'01 Z71 torsion bars

The Beav · June 27, 2001

How many full turns (360 deg) on the torsion bar bolts will lift the front end @ 1 - 1 1/2 inches. For some reason I could swear I remember someone saying 5, but I wanted someone/anyone to confirm it. I know the gripes about reefing on the t-bars (ride quality, CV's, etc) but I want to find out myself and I want my truck to look more level w/o spending big $$$ for lifts right now. Thanks in advance!

Zane · June 27, 2001

Not sure how many it is, but the best way to tell is to just measure as you go. I'm pretty sure its alot less than five. One turn will do more than you think. if ytou over do it, you'll wear out the torsion bars really quickly, and your ride and handeling will suck major.

Hope that helps. :biggrin:

Stepside Z · June 27, 2001

Have you considered changing the torsion bars? I have read on other forums of guys switching to 3/4 bars. They get the front lift they want with out the cost of a lift kit. Something to consider.

kaspar139 · June 27, 2001

Quote: from Stepside Z on 3:32 pm on June 27, 2001
Have you considered changing the torsion bars? I have read on other forums of guys switching to 3/4 bars. They get the front lift they want with out the cost of a lift kit. Something to consider.

I am ignorant here, but what are 3/4 bars? How will switching those from stock be different? I am guessing knowing what the 3/4 means will help here Thanks...

MountaineerTom · June 27, 2001

What StepsideZ is refering to is torsion bars for the 3/4 ton trucks. they are rated at a higher strength, I guess thats the right term to use. Kind of like having stiffer springs. I remember seeing a post on another forum once that list a few different part numbers and rating for the different bars, but can't remember where. Anyone else know or remember the site?

y2kz71 · June 27, 2001

These are the part numbers and the pound ratings for the 3/4 ton silverados torsion bars. I personally wouldn't go with the bars rated past 7267 lbs. Also remember you will have to get a front end alignment after adjusting or replacing the torsion bars.

15712411 LH Bar & 15712412 RH Bar (7267 Max)

15528963 LH Bar & 15528964 RH Bar (8615 Max)

15528965 LH Bar & 15528966 RH Bar (8782 Max)

15732338 LH Bar & 15732339 RH Bar (9054 Max)

Frank S · June 27, 2001

Each full turn of the torsion bar adjuster should give you .2" therefore if you want to get 1 1/2" out of the adjustment,you shoud turn each bolt 7 1/2 times.

Don't turn one bolt up to where you want it and then move to the next,rather rotate to the other bolt every 2-3 turns and it may make it easier to slightly jack up the front end to relieve some pressure but keep the tires on the ground.

MountaineerTom · June 27, 2001

Thanks y2kz71. Those are the numbers I was looking for.

DigUout · June 27, 2001

My 2 pennies-

I let the guys at Discount Tires adjust mine when I had the new tires put on and had to bring them back down myself. I parked on the most level spot I could and measured from the top of the wheel well to the ground on BOTH sides. Then crawled under, made two turns apiece, measured again, 2 more turns, measured etc. The one thing that surprised me was that I needed a metric socket, one size smaller than a 3/4 inch.

I've seen a new product called a Torsion Bar Leveling Kit that will give you 2.5 inches at the front. It's only ?, much cheaper than any lift. Check this site-

www.hill4wheeldrive.com

The Beav · June 27, 2001

I saw that 'leveling kit' too, but figured a few turns on the bolts is free (other than the alignment, but no matter what you do; t-bars, leveler, etc you've got to get it done) and easily reversible if I don't like the ride.

Stepside Z · June 28, 2001

y2kz71,

Thanks for the help on that. Do you know what the pound rating is for 1/2 ton bars are for trucks with the snow plow prep package.

MountaineerTom · June 28, 2001

Quote: from Stepside Z on 10:35 pm on June 27, 2001
y2kz71,

Thanks for the help on that. Do you know what the pound rating is for 1/2 ton bars are for trucks with the snow plow prep package.

Also, do you know the rating on the 1500 4X4's that don't have the snow plow package? Is the Z71 different from the regular 4X4? I know it doesn't list anything about the torsion bars in the Z71 package details, but the thought just came to my mind.

(Edited by MountaineerTom 99Z71 at 11:07 pm on June 27, 2001)

y2kz71 · June 28, 2001

I am not sure about what bars come on what trucks. You need to look at the bars on your truck and there should be a yellow sticker with a two character code and a part number. Then match the code to this list. The 1/2 ton trucks codes are XK,XL,WY or GG. I think the "GG" bars come with the snow plow package. My truck which is a Z71 came with the "WY" bars. Glad I could help.

XK-4553

XL-4626

WY-4863[my original]

GG-6790

WZ-7267[go with these for about 2" of lift)

GK-8615

GL-8782

XG-9054

y2kz71 · June 28, 2001

BTW here is a picture of the torsion bar lift keys from hill center 4wd for ?. Maybe I am bias because I have the Rancho lift but I am just not sure about putting a "homemade" suspension part on my truck. I want something engineered and test proven before I put my wife and kids in the truck. my $.02

Stepside Z · June 28, 2001

I just checked my bars and all I found were green and white stickers with LYH Drivers side and RYH Passenger Side and the part numbers. That is the only stickers I found. Mine is a reg cab so that may be the difference.

(Edited by Stepside Z at 1:41 pm on June 28, 2001)