How to Crank a Torsion Bar

The torsion bars on a truck or SUV connect the front-end steering assembly to the center cross member of the vehicle attached to the frame. Torsion bars apply downward pressure to the front control arm. The rear of the torsion bars (connected to the cross member) have anchor arms with bolts that can be adjusted to increase the downward pressure and lift the front of the vehicle. They can also be adjusted to decrease the pressure and lower the vehicle. Torsion bar adjustments provide an inexpensive way (other than a lift kit) for vehicle owners to increase their front ride height, either for aesthetic reasons, or to accommodate added aftermarket options, like a heavy snowplow attachment.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Alignment rack (with level position)
• Measuring tape
• Safety glasses
• Impact safety gloves
• Penetrating lubricant
• 1/2-inch drive impact gun
• 1/2-inch drive impact socket set
• Hand wrench set
• Assistant (helper)

How to Crank a Torsion Bar

1. Drive the vehicle onto the alignment rack (or drive onto a lift with leveling position) so the vehicle is level. Alignment racks may come with front wheel pits, but it is important that the vehicle be level for this procedure. If front wheel pits are present, do not park the vehicle so the front wheels are in the pit, sitting lower than the rear wheels.

2. Lift the alignment rack and lock it into level position.

3. Measure each front fender well (be sure to use the same spot on each front fender for comparison). You can measure from the center hub of a wheel to the fender at the top of the wheel well or you can measure from the alignment rack to that same fender. Measure each side and compare the measurements. Oftentimes, the figures between the two front wheels will vary.

4. Wearing safety glasses and safety impact gloves, crawl under the vehicle to the torsion bar adjusting bolts (on the center cross member).

5. Spray penetrating lubricant on the each adjusting bolt and on the threads and allow the lubricant at least 10 minutes to soak in.

6. Hold the nut at the top of the adjusting bolt stationary with a hand wrench (some applications may not require this part). Use the impact gun (see tips) and appropriate-size impact socket to tighten (clockwise, often referred to as "cranking") the torsion bar adjusting bolt to lift the front of the vehicle height on that particular side. To lower the front of the vehicle height you would loosen (counterclockwise turn) the torsion bar adjusting bolt.

7. Your assistant can now remeasure each side. Readjust the bolts as necessary until the measurements are equal.

8. Lower the alignment rack and conduct a test-drive to settle the suspension components. The test-drive should last a good 15 minutes or so.

9. Drive the vehicle back onto the alignment rack and then remeasure. If there are any variations wheel to wheel, readjust the torsion bar adjusting bolts another time, test-drive again, and recheck the measurements. Do this until the measurements match or are very close on both sides after the test-drive.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure the adjusting bolts are going to move properly before attempting to crank them with an impact gun. Moving them first with a breaker bar and socket would be advisable because the bolts can snap, which would necessitate that they be replaced. Spray a copious amount of penetrating lubricant to help free up seized adjusting bolts.
• Cranking the torsion bar affects the ride height position with which the vehicle was manufactured. It causes greater stress and wear and tear on the torsion bars and, if cranked all the way out, it can compromise the position of the front axle (on four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles). The constant velocity shafts are positioned in a way designed to operate properly from the manufacturer, and altering torsion bars can be risky. You may also experience a stiffer ride, so take great care when considering altering the ride height on your vehicle by adjusting the torsion bars.

References

• Cranking the Torsion Bars