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Old 02-20-2010, 08:06 AM   #3
old_master
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Re: 96 S-10 5" Trailmaster lift

Incorrect front chassis ride height is what's causing the problem. Ride height is the vertical distance between the lower-most inboard point of the steering knuckle, nearest the lower ball joint, to the center of the lower control arm pivot bolt. The factory spec is approximately 4.5". If you measure the distance from the knuckle to the ground, and subtract it from the control arm to the ground measurement, you should have 4.5". Measurment, and adjustment to ride height, is done with the torsion bar adjusters when the vehicle is on a perfectly level surface. Increasing or decreasing front ride height out of factory specs adds stress to all 4 CV joints, all 4 ball joints, both of the outer tie rod ends, and both torsion bars. They all have a range of motion that they are designed to operate within. Keeping front ride height within factory specs keeps all of the components within their range of motion. In short, the problem is caused by the suspension lift and any adjustment you've made to the torsion bars. The body lift has no affect on chassis ride height.
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