Just did my torsion bar crankin'........

1BADHD · January 2, 2002

I have GL (8782) bars on my 3/4 ton HD. The RF measured in at 37-3/4" and the LF was 38". I had to turn the RF 5.5 turns and the LF 5 turns. I know have 40-1/4" at all four corners. Makes the truck look different. I have about 5 threads on the drivers side and about 6 threads on the passenger side. Do I have anything to worry about besides an alignment? The ride is a little bit stiffer but not as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Quaaluder · January 2, 2002

If you ever put a decent size load in the bed, such as a cube of bricks or pallet of sod, it might make your front end raise up higher than you'd probably like.

Ben

Jpshostr · January 2, 2002

Lots of guys on here have done this to both HD and LD trucks, and to this point I have yet to see any problems arise from doing this. You have noticed a slightly rougher ride due to droop not being as much, but as long as you can live with it you will be fine.

About the biggest thing will be your pocketbook taking a hit from buying new tires to make the truck look like it should.

DigUout · January 3, 2002

I've been riding about 7-8 months with no noticeable problems. However if you go up in tire size with the Torsion bars up, you run the risk of over extending your shocks. You'll need longer ones -

1BADHD · January 3, 2002

What brand and size shock will I need? How much longer? Thanks.

CMNTMXR81 · January 3, 2002

Dig, as in my thread, I think you are confusing your 98 with our 2002's. Although they retain IFS, it is a completely new frame and IFS setup.

I continually see guys here with 285's and there torsion bars cranked up without a problem.

DigUout · January 3, 2002

The brand is up to you. There are many great selections and most guys here will have a different suggestion of brands for you. As far as length, you'll need the same length shock that would accomodate a 2 inch body lift. You just don't get any travel when you stretch stock shocks too far -

DigUout · January 3, 2002

Dig, as in my thread, I think you are confusing your 98 with our 2002's. Although they retain IFS, it is a completely new frame and IFS setup.

I continually see guys here with 285's and there torsion bars cranked up without a problem.

Maybe I am. On the other hand, if people are stretching out the travel length of a shock from its intended useage, they're gonna cost themselves a problem. It may be a new IFS and frame from GM, but do we know for sure that the '99 & up trucks are getting any different size shocks than the '88-'98? There may be guys here doing it, but that doesn't mean they're not gonna have problems eventually.

Hey, do what you want with your $35K trucks, I don't care.

CMNTMXR81 · January 3, 2002

I guess I'd only be concerned about overextending the shock if I were into hardcore off-roading. Am I correct in presuming this? For normal driving and heavy towing, will it really over extend them that much?