Front lift alternative

Johndeere 968 · August 10, 2006

Hi,

I have a 2003 Z71 with 285/75/R16 tires on it. I cranked the torsion bars up to make the front end be level with the back end. However, it is very rough riding now. I was just wondering if there was some leveling alternatives that would allow for a smoother ride or if I could crank to torsion bars back down to factory setting and the tires wouldn't rub.

Wingnut · August 10, 2006

If you've got them topped out, back them off a little, and buy some longer shocks.

cowboybinkz71 · August 16, 2006

When I bought my '03 truck a few months ago it had a set of 285s on it. The suspension was stock height with maybe a little tweak on the torsion bars to bring the front end up a little bit. The 285's should run ok on a stock height truck.

If you're looking for lift, you could always get a set of torsion bar keys. These keys replace the stock keys to get you more travel and they lift the front end about 1" or 2." After you get them installed you probably should get an alignment and in order to not look goofy you'd need to do something with the rear though.

chevy123123 · February 9, 2007

I have been lookin at my suspension on my 04 silverado ext cab 4x4, a possible alternative to using a lift like that would be to put a half inch spacer (probably made of aluminum) on the rubber spring or use a timbren spring, plus a torsion bar crank would probably be an alternative to keep the stock ride. I havent tried this and i cant see anything wrong with this idea. Longer shocks would also be in order.

Ganudorm · February 10, 2007

Hi,
I have a 2003 Z71 with 285/75/R16 tires on it. I cranked the torsion bars up to make the front end be level with the back end. However, it is very rough riding now. I was just wondering if there was some leveling alternatives that would allow for a smoother ride or if I could crank to torsion bars back down to factory setting and the tires wouldn't rub.

You are in the same situation as I am except I have a 99 z71. I cranked my torsion bars and it rides very rough. I've been looking into alternatives and the only thing that I have come across is something a buddy of mine told me. He said Ford came out with new torsion keys that you can use on Chevy/GMC that crank the front up end up as much as 4" I don't know if there is any truth behind this but he usually is right.

GatorFan · February 12, 2007

Hi,
I have a 2003 Z71 with 285/75/R16 tires on it. I cranked the torsion bars up to make the front end be level with the back end. However, it is very rough riding now. I was just wondering if there was some leveling alternatives that would allow for a smoother ride or if I could crank to torsion bars back down to factory setting and the tires wouldn't rub.

You are in the same situation as I am except I have a 99 z71. I cranked my torsion bars and it rides very rough. I've been looking into alternatives and the only thing that I have come across is something a buddy of mine told me. He said Ford came out with new torsion keys that you can use on Chevy/GMC that crank the front up end up as much as 4" I don't know if there is any truth behind this but he usually is right.

I used Ford T-bar keys on my 2000 with no problems...Well it does ride rougher but that is expected when you mess around with your T-bars. I plan to buy longer shocks but haven't yet and I've had this setup for about 3 years. I DO recommend an alignment soon after you use the keys. Just go to Ford and tell them you want T-bar keys from a 2000 model F-150 4X4 and you should be fine.

Not to steal your post but could someone recommend longer shocks (by part/model number). I have ProComps on mine now but I know I need longer shocks.

Hope this info helps and thanks for letting me steal your post for a few minutes.

IDGBZ71 · February 16, 2007

I've read RC tb (GK bars) will help with the ride quality and you can use stock keys cranked to get about the same lift as ford keys but a better ride but RC tb are $200