Torsion bars are one of the primary methods used to adjust suspension height on light-duty trucks and suvs. By doing so, the vehicle’s front suspension height can be altered. Cranking torsion bars can increase ground clearance or improve the vehicle’s appearance.
This method is slightly complex, as you need to ensure that the torsion bars are adequately adjusted and balanced. Using a torsion bar tool to get under your vehicle, adjust the tension as per your requirements. It is also essential to keep in mind that cranking torsion bars too much can cause a harsh ride, making daily driving unbearable.
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There are two types of torsion bars: standard and preloaded.
- Standard torsion bars are commonly used in most vehicles and feature a standard spring rate. They provide a comfortable ride over most terrains, without compromising on handling and stability.
- Preloaded torsion bars have a higher spring rate than standard bars. They are useful for heavy-duty applications such as carrying heavy loads or towing. The bars can be adjusted to compensate for added weight by cranking the torsion bars.
Role Of Torsion Bars In Vehicle Suspension
Torsion bars play an essential role in supporting the weight of the vehicle while maintaining a comfortable ride and ensuring proper handling, even on rough terrain. They are part of the suspension system and work in conjunction with shock absorbers, sway bars and other components.
- Torsion bars keep the vehicle level by resisting the weight of the car or truck on the wheels.
- Torsion bars work as part of the suspension system to create a smooth, responsive ride.
- Torsion bars also help prevent body roll which can be dangerous in corners and difficult surfaces.
Torsion bars are an essential piece of a vehicle’s suspension system. They support the weight of a vehicle while ensuring optimal comfort and handling on the road. By adjusting the torsion bars, extra load or weight can be accommodated without compromising the vehicle’s performance.
Signs That Your Torsion Bars Need Cranking
Do you feel that something is weird with your vehicle’s suspension? In that case, your torsion bars may need cranking. Torsion bars play an essential role in a vehicle’s suspension system. They bear the vehicle’s weight and determine the vehicle’s height.
An overused or worn-out torsion bar can cause problems with your vehicle’s handling and steering. Here are some signs to look out for that may indicate that your torsion bars need cranking:
Unevenness In Vehicle Height
If you notice that one side of your vehicle is lower than the other, you may have uneven torsion bars. An uneven torsion bar can cause a lopsided look to the vehicle, making it appear uneven from one side. Here are some other signs to look out for:
- Vehicle looks lower in the front or back
- One wheel looks closer to the wheel-well than the other
- Uneven tire wear
Looseness And Rattles In Suspension
When your vehicle’s torsion bars wear out, it can cause your suspension to become loose. This will lead to your vehicle’s suspension rattling as you drive. Here are some other signs:
- Vehicle bouncing or sagging
- Hitting bumps causes the suspension to rattle
- Squeaking or creaking noises from the suspension
Difficulty In Handling Or Steering
If your torsion bars are bad, it can affect your vehicle’s handling and steering. You will notice that the vehicle is harder to steer, especially on uneven roads. Here are some other signs:
- Front end dips when stopping
- A clunking or banging sound when driving over bumps
- Difficulty keeping the vehicle on course
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s time to get your torsion bars checked and possibly cranked. Regular maintenance and inspection of your vehicle’s suspension system can save you from costly repairs in the long run.
How To Crank Torsion Bars
Before getting into the actual process of cranking the torsion bars, you need to make a few preparations first. Here are the essential steps to prepare:
- Park your vehicle on level ground: Make sure that your car is parked on a flat surface so that you can have easy access to the torsion bar adjusters on both sides.
- Remove any load from your vehicle: Take off any heavy objects or passengers from your car to get an accurate measurement of your car’s height.
- Measure the height of your vehicle: Check the height of your vehicle by measuring the distance from the ground to the wheel’s center on both sides. This measurement will be useful in tracking the change in height after you have cranked the torsion bars.
Step-By-Step Guide To Cranking Torsion Bars
Cranking torsion bars is not a challenging process, and you can do it by following these step-by-step instructions:
- Step 1: Locate the torsion bar adjuster bolt: locate the torsion bar adjuster bolt on the lower control arm of your vehicle, usually positioned at the rear of the front wheel.
- Step 2: Loosen the adjusting bolt: use a wrench to loosen the adjusting bolt by turning it counterclockwise. Remember, this bolt holds the torsion bar’s tension, so make sure to loosen it gradually.
- Step 3: Start cranking: using a torsion bar tool, start cranking the adjusting bolt clockwise. You will feel the change in resistance as you go. Tighten the bolt little by little, ensuring that the torsion bar is under constant pressure while you do so.
- Step 4: Measure the height: after cranking, measure the height of your vehicle again to check the height difference from the level ground to the wheel’s center. Adjust if necessary and repeat the process until the height is you want.
Remember that excessive cranking can cause damage to your car’s suspension, so make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and consult with a professional mechanic if you’re uncertain.
Best Practices And Tips For Cranking Torsion Bars
Cracking torsion bars is an ideal way to increase the front’s height of your vehicle, making it look more robust and ready for off-road adventures. But just like anything else, there’s a right way to do it without causing damage to your vehicle.
We will take a look at the best practices and tips for cracking torsion bars.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Cranking
Before you start, it’s essential to understand what mistakes to avoid. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when cracking torsion bars:
- Over-cranking the bars: Over-cranking can cause permanent damage to the torsion bar.
- Cranking the bars unevenly: Cranking one bar more than the other will affect handling and lead to uneven tire wear.
- Not getting a wheel alignment: Cranking can significantly alter the alignment of the wheels, leading to poor handling and excessive tire wear.
Recommended Adjustments For Different Vehicle Types
Different types of vehicles may require different adjustments. Here are some recommendations for the most common types of vehicles:
- Trucks and suvs: Most trucks and suvs have torsion bars with large adjusting bolts. A half turn of the adjusting bolt can typically result in an inch of lift.
- Cars: Lower to the ground cars don’t have torsion bars that are adjustable. They can only be modified by replacing them with ones that will lower or raise the vehicle.
Tips For Maintaining Proper Vehicle Alignment And Handling
After cracking torsion bars, it’s crucial to maintain the correct vehicle alignment and handling. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Get a wheel alignment: As earlier mentioned, cracking torsion bars can significantly alter the alignment of the wheels. So, you need to get a wheel alignment after any adjustment.
- Maintain proper tire pressure: Proper tire pressure can go a long way in reducing tire wear and tear and getting a longer lifespan out of your tires.
- Regular inspections: Regularly have a professional examine your vehicle for any damage caused by cracking torsion bars, such as cracks or worn bushings.
That’s it! By adhering to these best practices and tips, you can ensure that you crank torsion bars the right way without causing unnecessary damage to your vehicle.
What Are The Benefits Of Cranking Torsion Bars?
If you’re looking to enhance your vehicle’s performance, cranking torsion bars is one of the most budget-friendly and effective ways to achieve this goal. By adjusting the tension on the torsion bars, you can increase your vehicle’s ground clearance, improve handling, and stability on the road, making it ideal for off-road driving or carrying heavy loads.
Let’s dive into the benefits of cranking torsion bars and how it can upgrade your vehicle to a whole new level.
Enhanced Ground Clearance For Off-Road Driving Or Heavy Loads
Cranking torsion bars can significantly increase the vehicle’s ground clearance, allowing you to tackle off-road terrains with ease. This is particularly useful if you like to go on outdoor adventures or have to drive on rough terrain frequently. Additionally, if you frequently carry heavy loads, cranking torsion bars can help to prevent bottoming out, ensuring that your vehicle’s frame and suspension remain intact.
Here are some benefits of cranking torsion bars to enhance ground clearance:
- Increases the front-end height, providing more space between the vehicle and the ground.
- Allows you to fit larger tires or rims to the vehicle, which increases the height even further.
- Provides ample clearance space for off-road terrains or bumpy roads.
- Prevents damage to the vehicle’s undercarriage by preventing the bottoming-out of the suspension.
Improved Handling And Stability On The Road
Cranking torsion bars can potentially enhance your vehicle’s handling and stability on the road. By increasing the vehicle’s height, it ensures that the weight distribution remains balanced, effectively reducing the rollover risk. It also helps to reduce body roll, which is the vehicle’s tendency to tilt to one side or another during turns.
Both of these benefits improve driver comfort and the overall driving experience.
Here are some benefits of cranking torsion bars to improve handling:
- Maintains a balanced weight distribution, reducing the risk of rollover.
- Reduces body roll, providing a stable driving experience.
- Makes cornering easier, ensuring that the suspension does not bottom out.
- Offers improved steering response, increasing the driver’s control over the vehicle.
Cost-Effective Alternative To Suspension Lift Kits
Cranking torsion bars is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a suspension lift kit, which can be costly. The torsion bar adjustment provides a height increase without any additional costs, making it a budget-friendly option. Moreover, you can take pride in knowing that you did the upgrades yourself and did not have to pay for professional installation.
Here are some benefits of cranking torsion bars over suspension lift kits:
- Much more affordable than purchasing a suspension lift kit.
- You can adjust the height yourself, saving on installation costs.
- Torsion bars ensure that the vehicle’s original suspension remains intact, maintaining performance reliability.
- Provides a modest lift height, making it ideal for daily drivers looking for a minor upgrade.
Cranking torsion bars is an excellent way to enhance your vehicle’s performance without breaking the bank. By adjusting the tension on the torsion bar, you can increase your ground clearance, improve handling and stability, while saving money on professional installations.
Take advantage of this cost-effective upgrade and see the difference in your vehicle’s performance for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions On How To Crank Torsion Bars
Can I Crank Torsion Bars On My Own?
Yes, you can do it at home if you have the right tools and knowledge. However, it’s recommended to bring your truck to a professional because the process can be dangerous if not done properly.
How Much Does It Cost To Crank Torsion Bars?
The cost depends on the type of vehicle and the location. The average cost ranges from $100 to $300, but it can be more expensive if there are additional modifications needed.
Is It Safe To Crank Torsion Bars?
As long as it’s done correctly, it’s generally safe. However, if the bars are over-cranked, it can put unnecessary stress on the suspension and cause damage or even accidents. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid over-cranking.
How Long Does It Take To Crank Torsion Bars?
The process usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, but it can vary depending on the vehicle and the mechanic’s experience. It’s important to allow enough time to do the job properly and avoid rushing.
What Are The Benefits Of Cranking Torsion Bars?
By cranking torsion bars, you can increase your vehicle’s height for better ground clearance and off-road capabilities. It also improves the overall look and performance of your truck.
Will Cranking Torsion Bars Affect My Suspension?
It can affect the suspension, but if done correctly, it shouldn’t cause any damage. Over-cranking can cause premature wear on the suspension components and lead to problems down the road.
Conclusion
With the help of this article, you can now easily crank up your torsion bars and give your vehicle the desired look and performance. However, it is essential to remember that you should follow all the safety precautions before attempting to crank the torsion bars.
Also, it is crucial to have an understanding of how torsion bars work and how much you can crank them up. If you are unsure, it is always best to consult a professional mechanic or refer to the vehicle’s manual.
Properly cranking the torsion bars can help you achieve the perfect height and stance for your vehicle, improving the overall look and handling. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have your vehicle looking and performing like a dream in no time.
