torsion keys vs. cranking

[07rangerfx4lv2]

i just installed the torsion keys and im thinking of ditching them, is cranking any improvment

 

[Hanon]

i heard they dont make much of a difference.. but on the other hand im kinda wondering this too I have an 08 sport 4x4 and when i tried cranking them i only got about .5 of an inch of lift. i know this is because the bolts are shorter on 08+ because they dont have much crank.. can anyone recommend me what i should do? get new bolts or torsion keys?

 

[Frank The Tank]

I just got a grade 8 75mm long replacement bolt, and a 70mm long one....... just so I would have a size varietion if I needed it.

I used my stock passenger side bolt, and the 75mm on driver side.

Maxed out the t-bars..... (at least the driver side one) I haven't had any steering shimmy, rough ride (well a lil rough), or alignment issues............ but I still wish I could get another inch out of the front, oh well........ that's where money comes into the picture.

a key will do the same thing, but if you try to go over 2inches it can drastically reduce ride quality and throw off your steering.

Frank

 

[WIDTIO]

Many people will say that this is not a lift, I agree.

All this is doing is adjusting your pre-load. Cranking your torsion bar will slightly increase your "lift" and allow larger diameter tires, however cranking the torsion bars will result in poor alignment which will need to be taken care of ($), the torsion bars will wear out prematurally requiring replacement ($), the torsion bars may in fact snap, of coarse this is not that easy to do, but possible. If that were to happen that is a BIG problem and even more ($). All in all it ain't worth it.

 

[Frank The Tank]

Yes it is........... how else are you going to level the front end of an IFS non ttb? and compensate for lifting the rear? without spending 1,200 bucks?

I think there is a negative to everything...... but if you have an insane horrible t-bar experience, start playing the lottery.

Frank

VVVVV I have a BL and 33's too........... they have gotten into my quarters in extreme situations still....... time for a sas, or just spend the money and do a 4in suspension, but then I'm going to want that much bigger tires.

 

[WIDTIO]

Yes it is........... how else are you going to level the front end of an IFS non ttb? and compensate for lifting the rear? without spending 1,200 bucks?

I think there is a negative to everything...... but if you have an insane horrible t-bar experience, start playing the lottery.

Frank

Hey if it works for you that's great. In my experience I cranked the torsion bars and it was terrible. I ended up doing a 3" body lift to fit 33's and I'm happy with that, for now.

I'm simply saying that cranking your torsion bars just isn't the greatest thing to do.

 

[ozziemo27]

Many people will say that this is not a lift, I agree.

All this is doing is adjusting your pre-load. Cranking your torsion bar will slightly increase your "lift" and allow larger diameter tires, however cranking the torsion bars will result in poor alignment which will need to be taken care of ($), the torsion bars will wear out prematurally requiring replacement ($), the torsion bars may in fact snap, of coarse this is not that easy to do, but possible. If that were to happen that is a BIG problem and even more ($). All in all it ain't worth it.

Well thats some of the more paranoid stuff I've heard.... SNAPPING the t-bar? If you do that or find someone who did that on regular trail use, I will buy you a hooker. scrap that, TWO hookers. LOTS of people have done this without a problem. And how is it not lift? my frame is 1.75 inches higher off the ground and its still like that, its still there, trust me, i promise. what is your definition of lift?

 

[WIDTIO]

Well thats some of the more paranoid stuff I've heard.... SNAPPING the t-bar? If you do that or find someone who did that on regular trail use, I will buy you a hooker. scrap that, TWO hookers. LOTS of people have done this without a problem. And how is it not lift? my frame is 1.75 inches higher off the ground and its still like that, its still there, trust me, i promise. what is your definition of lift?

Yeah those are extreme cases as far as the torsion bars snapping, but really not that hard especially where I live. I got the Oregon sand dunes, Florence Oregon has some intense stuff. I'm not saying I go crazy, but I do jump my truck from time to time and I'd hate to snap a torsion bar.

The biggest thing is ride quality when you crank them tight it becomes ridiculously stiff, and poor articulation. It's not a lift because it's just a pre load adjustment, yeah it might be "lifting" your truck, but it is not a "lift."

 

[ozziemo27]

Yeah those are extreme cases as far as the torsion bars snapping, but really not that hard especially where I live. I got the Oregon sand dunes, Florence Oregon has some intense stuff. I'm not saying I go crazy, but I do jump my truck from time to time and I'd hate to snap a torsion bar.

The biggest thing is ride quality when you crank them tight it becomes ridiculously stiff, and poor articulation. It's not a lift because it's just a pre load adjustment, yeah it might be "lifting" your truck, but it is not a "lift."

Well, I sure don't jump my truck. Theres nothing to jump it on here in Michigan, I did it for the extra clearance for rocks and whatever i might cross over running through mudholes. (i've caught crossmembers on rocks in mudholes) I didn't notice a major reduction in ride quality. No, its not a "lift kit" but who cares, it IS lift, its lifting my ass up, so its still lift..

 

[Frank The Tank]

I have jumped my truck......... ouchies!!! Other than my rear fender flare taking a whollup from the tire (it bent back, just a lil sheet metal) I'm happy with it, I want to go bigger now though!!!!!!!! I need at least 3inches more lift to fit the tires I want.

OP what was the issue you were having with the keys? in hind sight it sounds like you were having issues with it?

Frank

 

[MaGiKaLsHoTs]

i have issues with my t bars on my 01, i tried cranking them but it only got about .5 of an inch after measuring, ground to fender, and i still have about 1/2 inch left on the bolts but they dont turn anymore, and i dont want to snap them

help! lol

 

[Frank The Tank]

take a jack and put under the front end to release some pressure......... soak them in pb blaster.

Mine are new bolts, i don't have to put a jack under it....... just tighten and my truck goes up up up.

Frank

 

[RangerRocker]

3" spindle and 33's

3" spindle, 33's, and cranked torsion bars

It makes a difference, and it seems like a lift to me...from my experience.

 

[Hanon]

can anyone answer my question on post 2 if i should get keys or torsion bolts? if i call the stealership will they know what im talking about?

 

[ozziemo27]

can anyone answer my question on post 2 if i should get keys or torsion bolts? if i call the stealership will they know what im talking about?

Get longer torsion bar bolts, from the stories I've heard, keys are too much for the 98+ SLA IFS and will only cause you more problems. I don't know if the dealer will be able to supply you with longer bolts but it'd be worth a try. I'm curious if earlier gen 4 torsion bar bolts would work..I wouldn't be surprised if they did work and the thread was the same... I'd look into it, say 1998 or 1999 T-bar bolts that are longer than the newer ones. If any1 else has any more information please chime in. But definately go for longer bolts and not keys.