Need to understand torsion bars

GMC4Zee · July 5, 2023

I have a '21 GMC 3500. It has the "snow plow" front suspension. So when I am towing the front end stays a little high. Can the torsion bars be adjusted to drop the front end by maybe 1/2 inch so that I may be more level when towing. I know an option would be going to a lighter bar but that is an expensive option. I don't mind if I have a little rake on the truck when not towing. So is there room to adjust? I know some crank them up for tire clearance. So will bringing them down accomplish my goal?

GMC4Zee · July 7, 2023

Wow, 78 views and no answers. Guess I have a tough one.

Joe97281 · July 7, 2023

Yes. The design provides for a range of adjustments.

Silverado4x4 · July 7, 2023

On 7/5/2023 at 6:13 PM, GMC4Zee said:

I have a '21 GMC 3500. It has the "snow plow" front suspension. So when I am towing the front end stays a little high. Can the torsion bars be adjusted to drop the front end by maybe 1/2 inch so that I may be more level when towing. I know an option would be going to a lighter bar but that is an expensive option. I don't mind if I have a little rake on the truck when not towing. So is there room to adjust? I know some crank them up for tire clearance. So will bringing them down accomplish my goal?

Yeah you can drop them down the problem is if you do that the front is going to bottom out on the upper travel bumpstops and you will feal a jolt when the front hits a dip in the road etc and the ride will suffer so the best thing for you to do is put air bags on the rear axle to raise the rear when towing heavy, I would not recommend dropping the front. Crawl under the truck and look and the bumpstops and there is only about 1/2" or so between the "A" arm frame and the rubber bumpstop and you will see what I mean.

Edited July 7, 2023 by Silverado4x4

MTU Alum · July 7, 2023

I recommend not dropping the front as well. You will start riding on jounce bumpers all the time.

#iworkforGM

64BAwagon · July 7, 2023

14 minutes ago, MTU Alum said:

I recommend not dropping the front as well. You will start riding on jounce bumpers all the time.

#iworkforGM

Third vote for not messing with the front.

To the O.P. What load are you carrying on your 3500 and how much squat are we talking ?

I have a 2024 3500 crew std box gas engine that I tow a 36 ft fifth wheel with. My truck has plenty of payload for this trailer but I do still get a little less than 2" squat with it on.

Edited July 7, 2023 by 64BAwagon

GMC4Zee · July 8, 2023

On 7/7/2023 at 8:37 AM, 64BAwagon said:

Third vote for not messing with the front.

To the O.P. What load are you carrying on your 3500 and how much squat are we talking ?

I have a 2024 3500 crew std box gas engine that I tow a 36 ft fifth wheel with. My truck has plenty of payload for this trailer but I do still get a little less than 2" squat with it on.

It's not the fact that I have too much squat ,its that the front end being so stiff it lifts a little when trailer is loaded. I have about 2" or less of rear end squat. I have sumo springs and Bilstein shocks on the rear. My trailer pin weight is about 2500lbs. Maybe my best answer is to get the lighter torsion bars for the front or start pigging out and put on 200lbs!

Another JR · July 8, 2023

Is your pin located behind the rear axle?

GMC4Zee · July 10, 2023

I dont have it hooked up right now so cant answer that. I have an Andersen hitch so its supposed to be over the rear axle. If its not then its close. I see your thinking that if its too far behind it will offset the load on the front. The only way I could change that location would be an offset ball for my bed mount.