Chevy 1500 Torsion Key Adjustment bolts

CombatTalon2 · May 21, 2005

I have an 05 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, I adjusted my torsion bars today and found something i consider to be odd. The adjustment bolt on the left had about 6 threads to fully tight. The right side had about 11 threads? Is it normal for them to be uneven, the truck sits level, and it rides fine. Im just wondering if i need to have it looked at by the Dealership?

Thanks

Dustin

MrQuadrasteer · May 21, 2005

We go thru this so often- yes, that is perfectly normal. There are so many different tolerances at play that for the bolts to be even is coincidence.

It is also believed that both bolts need to be turned an EXACT amount, and that also is incorrect. My truck, for example, took 4~5 more FULL turns on one side than the other. It was unlevel from the factory.

The only way to properly go about this is to take measurements before and after and gauge the turns needed from that.

Again, it's been discussed several times, try a search. If you don't find it, let me know ;)

sonjaab · May 21, 2005

QUAD is correct............

1 bolt could have more thread showing than the other..............

I turn mine up and down winter/summer to allow more

ground clearance for my snowplow.

I have the bolt head and crossmember punch marked for

reference.

Clockwise to raise.........

Counterclockwise to lower.........................geo

jsted2 · May 23, 2005

When you adjust the torsion bolts does the truck need to be in the air or can it be done on the ground? I need to do this so my truck sits level. Also is there anything else involved in this procedure?

Shawn T · May 23, 2005

Personally, I would do it with the truck on level ground. This way the actual weight of the truck is on the bars. The bolts will be a little harder to turn but like previously mentioned the bolts may be turned a different number of times. You have the fuel tank and some driver side gadgets(steering column, etc.) that make the driver's side a little heavier. I would just adjust them until the measurement from the fender to the ground is the same on both sides disregaurding the length of extra bolt showing. Just turn them equal amounts. Measure the fender clearance and make adjustments to one bolt or the other accordingly Make sure to drive it around the block and recheck the measurements as the bars tend to settle in.

MrQuadrasteer · May 24, 2005

Don't do it with the weight on the bars.

Before you do anything, you need measurements. Park somewhere level. Measure from the hub center to the fender lip, the fender lip to the street (make sure all your tire pressures are equal) on both sides.

Take the weight off the front wheels, make your adjustments, put the truck back down. Roll it back 5-10' then back up to settle the suspension.

Measure again and take it from there.

Lots of people say they've done it with the weight on the wheels. To me, it stands the chance of stripping the bolt threads, grinds the end of the bolt into the key... There's a lot of weight resting on that 1/2" bolt.

Shawn T · May 24, 2005

After I read the last reply last night I layed under my truck to inspect the keys. They weren't even scratched. 3 turn is not going to grind them down. As you can see, my truck is an HD with the D/A. Gm does not make them any heavier. I used a 12" ratchet, and turned them with ease. The ratchet would fail (Wal-Mart brand) before the bolt heads would strip. And you will have to roll it more than 10' before the bars settle. I did roll it a few feet and after a day of driving the measurements changed. Drive it, it needs to articulate a little to settle them. Mr Quadrasteer, I'm not trying to question your application. It will work too. This is just the way I did it and it worked, I did not have to waste any time jacking the truck up. This is my fourth GM vehicle with the torsion bar IFS and this way worked on every truck, like a charm.

MrQuadrasteer · May 24, 2005

It's cool, SST. Different methods. I've heard lots of people say they did it your way with no negative results.

It's probably just me !!!!!!

Shawn T · May 24, 2005

It's cool, SST. Different methods. I've heard lots of people say they did it your way with no negative results.

It's probably just me !!!!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

MrQuadrasteer,

It is very nice to have civil conersations back and forth on different opinions. There are some people on this board (I won't mention any names) that get all huffy everytime you have a different opinion, oh yeah, I just love hearing from all of the diesel haters too.

MrQuadrasteer · May 24, 2005

I hear ya. Why is it so hard for some folks to understand- not everybody thinks the same. It doesn't necessarily mean one is wrong or right in every case (unless you disagree with me... then you're wrong !!!), but there's generally a couple ways to skin a cat.

Personally, I prefer Edge coconut creme with a triple blade Mach III !!!

A lighter and a can of WD-40 also works well !!!!!!

Happy trails, SST

MS3DALE · May 24, 2005

Yes,I've heard of guys doing it both ways,I crank mine up with the weight on it and always use a high pressure lube on the threads,and I always end up with uneven threads on both sides,my left side on my '04 has about 4 or 5 threads,while my right side has none!

jsted2 · May 30, 2005

Do you need to have the front end realigned after raising the torsion bars ? I have been told that I should but I figured that I should ask the EXPERTS. Thanks for the info.

MS3DALE · May 30, 2005

It won't hurt,although I have never had to have any of my trucks re-aligned,just watch your tires for wear and if you start to see anything out of the ordinary get it checked.