Has anyone used this for lift?

Bungee · #1 12-04-2003, 03:14 PM

I have a 2000 1/2-ton Z71 4x4. I want to raise the front end 2" so that it's level with the back.

A few places sell a torsion bar cam kit to lift the front end a couple of inches. It's only $70. Here's a link to one on Ebay:

Torsion Bar Cam Lift Kit

But I'm hesitant to do this without first consulting with someone who's actually done this. Has anyone here done this? Has it effected your ride quality? Any problems with suspension travel or function? Would you recommend this to other owners?

Thanks for any and all opinions.

jeverett · #2 12-05-2003, 11:32 AM

I've personally never done it (yet, am in the process of getting some myself), but I've heard of people using them and being very satisfied. The ride is just a little bit stiffer than stock, but thats to be expected. As far as I know, they cams keep the suspension within the stock operating range. You must also have the front end aligned after they are installed.

rositis · #3 12-05-2003, 10:56 PM

those look like ford keys. im not positive but they look alot like ford keys that you can pick up for 25 bucks, i think. i have not bought any but thats what alot of people have said. also i leveled the front of my truck a few weeks ago and i couldnt have been happier. but i just adjusted my torsion bars. i got about 1 3/4 inches out of mine. my front sets at 36 3/4 and my back sets at 39 but it looks almost level. its as level as i would want it cause when you put any load on it makes it set down lower in the rear of course. i have heard alot of people saying that it makes the ride rougher but i actually have not noticed it being any rougher at all. but you do need to get it realligned afterwards. my truck was way off. oh and if you adjust your torsion bars drive the truck around for a few miles and remeasure it. mine went up 1/2 in after i drove it around the block. thats about it.

REPRAZENT · #4 12-17-2003, 05:30 PM

Yup just crank the torsion bar's,, I had a little under 1 inch avaliable to crank so I cranked the bolts about 1/2"..... It's raised my truck 1 and 1/2 inch.. the ride feels way better (not harsh at all) I think it handles way better and the truck does not nose dive when I brake hard.

WhippleWorld · #5 12-22-2003, 03:20 AM

I used a set of these on my 99 Chevy Silverado due to the poor Superlift suspension system and weak chevy torsion bars. Chevys are known for having weak torsion bars, and these help to raise the front end to make the truck level, it will change the ride fo the wehicle, but you will get used to it real quick and probably never remember the difference. It is a great quick fix for the price. Good Luck!!

NWChevyGuy · #6 12-24-2003, 06:57 PM

I raised the torsion bars on my old 94. It looked great. The only thing is, is your steering and cv-joints will hate you. Your truck will wander in the highway, and if you have any power under the hood, you will snap CV-Joints left and right in 4 wheel drive. I went through 3 CV joints and all the steering parts had to be replaced before I lowered the bars back down.

jeverett · #7 12-25-2003, 01:06 AM

but arent theese things supposed to keep the suspension within the factory operating range?

NWChevyGuy · #8 12-26-2003, 12:14 AM

No... The only way to keep factory operateing ranges, is to replace the steering knuckle, and drop the front diff. (Suspension Lift) Otherwise, the tie-rod ends and CV-Joints, have to reach up the the higher chasis.

jeverett · #9 12-27-2003, 01:29 AM

Hmmm.. I guess I've been mislead then. Glad I haven't bought any yet.

Bungee · #10 01-06-2004, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWChevyGuy

I raised the torsion bars on my old 94. It looked great. The only thing is, is your steering and cv-joints will hate you. Your truck will wander in the highway, and if you have any power under the hood, you will snap CV-Joints left and right in 4 wheel drive. I went through 3 CV joints and all the steering parts had to be replaced before I lowered the bars back down.

Eeek. I wonder if this would be a problem on a 2000 suspension, though?

Are you talking about over-cranking the torsion bars, or did you install the re-indexed keys?

Anyone else's thoughts or experiences on using keys?

Thanks

The Ladies Man · #11 01-06-2004, 06:04 PM

i never did anything to my truck when i raised my torsion bars just cranked them up till it was level with the rear and got an allignment. 3 other of my buddies did the same thing and we havent had a problem yet.

rositis · #12 01-06-2004, 07:27 PM

Out of all of the people that I know and have heard of that have adjusted the torsion bars on their trucks very, very few have any problems. Before I adjusted the torsion bars on my 03 truck I did as much research as I could. What I found out is that most people that say its bad for your truck have not actually done it or seen it do anything bad but rather heard from someone else that its bad. Im not trying to knock anyone's opinion just stating mine!

NWChevyGuy · #13 01-06-2004, 11:56 PM

It probably wont cause any problems except wandering on the highway. If you actually take your truck wheelin however, you will break CV Joints and left and right. Mine was always fine cranked up untill I went muddin or rock crawlin. They kept snapping from the severe angles untill I cranked the bars back down. If your truck is a pavement pounder and never gets dirty, this option could work for you.
I have been stuck with broken CVs many times and Just don't want anyone else to get stranted in the woods like I did a couple times. Have a good one guys!

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