03 2500 HD and torsion bars

Voodoo Childe · May 3, 2004

Okay, I have heard of using the torsion bars to allow for bigger tires, but really no good description, pics, of how this is done. Ie. I would like to see if anyone has pics, or a good detailed description of how I would go about doing this. I am running 285-75-16's BFG KM's. For instance, do you tighten the torsion bars under load or without load? I would assume with. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

TXD · May 3, 2004

the adjusting bolts are located in the crossmember. you can do it under load or not. easiest way is to jack the truck up and tighten the bolts the same amount of turns to raise the front end or get the new torsion bar keys which will lift a bit more with fewer turns.

Voodoo Childe · May 3, 2004

the adjusting bolts are located in the crossmember. you can do it under load or not. easiest way is to jack the truck up and tighten the bolts the same amount of turns to raise the front end or get the new torsion bar keys which will lift a bit more with fewer turns.

So basically:

Jack up the truck

Turn the bolts about 5 turns(?)

Let it back down.

Does it effect the ride that much?

TXD · May 4, 2004

that will get'r done. iv'e got the new adjustment keys on mine and turned until it was about 2.75" above stock. it did stiffen it up a bit but the only time i really notice it is when hitting a good bump or pothole. other than that, the slightly stiffer ride is fine for me. after a week or 2 i didnt notice the ride change at all. you will wanna get the alignment checked afterwards to prevent uneven tire wear.

sonjaab · May 5, 2004

FYI:

Turn the bolts clockwise to raise.........

Counterclockwise to lower...........

Mark bolt heads and crossmember for reference points !

Remember how many turns on each also in case ya mess up !

.................geo

86underboost · May 9, 2004

I just did this 2 weeks ago on my 02 2500hd.

I jacked her up and went 6 turns on each. 285/75/16 bfg mud terrains on stock rims. Fits perfect. i tried 5 turns, but it looked a little close in the rear of the tire on a full turn so 6 is where i ended up. make sure you get her aligned afterward.. the camber will be positive.

dansws6 · May 9, 2004

I'm looking to crank mine about 2-3 turns. will it need to be realigned???

sonjaab · May 10, 2004

DAN..........Syracuse Huh? ME too..........

Every winter I crank up my bars to allow for more clearance for

when I strap on my snowplow. Then back down in the summer!

I have bolt heads and crossmember punchmarked for reference.

On my 01 I have not had a alignment and have had no unusual

tire wear of front IFS probs. in 3 years.

If your gonna leave it cranked.......Have one done for a piece of

mind. Not to mention the price of a new set of tires too!........geo

masterp2 · June 2, 2004

An alignment isn't the worst of your problems if you do this. At 2.5 inch lift, you are riding on topped out shocks, zero downtravel. They will soon be worthless.

YES, the shock is the downtravel limit on stock vehicles.