What is a Torsion Bar Do?

2k2TahoeSS · August 21, 2002

I've talked to a few people, some said its what controls your turning radius, others say its what holds the suspension together.

The point is this: I want to lower my Autoride suspension, and i have a guy that does it. He says he loosens the front Torsion bar 1/2 inch, and puts belltech 2" rear drop springs. I've driven an escalade on 22s that he did this to, and it road really good. In addition he's putting on the Hotchkis swaybars. (and will eventaully do brembo fronts, and rotors/calipers for the rear).

From a technical standpoint, what does the Torsion bar do? What is affected by it? Is there harm in fuqing around with it? Wisdom appreciated.

Ben

MarkD · August 21, 2002

A torsion bar is used in our front suspensions instead of a coil spring. Instead of bumps compressing a spring, bumps twist a steel bar. One end is held in place on the frame and the other end is twisted when the suspension moves.

BLKESC · June 14, 2003

A torsion bar can be dropped IN MINUTES. Assuming that its just like my previous generation truck, all you have to do is get an air gun and get up under the truck, find the bolts going to the crossmember that holds the porkchops and crank them down. You can safely go from 1 to 3 inches in the front this way. I dropped mine 2". It took most of the day to do the rear, but about 10-15 minutes on the front measuring down from the stock ride height. The ride is just like stock, but with less travel.

01Burb · June 15, 2003

I'd be interested in more info there BLKESC.

How does that affect the steering geometry? Would I need to get an alignment? Any links to this anywhere on the web??

BLKESC · June 15, 2003

I'd be interested in more info there BLKESC.

How does that affect the steering geometry? Would I need to get an alignment? Any links to this anywhere on the web??

1. No problems in steering. No rubbing, bumping or anything like that.

2. Anytime you do suspension work, you should ALWAYS get an alignment when finished.

3. Not that I know of, but I haven't been looking.

*Note: I do notice a squeak or something when I hit a hard bump at speed, though. I'm sure that its the suspension hitting the bump stop which wasn't trimmed down.

jimw · July 7, 2003

Your signature says you already have a 2/3 drop. I have the same drop on my 01 Sub 4wd. I had to cut my front and rear bump stops. Do you want to drop it more or is that the plan to have a 2/3 drop? Is your truck 4wd or 2wd? Does your 305/50/20 tires rub? I was scared they would so I went with Toyo 295/45/20 and haven't had any problems. FYI, I don't have the autoride. Your truck looks sweet!

Jim