Some Advice on Torsion-Bar Crank vs. Torsion Keys

[08FX4Ranger]

First off, I would like to start off by saying I am new to the forum and the site and any information or opinions are very much apreciated.

I just bought an '08 Ranger FX4, and I am considering either cranking the torsion bars or going with a torsion bar key set-up from truxx. They have a kit off of fatbob's garage that comes with an add-a-leaf that is supposed to clear 33's. I do have some reservations about this set-up though, it seems to me that it would change quite a bit in the suspension with the angles and all, and I eally don't want to void my warranty over a few inches and start having a ton of problems later on down the road. Also, I don't want 33's. I am thinking of putting a set of 265X75R16E Dick Cepek Crushers or 31 x 10.50 of another similar tire just on the stock rims.

So, I guess I am in need of some advice. I won't be doing any serious off-roading, just occasional use on an un-improved type of surface like a dirt road or trail. This is my daily driver and I really don't want to do any serious modifications that will void out my warranty. Does anyone know what size of tires I can fit as is, with the torsion bar cranked, and what are the pro's/con's between the leveling key and crank? Will it change anything if I have the dealer do the work, or is it even possible, time is an issue for me because of my job will the dealer crank the torsion bars for me?

Again any advice, opinions, or info will be much appreciated. Thanks. -J

 

[Chris.S.]

a 2" TT and leave the rear stock will clear 265/75-16's no prob. That's exactly the set-up I'm running on my 07.

I wouldn't bother wasting money on the keys, the TT is free (might cost you one 3$ bolt). I just ordered shackles for my rear end to bring it up another inch just to "balance" the look of the truck-it sits perfectly level until I throw my high lift shovel etc in the back and then it sags just a bit.

 

[4x4junkie]

Agreed, the stock keys are capable of enough height to where you could run into problems.

Crank them up so your axle halfshafts have maybe a 10-12° downslope to them at the wheels (no more than that though, you want the suspension to have at least another 2-3" downtravel from where it sits at static height), and you should be fine.
On a '08, this may actually be about 2.5" lift, as Ford didn't set them as high on that year as earlier ones for some reason.

 

[tanbuddy]

If i remember right, the torsion bar rangers only had 3 inches of down travel from stock ride height. Ive cranked a 98 and 00 and they were about the same.

 

[08FX4Ranger]

Hey guys, thanks for the input. I am going to take your advice 4x4 Junkie, and crank the torsion bars to your specs. Then I am going to put some tires on it and be done.....for now. Thanks again, everyone that responded.

 

[08FX4Ranger]

Agreed, the stock keys are capable of enough height to where you could run into problems.

Crank them up so your axle halfshafts have maybe a 10-12° downslope to them at the wheels (no more than that though, you want the suspension to have at least another 2-3" downtravel from where it sits at static height), and you should be fine.
On a '08, this may actually be about 2.5" lift, as Ford didn't set them as high on that year as earlier ones for some reason.

Sooo, I know it is kind of an off question, but can I take my truck into a shop that does suspension work (i.e. alignments, frame word) and have them do this to get the angles exact or what? Also what is this $3 bolt that I will need? I know it might seem ridiculous to do this, but I really don't have the time to do it myself now or any tools. All of mine are in the back of a semi on the way to NC. Thanks again.

 

[08FX4Ranger]

work not word

 

[07rangersport]

just do a search for torsion bar crank. It is super easy

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Customer bought a new 08 FX4 at my dealership and wanted it a bit higher so I was going to do a bar crank on it, problem was both bolts were already maxxed out on it for some reason. I ended up putting the Truxx torsion key kit in it. Worked out pretty good, put a set of LT285/75R16's X-terrains on it. Looked pretty good.

 

[4x4junkie]

Do the '08s sit lower because the keys are different?

Maybe new keys will be needed then if so

The biggest thing though is just to not exceed the height I mentioned above, however which way you get there.
A suspension shop can do it, although some won't, thinking there's a liability concern. A 4WD shop would be your best bet to have it done.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Do the '08s sit lower because the keys are different?

Maybe new keys will be needed then if so

Yea I'm not to sure Junkie, I've never seen one with both maxed out right from the factory. It was a bit scary getting the new keys into place tho. I had lots of thread left on my 05 sport trac, I got 1.5" inches out of it and had more thread left still.

 

[4x4RangerGuy]

I personally think that Ford might be using a lower rated torsion bar, requiring more threads to be turned in from the adjuster bolts to get the same ride height as previous years.

The problem with those keys is that they mislead people all the time. They don't magically provide a 3-4" lift like a SuperLift kit does...yet people seem to think they do because of the way they are advertised. Like Ryda said, they are great if the stock keys aren't allowing any more adjustment, but otherwise they are a total waste since MOST trucks' keys still allow plenty of adjustment room. My 98 4x4 still has adjustment left on both bolts after 10 years!

 

[Yellowsplash]

Agreed....not sure about the '08 models, but in general, it takes more turns of the bolt to lift due to different rated torsion bars. Sport Tracs and FX4s come with #1 bars...they're the heaviest (rate and diameter) bars available.

 

[08FX4Ranger]

Sticking with the crank for now

Thanks for all the input. I am going to stick with the torsion bar crank for now and see if that is enough to clear my tires when I finally get to put them on. Hell I am just excited to get to drive the truck for now. But thanks.

 

[GB4000]

Can you just get new keys and crank them to what would be considered "over cranking" stock keys then add longer shocks? (Sorry I'm a newbie to this forum as well as driving.)