Cranking the torsion bars??

[Albee]

OK....I am new at truck modifications with the suspension. How does one turn the torsion bars? What is needed? Does it adversely effect the handling or hurt other suspension components? I am gonna do it.......I think....But dont have a clue as to how. Thanks for all the help!!!

[NutNbutGMC]

^...In lieu of being long-winded and redundant, if you'll do a search, you'll find tons of info on the torsion tweak.

[txguppy]

Hey Albee,
I too cranked-up my torsion bars. My driver's side was sagging low. All you need is a socket, 17mm (I Think) and a ratchet, preferably 1/2" drive. Jack-up the front end and screw-in the torsion adjuster bolts on the frame. Piece of cake. You may have to do it a couple of times to even them up. Try 1-complete turn at a time.

Good Luck,
txguppy

[DMAXDiva]

Actually, you use an 18mm socket...and gee whiz, I didn't realize you could jack the front end up to turn them (duhhh...I feel like such a GIRL now). Let me tell ya, you guys are lucky to have upper body strength! :( After four turns on the driver's and three on the passenger side (truck was unlevel from factory), I'm totally wiped out!

[IndigoDually]

I wouldn't make more than 4 turns without getting an alignment. And I believe that you really don't want to make more than 6 or 7 due to accellerated CV joint wear due to sharp angles.

I turned mine 4 turns and had the truck aligned anyway.

John

[Alli-max]

good tip on Crankin' them...

Make a mark on the bolt. Something to reference it with (front of truck, a point on the frame, etc.). them start turning. You will CERTAINLY lose track on where you are if you dont. Also, get a tape measure to measure clearance on both sides to accurately level the truck out. More than likely, the truck is not level from the factory (probably off +/- 1/4 inch), but this is within GM specs.

[slapshot44]

I was lucky, and you might try this also. I took my truck in to get it reflashed and the "tick" documented, and while the mechanic had his head in the wheelwell listening to the tick, he noticed that my front tires were wearing unevenly. He said this was pretty common on our trucks, and the service writer said that he would have the truck realigned also. At this point I asked him if they could go ahead and raise the front to level the truck out a little (the 3500's sit way butt-high) and to make sure it was level side to side, since they were going to realign it anyway. He said no problem, but that they could only raise it about an inch at the most or there would be problems on the front end geometry. So, when it was all said and done, I got the front end lifted an inch and leveled side to side, realigned, and the tires rotated, all under warranty.

I did notice that the truck has lost some of the "sports car" feel. It steers a little slower and has a little bit of body roll when turning now that it didn't have before. No doubt due to the geometry changes due to lifting the front end from stock position. Has anyone else noticed this?

[ 05-23-2002: Message edited by: slapshot44 ]</p>

[Tader Jack]

I went up with mine 5 turns and got a little over an inch riase on the front end. Had the alignment checked immediately after and they told me I really would not have had to get it done. I just felt more comfortable doing it.

Jack Schultz, McKean, PA
jackschultz@adelphia.net

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/jack_schultz2001/rlst


2001 Chevy Silverado, 4-WD, 2500HD, Crew Cab, Short Box
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------------------------------------------------

[Silver Bullet]

Albee,
Check out http://65.67.237.169/chane/truck/torsion.htm for a pic of the bolt to adjust...CW will raise the front end and CCW will lower it. I measured the space in between the top of the tire and the fender well for leveling. Be sure your tire pressure is equal in each tire to make sure you are going to a measurement that is as accurate as possible. The space in my rear fender wells is 1" more than my front.

Check this out for some more info...http://forum.62-65-dieselpage.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=7&t=003161

[mdrag]

Moved to 2500HD/3500 HD Trucks & Drivetrain Forum.

[Albee]

Thanks to all for your inputs. I do appreciate it!!