Anyone know anything about adjusting the torsion bars in the front of a duramax? Like good,bad of doing this? Also, does it make truck look like its sagging with a small load? thanks:help:

do a search get some coffee and get ready to do some long reading!!!!

lol

I replied to you message, let me know if you have any other questions. It is a lot of reading but had to get all the details in.

Thanks I appreciate it

First put the truck on level ground and take measurements (i used the tow hooks as a reference point for the measurements) measure from the point on the truck to the ground on both the driver and passenger side. Make sure the numbers are the same if not there are some extra steps you have to take to even them out. There are differing opionions about needing to jack the truck up to get tension off of the t-bars. I did it anyway since it on takes only a minute, it basically just eases the resistance when you turn the bolts. I have also heard you don't have to do this?? About mid cab is lateral support that runs from driver side to passenger side in which the T-bars tie into. If you look in the gap between the channel where the t-bar joins the support there is a bolt on each side which has a lot of threads visable. Basically tighten the bolts an equal number of turns on both the driver and passenger side. MAKE SURE YOU KEEP IT EQUAL ON BOTH SIDES! If not you'll have a lop sided truck...not cool looking going down the road. I was told the max should be about 7 turns, more than that and you stiffen the front end up too much. I have heard of guys tightening it all the way?? You will need a front end alignment after doing this, with out it you will wear your tires out. This should level your front end out and allow for a little larger tire. I am maxed out with 33's on my 2500 without a lift kit. The 4x4 shop argured with that 33's wouldn't fit without a lift...but I proved them wrong by doing this.
As for the Keys, they are what allow the amount of adjustment in the torsion bars. I am not sure on the 1500's what color they are, I think green...i had an 01' 1500. You can see them where the A-arms tie into the frame. You shouldn't need to change them unless you go bigger than a 285 tire. Let me know how it works out for you, seems like everyone gets different results when doing this. I gained almost 2" on my truck.

Thanks, duramaxedout! Saves alot of time searching.........

I have one other thing to add to what duramaxeout said when you put your truck on level ground hopefully that's in front of your garage door. Have truck about 4' from door turn head lights on and mark with tape (masking or duck) spot's were main part of beam's hits door with a (+) cross and mark ground also if you have to move truck back from door to do the work. After you rise your truck move it back to spot on ground you marked, pull lights on adjust them accordingly up or down to get main part of beam back on your tape cross's. This way you wont get on coming traffic flashing there lights at you thinking your high beams are on.

another good way of releasing the load on the bolts while turning them is using a tool to raise the torsion key off of the bolt... I can't remember the name of the tool right now, but it's out in my garage... the tool has two arm hooks on either side and a big bolt in the middle... that way when you turn the bolts you won't strip the threads off the bolt. BEEN THERE DONE THAT!!!

Dan

Does anybody know if PepBoys or AutoZone loans the "Torsion Tool?"

-Jeff

I had a very smart aleck remark for this one, but decided to just say that duramaxedout said it well. I would add that you should jack the truck up and lube the bolt threads first.

Don't use a friggin gear puller to hold the torsion key. The proper tool looks like a giant C-clamp, and they're about $75-120.

Tom

My brother had his raised in the front end (the chevy tech did it) and his truck will sag in the rear alot more than mine. They are identical trucks , 2002 2500hd ext. cab 4x4, except mine is a D/A and his is the 6.0. His truck sits about 1-1/2" higher than mine in the front end. Ironically he took the truck in to the dealer originally because it leaned to one side. When he got it back they had raised the front end.