Torsion bars and alignment

[rizoss16]

Ok I have read up on cranking the tbars, I just got my truck today, its an 03 ranger edge 4.0L 4wd 5spd manual. The front end looks low, the tires are stock, but rub at full turn. Maybe the tbars were lowered??? WTF??? Someone told me that maybe someone lowered them for alignment. Anyways I want to crank the tbars all the way, or maybe just 2 inches or something so that I dont rub and it looks level with the back, but I do not have money for an alignment after I emptied my account to get the truck. How much does an alignment cost? Will I be ok with cranking the tbars without getting an alignment? What if i went a few months and then got the alignment? What will I wear or break without getting an alignmet? Is it worth it to crank them without one? Go for it or no? How many inches can you gain?

 

[rizoss16]

Firestone has a lifetime alignment service, I will get it within the next few months, but for now If I crank the tbars will I be alright? And someone told me that alignment shops most likely lowered the tbars during the trucks last alignment and that its the cheap way to do an alignment. Is this what firestone will do also?

 

[krugford]

They say you shouldn't go over 2" without causing issues with your CVs, tie rods, and ball joints wearing out prematurely. For reference, the lowest point on my front suspension, the rear lower a-arm mount, measured to it's lowest edge, is right at 10" from the ground on my truck.

You will need an alignment immediately after cranking the t-bars or you will wear the outsides of your tires very fast. I drove around for a week or two before I got up to get an alignment and I had very noticeable feathering on the outboard of both front treads.

 

[martin]

You can align it yourself. All you need is a couple of straight edges, a few bricks and a good tape measure. A little patience also helps.

 

[Chris.S.]

I cranked my T-bars a full 2" and when my mechanic checked it for the alignment it was perfect and did not need any alignment. Tire wear is staying even and flat...

But that's just my experience, everyone seems to have slightly different one.