New Torsion Bars

[trailerpup]

Torsion Bars and Shackles are on. All the difference in the world. No more brake dive, body roll, and like HB said, they very solid and smooth. Pix to follow. Who's next?

[6pack]

Any hassles along the way? How long did it take you? I have some time tomorrow to do mine (as long as it isn't 100 degrees), but just want to be prepared.

[trailerpup]

Here is how I did it...

My Sway A Way Torsion Bar and Samco Shackle Installation

*This is what I did, it may or may not be correct/dangerous. I am not recommending these instructions be followed. These instructions are strictly for entertainment purposes only!

Tools:
6 Ton hydraulic jack
1/2" breaker bar
Socket set
6 Ton jack stands
Automotive grease
Anti-seize compound

This should be done on a flat, level surface.
Set emergency brake and place chock rear wheels.
Jack front of vehicle to allow suspension to hang at full droop.
Place jack stands under frame rails.
Loosen and remove t-bar adjustment bolts, crescent washers and nuts.
(Count the number of pre-load turns while loosening adjustment bolt)
Slide t-bars toward rear of vehicle removing from the lower a-arm.
Remove pork chops and remove t-bars from vehicle.
Slide new t-bars into lower a-arms and replace pork chops.
(Each bar is stamped L or R. L goes on drivers side)
(Stamped lettering on end of new t-bar goes towards front)
(I put a light coating of automotive grease on each end of new t-bars).
Install adjustment bolts, crescent washers and nuts.
(I put some anti-seize on the adjustment bolt threads)
(Anti-seize = easier to turn adjustment bolts when vehicle is on ground)
Crank pre-load adjustment bolts ~two-thirds the number of turns it took to loosen them).
Lower vehicle to the ground.
Cycle front suspension several times.
Measure from center of wheel bearing nut to lower fender lip.
(I at 24.5 inches right off the bat)
Adjust t-bar adjustment bolts to desired ride height.
(Cycle front suspension after adjusting and before measuring)
(After installing shackles I put it at 23.75 inches)
(The leveling lift kit people are saying go no more than 24.25 inches... and everyone else)
(And, this is the last time I'm gonna say it... YOU DO NOT NEED SPEND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR LEVELING KIT)
Have shop do front end alignment.
Total install time 40 minutes.

Shackle install
Jack rear of vehicle raising rear wheels a couple of inches off the ground.
Place jack stands under frame rails and put chock front wheels.
Loosen lower shock mounting bolt and slide shocks off mounting points.
(I have shock skid plates and Fox gas shocks, it was easier to remove the upper shock bolts)
Loosen ABS lines from clips in rear fender wells.
(If you don't the lines will be stretched, and you don't want to mess them up)
(Also, be aware of the brake lines and how they can stretch if you drop the axle too far)
Disconnect sway bar links from sway bar.
(You probably don't have to do this, the sway bar will rotate in it's bushings. Good for clearance though)
(I have QD's so I just pulled the pins and removed links)
(If you have the stock links, you will need an allen key to put in the end of the bolt to hold it while removing)
Place jack under rear differential.
(I used a small piece of wood between jack and rear differential, don't jack on the cover seam)
Remove shackle mounting bolts and remove shackles from vehicle.
Lower rear differential.
Install new shackles with upper bolts, do not tighten.
Align leaf spring and lower shackle holes and insert bolt, do not tighten.
Lower vehicle to the ground.
Cycle rear suspension.
Torque shackle bolts to spec.
Replace lower shocks, sway bar links, and ABS lines.
Total install time 30 minutes.
(Samco shackles raise the rear approx .75 inches)


Get a beer, or refreshment of your choice.
Get a nice lawn chair.
Place lawn chair 15 to 20 feet from vehicle and open beer.
Sit back, relax, and stare at the vehicles new look.

I don't think I left anything out, and folks will probably add their own opinions and tips. Just be safe. I used a couple extra jack stands... probably overkill.

Also, if the vehicle seems to not want to move when placed in drive/reverse... release emergency brake and remove wheel chocks.

Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.

[6pack]

Awesome write-up! I plan on getting up early tomorrow to do this. Hopefully it will be nice and cool like it was this morning.

[trailerpup]

No, the ride is not harsher. Yes, the body roll and brake diving are significantly reduced. The ride is solid now, more stable in corners, and a smoother suspension stroke up front. If anything, I would say that the stock t-bars are "harsher." Go figure. With the ride height I am at, the Fox shocks are fine. People who are running at 24.25 inches are stating that the Cognitos are an improvement over the "stock" shocks. Every time I think I am finished with my rig, there is always that one thing that I've always had my eye on. I went ahead and ordered the OEM off road lights for the roof. And, I swore I was never gonna get 'em.

[stagger_lee]

Lets see some pics Pup! Looks fabulous Bebes!

[Sewie]

Finally got around to installing mine over the weekend.

Like others have mentioned, the ride is much better. Less body roll and almost no nose dive on braking or lifting when accelerating. And I was expecting the front end to be kind of bouncy, since I don't have the extra weight of a winch (yet), but its not at all. The suspension feels nice and stiff, but not jarring at all. And the install was surprisingly easy.

Definitely a worthwhile upgrade, and my suspension work is done.

[H3slate]

Originally Posted by Sewie

Finally got around to installing mine over the weekend.

Like others have mentioned, the ride is much better. Less body roll and almost no nose dive on braking or lifting when accelerating. And I was expecting the front end to be kind of bouncy, since I don't have the extra weight of a winch (yet), but its not at all. The suspension feels nice and stiff, but not jarring at all. And the install was surprisingly easy.

Definitely a worthwhile upgrade, and my suspension work is done.

Thanks for the update on the t bars. I was just thinking about those bad boys today.

[moorec614]

How do the rear shackles increase flex?

[trailerpup]

The longer rear shackles add lift and (all things being equal) increase droop. For all the benefits you Sway Bar Disconnects.... and a little longer shock? Hope this helps.

[moorec614]

So without disconnecting the sway bar and buying longer shocks, all these do is lift the rear a little?

[HummBebe]

And travel...to an extent. Your shocks are essentially travel limiters, and so is your bumpstop.

[Stevenblanca]

I can't believe you guys got me thinking of buying these TB too. I tought I was done with the truck (Just installed sewie's quick disconnects).

Is the body roll and nose diving really much less? doesn't it have a harsher ride over small bumps? I got cognitos. Would like comment from someone with similar setup?

B.T.W. congrats all. Enjoy it!

[Sewie]

Originally Posted by Stevenblanca

Is the body roll and nose diving really much less? doesn't it have a harsher ride over small bumps? I got cognitos. Would like comment from someone with similar setup?

I've got the new t-bars sitting in the garage. I probably won't get around to putting them on until next weekend, but I'll post up my impressions when they're on.

[marin8703]

kewl

[6pack]

What's the torque setting for the shackle bolts?

[trailerpup]

63 lb ft. Don't tighten them until the truck is sitting on the ground... about 2 and 1/2 Oompa's.

[6pack]

OMG! The on-the-road difference is night and day! My biggest reason for getting these was the brake drop and the shift drop. Having a 5 speed, I usually shift around 4,000-4,500 rpm, so I can have some power. When you shift this truck at those rpm's, the nose drops a good 6 inches during the shift (if not more). It's really annoying but with the new bars it has alomost completely disapeared. And the brake drop is almost gone also. It was a very easy install, just as pup described. I adjusted them to be 24.5" and lost about an inch after the first drive. I cranked them back to 24.5" and will check them again later today. Now to get the shackles on!