Proper T-bar rasing technique

[Sierra89]

there are alot of posts on cranking the torsion bars, but what is the safest and best way to do it? I plan on cranking mine up about an 1'' on the weekend and want to make sure i don't damage anything or myself!! thanks

[Shaners]

I cranked mine about 3/4" with the truck on the ground and the wheels pointing straight.

 

Just crank, then drive, then recheck your measurements because things will change slightly once you put a few miles on your truck...

[hcvone]

I could not lift mine enough with the stock keys, I installed the FORD keys and then had the truck aligned after I was happy with the height.

[sonjaab]

SIERRA.........

 

Jack up the front end to take the weight off.

 

Mark torsion bar bolt heads and crossmember for a reference point.

(In case ya mess up or want to go back to stock....Remember to

count the amount of turns !)

 

Turn bolt head clockwise to raise

Counterclockwise to lower (count the amount of turns!)

 

Set back on ground measure or adjust if necessary !

NOTE: Drivers side should be a bit higher than right side

because of driver weight and gas tank weight...If it matters to you!

[asepgrad98]

1. lay on ground with 18mm socket and ratchet

2. turn bolt (you dont have to lift truck)

3. profit

[03 GMC]

Lifting the front end will make it easier to turn the bolts. I would suggest writing down the fender measurements and how far you turn each bolt just for reference.

[Quadrasteer]

When would you want to do this? Is it a higher mileage maintaince item? Are you bringing it back to factory spec or just adding some height? It would seem that if you go past the spec you would need to get an alignment to avoid tire wear.

[Shaners]

It would seem that if you go past the spec you would need to get an alignment to avoid tire wear.

You are absolutly right!!! It will change your alignment, and I would recommend an aligment after the T-Bar crank is done...

 

Some will still fall into spec depending on the factory set-up and how much you torque the bars, but others will need aligned, so it should be checked.

[Quadrasteer]

There is a link with an article on this subject at http://mct.truckmoxie.com/

[sonjaab]

GUYS.....I crank up my bars every winter to allow more ground clearance

because I carry around a snowplow all winter.

 

I keep track of how many turns. I have the bolt head and crossmember punch

marked for reference.

 

I turn them back down evey summer when the plow comes off.

 

I have never had a alignment done or any front end problems or tire wear.

 

........geo