Torsion bar lowering options

[ChristianA]

I’d like to lower my torsion bars all the way in the front, and then have that match on the back, making the vehicle lower and level.
What’s the maximum I’d be able to drop it?
How would I do this in the rear?
Any other options to do this other than the torsion bars?

 

[rubydist]

The back is easy - you take off the U-bolts, remove the lift block and reinstall (shorter) U-bolts. iirc, that block is about 3". When I did this, I put on 2wd rear shocks to avoid bottoming out the shocks.

For the front, you can jack it up, adjust the torsion bar keys an equal number of turns on each side, and drop it about 1.5" before you end up hitting the bump stops on every bump.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I've moved this to the 2wd suspension forum. If it's 4wd I'll move it again to the 4wd suspension forum.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

So… if it’s a 4x4 with torsion bars… I’m working on figuring it all out.

If it’s 2wd with torsion bars… my information may or may not help.

It is possible to remove the block in the rear and lower the front an inch to inch and a half. You may or may not have to remove the bump stops (10mm deep well and you have to have all weight off the front suspension or pull the lower arm, socket goes up inside the bump stop to get to the bolt)

Beyond removing the lift block in the rear, you have all the standard options open like shackle flip, axle flip and frame notch. My green 2000 I did an Explorer 8.8” as spring under axle with beefed up spring packs and an extended shackle. I still may have to make some sort of adjustment because it’s still about frame notch territory. I had to cut the spring perches off, clock the axle for the pinion angle and weld them back on. Also had to take about an inch and a half out of my driveshaft.

Front is currently not low enough to match the rear. I have the bump stops removed and the adjusters entirely backed out on the keys. There is also a distinct problem of alignment in the front. I’m working on a solution. I’m not sure what other issues I’m going to hit trying to get the front the rest of the way down. I did get a set of the 07-11 torsion bar keys to try and see if they get it lower (supposedly they do), but my alignment is a major problem along with the tire size that’s currently on it. I just got a set of wheel spacers from a buddy so I can put my 18” Explorer rims on with smaller tires and continue this project.