How to Lift Torsion Bars

A torsion bar suspension is used on a number of trucks and larger vehicles and it is one of the easier suspension models to adjust. If the vehicle's suspension is uneven and one side is higher than the other, you need to adjust this to prevent damaging the suspension. Lifting the torsion bar will even out the suspension. This exact process may vary depending on the exact make, model and year of the vehicle you have.

Instructions

1

Drive the vehicle back and forth a few times or bounce and roll it back and forth by the bumper to settle the suspension. This is especially important if you just installed the torsion bar.

2

Check the tires and make sure they are properly inflated before proceeding. Unload anything that is currently stored within the truck bed.

3

Loosen, remove and discard the locknut on the adjuster bolt with your wrench if your vehicle has such a locknut installed.

4

Measure the vehicle's ride height from the ground to the lower control arm at each side of the vehicle. Take note of which side is lower than the other.

5

Raise the truck's front end and support it on jack stands, supporting the truck under the front crossmember. This will relieve the strain from the torsion bar.

6

Turn the adjuster bolt by a few turns with your wrench and then measure the distance again at the lower of the two sides. Turn the bolt in the opposite direction if the height has gotten shorter.

7

Continue to turn the adjuster bolt and measure the height until the lower side has risen to the same height as the higher one and the ride height is level on both sides.

8

Lower the truck off the jack stands and then bounce and roll the vehicle at the bumper once again to resettle the suspension. Measure and double-check the ride height and repeat the process (steps 5-7) if the height is not even.

9

Install and tighten a new locknut on the adjuster bolt if needed.