increased wear over time.

If you are OK with those two negatives then the only remaining requirement is an alignment. Your front tires are now "toe in".

Based on how much it sounds like you cranked the bolts, you are probably maxed out - the upper a-arms are probably pushed down on their stops. If so, there is no suspension droop in the front.

Edits...

Question 1: Not likely.

Question 2: I would lower it so that it's about 1" of lift from factory.

I doubt the previous owner "had them all the way out", that was probably factory. Unless the previous owner specifically lowered the front... and the only time I've seen that done intentionally is in "tractor pulling". (Condolences if so.)

Edited September 3, 2021 by asilverblazer

Hayers27 · September 3, 2021

Okay I’m getting an alignment done right now. It was not even when I measured so I did a little cranking and uncranking and got it as level as I could and took it to alignment shop.