Torsion bar bolt problem

[DeanMoriarty]

I changed out the shocks on an 01 Explorer Sport, while it did make a nice difference in the ride, I noticed while I was under there, everything is sitting low on the right side. The right torsion bar adjuster bolt is sticking out an inch or so more than the left. It actually looks like it's ready to fall out. I'm quite sure the woman who owned the truck before me wasn't under there cranking on it it... and I have receipts from her getting the alignment checked every six months or so... How does this happen?
Anyway, I know I need to jack it up to adjust it, but how do I get it back to what should be the stock height? Just adjust the right until it's even with the left and hope for the best? I don't want to screw up the front axles or cv joints. Here's some pics, any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Here's the left side, in relation to the tire.

And the right side.

 

[reggioisme]

maybe she was a fairly LARGE woman that when she got in the truck it would sit level on both sides...

 

[DeanMoriarty]

LOL!
She had a little chunk on her, but not enough to justify this.

 

[Beef52751]

lol, i would just level it with the other side and go.
Beef

 

[Tee Rev]

I just bought an 06 4x4 that had the same issue. The adjuster bolt on the right side was almost about 3/4" further out & the right side of the truck sat about 1-1/2" lower.

I was at a friends shop when he noticed it, so he just cranked it to the same level as the left & now everything sits perfect.

I'm wondering if the bolts have a tendency to loosen up over time, as there really isn't anything to lock them other than the pressure on the torsion bar?

Trev

 

[DeanMoriarty]

Maybe... I feel better knowing others have had this problem though.
Did you have an alignment done afterwords? I've read you should have it aligned after messing with the torsion bolts... I hate to blow the money on an alignment too though. I'm going to go try to level it out. I'll let you all know how it goes.

 

[Hypnotic Toast]

I'm starting to think I have this problem too in my '99. I've been noticing lately that it seems like it's sitting uneven, like the right side is sagging. Hmm...

 

[Tee Rev]

Maybe... I feel better knowing others have had this problem though.
Did you have an alignment done afterwords? I've read you should have it aligned after messing with the torsion bolts... I hate to blow the money on an alignment too though. I'm going to go try to level it out. I'll let you all know how it goes.

It felt better after cranking the bolt so I don't think I'll bother with an alignment.

I did put on some bigger rubber though!

 

[DeanMoriarty]

That's a nice ride man. That's about the perfect combination of lift and tires I'd want. Enough to look bad@$$, but not completely scream "redneck." (No offense to the rednecks.)

Cranking that bolt seemed to do the trick. It's still a little off but I'm going to drive it for a bit and let it settle, then try leveling it again. I probably will get the alignment checked out, just because I just bought it and I'm paranoid.

Check it out HN, you might have the same problem.