I have a F250LD 2 wheel-drive, do these have the torsion bars I keep reading about on the 4x4 models that can be "cranked-up"? BTW what is the story with this torsion bar cranking, I do not understand?

 

no. 2wds have springs.

 

The torsion bars are there for several reasons. However, they were intentionally made adjustable. It's designed so that if someone were to put a heavy snowplow or winch on the front of their truck, the torsion bars can be adjusted to level out the truck. These trucks already sit a little low in the front from the manufacturer. I chose to crank mine up to level out my truck for cosmetic reasons and to make a little more room for my new tires even though they would fit without the cranking.

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'97 F150 4x4 Off-Road Extended Cab Lariat Flareside white/tan, tan leather, 4.6, 3.55

Duraliner bedliner, Husky floormats, Custom seatcovers (I only cover the leather when I'm really dirty, though), Premier single-lid toolbox

285/75/16 BFG All-Terrain T/A KO's, 16x8 American Racing Python Aluminum Wheels, Torsion Bars up 1", Gibson 2.5" split-rear exit cat-back exhaust, K&N Air Filter, Rancho RS9000's w/ dual remote

http://ocu-stars.okcu.edu/cvenable.stu/index.htm#b
(new pics to come soon

 

They basically are the springs for the 4X4. Because of the front drive axle running through the place where the srings would be they use "torsion bars" to "spring" the front end of a 4X4.

[This message has been edited by cphilip (edited 10-09-2000).]

 

Where do I find the adjustment? I assume it's a large nut. I haven't crawled under to look yet, so if it's realobvius, sorry

Jay

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1998 F150 Lariat 4x4 Extended Cab. 4.6L Auto
Mods: Superchip
Planned: Airforce One

 

Torsion bar lift, front 4x4 only:


tools:
tape measure
1/2 socket wrench
wd40 or pentration oil
18mm socket

Get under the truck. In about the middle of the doors there is a crossmember. If you look at each side you will see 2 bolts there. That is how you adjust the bars. Lube them up with the oil or wd40.

First check your tire pressure. Make sure each tire has equal pressure in it!!!!

Second, measure the top of the wheel well directly thru the center of the wheel. Do this for both sides and mark the measurements on paper. Also measure the same thing on the rear. Now if one side is lower than the other, you can adjust the lower side. Basically 1 full turn of the adjustment bolts is about 1/2" of lift.

Once you get each side level up front, then crank the bars in 1/2 turns until the front is about 1/2" lower then the rear. After each 1/2 turn, bounce on the front bumper about 2-3 times and measure. Do not exceed 3 turns on the bolts or more than 1 1/4" lift in the front. This will create excessive angles on the CV joints and cause premature wear!!!!

After that, drive the truck and check the measurements again side to side. You should have an alignment done on the truck after this for maximum tire life.

 

Matt...

Does my 2001 Supercrew 4x4 have this adjustment for the torsion bars?

Dubin

 

Thanks Matt, I'll give it a try this week

 

Dubin, yes. Any new F150 or 250LD 1997 and newer with 4wd uses torsion bars.