leveling front end and shock length

[hiwayman]

I have a 2004 Silverado 4x4 1/2 ton extended cab truck and want to level the truck by adjusting the torsion bars. I have read most every entry concerning the Ford torsion keys vs just cranking on the torsion bars. I think I am going to try adjusting the torsion bars+front end alignment and see how it rides etc.... My question is will I need longer shocks up front after doing this? The guy at the tire/alignment shop says he has done plenty and that for just leveling shocks aren't needed. Every "technician" I have spoken to seems to have a different opinion. I will be upgrading the tire size to 265/75r/16's. I was also told that as long as you dont crank the bars over half way there should not be "too much" stress put on them.

I really don't mean to beat a dead horse but need some experienced advice and of course don't want to tear apart my stock shocks.

Thanks

[BIGT2317]

I have a 2000 chevy Z71 and I tightened the bars to raise my front end almost 2". Little stiffer ride but now i can fit 285's on it without rubbing. I didn't get aftermarket shocks and the stock ones will work thoughout the wheel travel

[stubbornmike]

I agree.. it will work although you may end up with premature tire wear due to the extent that the wheel travels/how high you lift it.

[boarder5384]

i got a 2004 silverado 1500 3 months ago, it had the nosedive look from factory 2" blocks, i measured bodylines rear sat 3" higher than front, i got the ford torsion bar keys, brought the front up drastically it looks great, got about 2.5" 2 days and about 300 miles after doing this i felt something in the steering, it progressed to a clunking or binding sound, and you can feel it bad in the wheel, if you let it sit a while and start out, you get a couple miles fine, then it starts out light and progresses the more you ddrive it, i believe its because the cv joints up front are at the angles they are from cranking the bars, if you go 2" i would suggest new shocks because if u hit a pothole and it drops before the control arm bottoms out on the frame, the shock extends as far as it can, and you'll blow the shocks, im trying to find good aftermarket cvd's for the angles im at, but i really dont know what to do. im not lowering it back down, it looks tougher than a 2500HD. anyone know where to get good cv's? look in my personal photo gallery to see how good she looks there's a pic in there of the angle of the cv's too