New torsion bar, but still leaning

[greentoothpaste]

I installed a brand new torsion bar on the driver side of my 2003 Ford Ranger, hoping that it would resolve the driver side lean I've been experiencing.

I didn't get the results I was hoping for though. I still have about an inch of difference between the tire and wheel well on the driver side when compared to the passenger side. This is with the driver side torsion bolts nearly maxed out, and the passenger side with lots of bolt showing.

Any ideas what could be causing this lean still? I've inspected the suspension and everything seems to be in good condition.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Are you sure the shock or suspension isn't binding not allowing the suspension to drop?

Not much else it could be...

 

[JamesH]

Are the tires the same size?

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

 

[Bird76Mojo]

If the drivers side control arms were ever replaced and they were tightened down in any position other than ride height, this can cause some binding and minimal height differences. If I had to guess, I'd say that you've simply cranked your bar too high on one side.

Without pictures/measurements/year/model of truck or any other details it's hard to say really. Fill out your profile/signature for future reference..


One more thing. It's natural to have one torsion adjuster bolt nearly maxed out and the other with several threads still showing. Just the nature of the beast.




GB

 

[greentoothpaste]

Are the tires the same size?

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

Yes tires are the same size.

 

[greentoothpaste]

If the drivers side control arms were ever replaced and they were tightened down in any position other than ride height, this can cause some binding and minimal height differences. If I had to guess, I'd say that you've simply cranked your bar too high on one side.

Without pictures/measurements/year/model of truck or any other details it's hard to say really. Fill out your profile/signature for future reference..


One more thing. It's natural to have one torsion adjuster bolt nearly maxed out and the other with several threads still showing. Just the nature of the beast.




GB

I was wondering about the upper control arms actually. They were replaced on the driver side recently and new camber bolts installed on both sides. I'll try resetting the preload on those and see if it helps.

I uncranked the passenger side bolts quite a bit to see if it would bring it down level with the driver side but it didn't seem to have much affect. This leads me to think it might be the controls arms too.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

I was wondering about the upper control arms actually. They were replaced on the driver side recently and new camber bolts installed on both sides. I'll try resetting the preload on those and see if it helps.

I uncranked the passenger side bolts quite a bit to see if it would bring it down level with the driver side but it didn't seem to have much affect. This leads me to think it might be the controls arms too.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I should have specified the LOWER control arms. They have rubber inserts that can bind things up if they're tightened down in the wrong position. It wouldn't be much difference, and truthfully, they should relax soon after the rubber gives..

Make note that after torsion bolt adjustments you should roll the truck back and forth to let the suspension settle/relax to it's new ride height.



GB

 

[greentoothpaste]

I should have specified the LOWER control arms. They have rubber inserts that can bind things up if they're tightened down in the wrong position. It wouldn't be much difference, and truthfully, they should relax soon after the rubber gives..

Make note that after torsion bolt adjustments you should roll the truck back and forth to let the suspension settle/relax to it's new ride height.



GB

Ok, thanks for clarifying. I did take the truck out for a drive and then rechecked it but didn't notice much difference.

 

[greentoothpaste]

So I think I may have found the culprit.

I jacked up the truck again tonight and had a look around and noticed that the sway bar links are different lengths. The passenger side is approx. 7inches and the driver side is approx. 6inches.

Passenger side:

Driver side:

 

[Uncle Gump]

That will probably do it...

I would probably back off the driver torsion a bit before you remove the links

Get yourself a new set of sway bar links... leave the links off until you finish your torsion adjustments. Get them where you want them and put the links in. Throw a new set of shocks on... will be like a new truck.

 

[greentoothpaste]

That will probably do it...

I would probably back off the driver torsion a bit before you remove the links

Get yourself a new set of sway bar links... leave the links off until you finish your torsion adjustments. Get them where you want them and put the links in. Throw a new set of shocks on... will be like a new truck.

Surprised that someone would install different sized links like that, but looking forward to getting this finally fixed.. The shocks are looking pretty rough so I'll take your advice and do them as well. Thanks.

UPDATE: the new sway bar links fixed it and the truck now sits level.