Torsion Bar Information

[humdoug]

Originally Posted by cestwick

I am not an engineer or expert by any meens but I am an automotive technician that specializes in suspension and alignments. That said:

The only difference between the truxxis lift and what I did is they use a torsion key that offsets the twist on the torsion bar to raise the truck instead of just tightening the bolt already on the truck. Both methods turn the torsion bar the same exact amount and put the same amount of tension on the bar and the rest of the suspension. They make it sound in their paper that you are making it easier on the truck but all you are doing is changing one little part at the far end of the torsion bar. The "only" way to raise the truck and not put extra stress on the front suspension is to installe a lift kit that keeps the ball joints and other steering components in the stock position and angles.

They also give you a bracket to "lengthen" the shock. "I" would rather save the $400 turn up the torsion bars and buy a longer pair of shocks.

I installed the Truxxx lift kit today. Did it myself and it took 1 1/2 hours total time. Not really a complicated installation but you better have some tools. The hard part was closing the shocks to install the shock lift bracket and inserting the bolts. The ride is smoother and I did get the lift as advertized. Tomorrow I take it for a alignment so I can see how far the settings are off.

This is the lift kit I used and it cost $449 + $5 for shipping.



The dimension from the center of the wheel to the fender is now 24.25". Stock tires shown 265/R75/16. Dimension from black skid plate under the engine is 12".

I have some belief in the statements from cestwick. It looks like the new torsion key design plays with the tension on the torsion bar. In fact, if you compare the stock key to the Truxxx key the internal hex is offset telling me more tension is applied from the start of installation. Again, the ride is smooth as stock. {maybe cestwick can provide comment on how smooth his ride is}. Unfortunately I am not sure where I am relative to the stock torsion bolt/bar setting.

Here is the photo of my rig! Its definately higher when getting in and out.