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.

[Ipedog]

Humdoug -

Congrats! It looks good, very good. If you don't mind I have a couple quick questions:

• Did you do the install yourself?
• What is the distance from the ground to the top of the front bumper now?
• What is the distance from the ground to the lowest point of the front skid plate?
• What size tire are you running?

I'm sure that I'll have more questions later...

Thanks!

[Wisha Haddan H3]

Very nice ... I'm impressed with your setup. yeah, what's the tire size.

[humdoug]

I updated my original post with answers to the latest questions.

[humdoug]

Took the H3 in for alignment. Numbers were way off but had it realigned according the Truxxx specification provided with the kit. Ride feels good but still have some small torsion bar noises inside the new keys. I should have put some lubricant inside the key during installation. I did spray some liquid grease and the noise cut way down. I believe the noise will go away with a few rides.

Now my discovery. When we all made adjustments to the torsion bars, 2, 2 1/2, 3 or more turns, what did we use for alignment specs? Most, like me, will say "the stock alignment specification".

After comparing the "stock" spec to the "Truxxx spec" the numbers are quite different and the Truxxx spec compensated for the additional lift. This would indicate we all have improper alignments with "cranked torsion bars" and stock alignment specs.

Maybe someone within the forum world can give some expert alignment specs/details for anyone with torsion bar adjustments.

[cestwick]

Originally Posted by humdoug

Took the H3 in for alignment. Numbers were way off but had it realigned according the Truxxx specification provided with the kit. Ride feels good but still have some small torsion bar noises inside the new keys. I should have put some lubricant inside the key during installation. I did spray some liquid grease and the noise cut way down. I believe the noise will go away with a few rides.

Now my discovery. When we all made adjustments to the torsion bars, 2, 2 1/2, 3 or more turns, what did we use for alignment specs? Most, like me, will say "the stock alignment specification".

After comparing the "stock" spec to the "Truxxx spec" the numbers are quite different and the Truxxx spec compensated for the additional lift. This would indicate we all have improper alignments with "cranked torsion bars" and stock alignment specs.

Maybe someone within the forum world can give some expert alignment specs/details for anyone with torsion bar adjustments.

What are the "new" specs from Truxxx

[HummBebe]

http://www.truxxx.com/instructions/4...structions.pdf

It is at the bottom of the page...