BGBLKAVALANCHE

[84john]

i have some questions about cranking torsion bars.

1. are there any adverse side effects?

2. how do i do it (not to ask a stupid question)

   i could probally lay in the snow for 15 minutes and figure it

    out myself or just ask you for the quick version!!!!!!

[BgBlkAvalanche]

Well, I will give it a try....

The torsion bars run from the front suspension back to about the middle of the truck. There is a cross member that runs between the two frame rails, and they end in there. They end in a cam looking thing, that is adjusted with a bolt.

When you crawl under the truck, go to where the torsion bars end in the middle of truck. When you look up you will see two ( kinda small looking) bolt heads closest to the ground, pointing up. These are the ones. They are really easy to see.

 

I lifted up the front of my truck, and cranked each bolt 5 turns. This left some adjustment there, as I was concerned about going all the way ( no that's what she said  ;) )

I then took it to a tire shop and got it aligned. The mechanic knew what I did, and pointed out that equal turns on the bars does not necessarily make the front come up equal amounts. He re-adjusted them to get the left/right level, and aligned it.

 

I think the ride got a little stiffer, but nothing to worry about. I was really suprised how soft the Z71 set up was, and this change really did not hurt the ride. I almost like it better.

It still sits a little higher in the rear, but nothing like before.

 

Good luck...

BBA

[MountaineerTom]

Check out Chane's site, at the Torsion Bar Lift page, for a pic to go along with what BBA said.  They are under the Information/Tech link, then under Todd Metzger's info.

 

Chane's Page

[84john]

do you physically raise the front end first then crank the bars up or just start cranking? i'm going out into the cold in a few to take off assist steps (i hate thoses da## things) and start cranking ( hope my wife doesnt read that and get the wrong idea! lol )

[MountaineerTom]

Personally, I think jacking the front tires up off the ground would be the best thing to do.  Some have said they cranked them up with all 4 tires on the ground, but I would think having the fronts off the ground would make it easier to crank and less strain on the t-bars while cranking.

 

I think that's what BBA was suggesting too.

[84john]

assist steps off (they are for sale) ready to start trosion bars but have  a simple question , do i turn clockwise or counter clockwise? my a## is frozen!!!!

[RyanbabZ71]

Clockwise to raise front end

ccw to lower

[84john]

thanks heading back outside now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RyanbabZ71]

also its an 18mm socket!!!