How to Adjust the Torsion Bars on a GM
General Motors Corp. builds trucks that use torsion bars on the front suspension. These bars take the place of coil or leaf springs. They also add a certain benefit to the suspension in that making adjustments to ride height is easily performed. The factory builds approximately 1.5 to 2 inches of drop into the front of its new trucks, with the logic being that when the truck is loaded with materials in the bed, it will sit level. This will make it easier to drive. Some owners want their trucks to sit level at all times.
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Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands (supports)
- Penetrating oil
- Wire brush
- Torsion bar unloading clamp
- 18 mm wrench (or socket wrench)
- Tape measure
Instructions
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1
Park the truck on a hard, flat, level surface. You will be working under the truck and taking measurements from each side of the truck. You must start with a level truck to ensure a correct ride height when done.
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2
Place a jack under the truck and raise it high enough to gain access for your body to comfortably fit under the truck. Place jack stand supports under the frame of the truck and lower the truck onto the stands, ensuring the truck sits level when the front tires are off of the ground.
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3
Place the torsion bar unloading tool over rear of the torsion bar and tighten, making sure you have access to the torsion bar adjusting bolt. Using high-quality penetration oil, spray adjusting bolt threads and wire-brush them to ensure no dirt and grime are in the threads.
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4
Using an 18 mm wrench or socket, tighten the torsion bar adjusting bolt two to three turns. Remove the unloading tool and repeat all steps on the other side. When finished, remove the unloading tool.
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5
Raise the vehicle off the jack stands and remove the stands. Lower and remove the jack.
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6
Bounce the vehicle by pushing down on a fender to settle the suspension on each side. Measure from a point that can be replicated on the other side, such as from the top center of the wheel well. Take measurements on both sides and compare. You want the measurements to be the same. If not, repeat Steps 2 through 4, making adjustments to only one side until you are satisfied your vehicle is sitting level and at the ride height you want.
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7
Take the vehicle to an alignment shop. Failure to do this will result in premature tire wear and poor handling.
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Tips & Warnings
On some vehicles, the exhaust will need to be loosened to gain access to the torsion bar clamp.
Never try to work on a raised vehicle without support stands.
