raising the front end

VegasDude · July 23, 2001

I want to level my front end even with the back. I was told that I could adjust the front torsion bars to do this. Is this the way to do it? Does it cause any problems? Will it affect the ride of the truck?

(Edited by VegasDude at 12:57 am on July 23, 2001)

MountaineerTom · July 23, 2001

Yes, you can crank up the torsion bars to lift the front end, but it can affect the ride quality. I havvn't done it myself, but I've heard where it makes the ride stiffer.

Jpshostr · July 23, 2001

Yes you can crank the torsion bars to raise the front end height. Right below the seat there is a crossmember that the two torsion bars go into. You will see a bolt head sticking straight down that goes to a small block. This is what you crank to gain or lose height. Make sure you do each side evenly or you could get into some big problems. Your ride will suffer in that you will lose downward flex, making it a bit rougher overall. You won't be able to get much height out of it, but maybe enough to level up the truck.

VegasDude · July 23, 2001

ok, thanks for the info........is there a better way to lift the truck.................

Jpshostr · July 23, 2001

Quote: from VegasDude on 10:30 pm on July 22, 2001
ok, thanks for the info........is there a better way to lift the truck.................

Depends on what better is defined by. You sure won't find anyway cheaper than cranking the torsion bars. If you go with a suspension lift you keep your same ride qualitys, but they get really pricey and will give you a lot more lift than you need to level the truck. I haven't seen any lifts under four inches for IFS Chevy trucks. I would say you would be doing really good if you could buy a lift and have it put on for ?-2500, especially on a 2500HD or 3500. A body lift will do nothing to level your truck like you are wanting to do, it will just allow you to run bigger tires.

VegasDude · July 24, 2001

Hey Thanks........for the info...........

Kansas Kid · July 24, 2001

You could put about 2000lbs of junk in the bed of your truck. That would level things out, and probably make the ride better.

DigUout · July 24, 2001

I've cranked mine and it did level the truck out to a noticeable difference and gave just enough room to clear 285's. I had installed Edelbrock IAS shocks shortly before, so I've not noticed any extreme ride difference, just a little stiffer offroad-

(There are before & after pics in the link below)

(Edited by DigUout at 2:17 am on July 24, 2001)

firefighter · August 8, 2001

You can safely get 1 to 1.5 inches by cranking the torsion bars. I had mine cranked on my old 95. I have heard of premature CV joint wear with this done, but have not seen it first hand. It did affect the ride some but not to bad. I would also suggest getting it realigned if you decide to do it