Ford Ranger Forum - Forums for Ford Ranger enthusiasts! - Discuss How To: Adjust Torsion Bars

TRUCKS THAT HAVE TORSION BARS

98+ 4x4's(Mazda's included)
'00 Trailhead
'01-05 2wd Edge(Tremor included)
'06+ 2wd Sport w/ 6cyl
'98+ 2wd Dual Sport
'98+ Troy Lee(excluding 2500)
'95-01 Explorer
'95-05 Explorer Sport and Sport Trac

WILL NEED A ALIGNMENT CHECK AFTER DOING THIS!!!!!!!!

13 mm Socket + Breaker Bar

Bright colored paint for marking torsion bolt stock location and turn point.

Quicklift/Hydraulic Jack to lift the truck

Jack's to drop the front end on (ALWAYS Safer using a proper set of jacks)

Measuring Tape, for measuring the rear end

First step, you'll need to pull out your measuring tape and measure the front and rear height to get a mark as to how much you wish to lift the front of the truck. Write them both down on paper so you don't forget them, and keep the paper handy for frequent measurement checks. This is the proper way to get your measure, from the ground, to the lower portion of the top most point of the wheel well:

This is where the torsion bars are located.. 2 of them, one for each side of the front suspension. Which means there are 2 bolts to adjust, each bolt is a 1/2" socket, with plenty of room to get both hands around to give you some leverage if you need it. They are located a couple feet behind each wheel, and are very visible just by peeking under the edge of the truck.

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/frf/h...bar/rj1v8z.jpg

The proper placement and raising of the truck is the most important part of this operation.. this is a very simple task, and provides you with the maximum amount of protection, BE SAFE! Never stick any tools, arms, legs, or anything breakable/hurtable under a tire or any spot you may risk getting hurt if, for some reason, the vehicle decides it doesnt like to stay lifted. I don't want to ever hear about anyone breaking a limb or back from squatting wierd under the truck.. dont do it, just do it like everyone else, lay on yoru back, wear a good pair of Carharts//Overalls to keep yourself warm, dry, and give some protection value. The following 2 pictures are how you lift the front end, and place the jacks.

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/frf/h...bar/xlh2ty.jpg
http://www.fordrangerforum.com/frf/h...ar/2h37pxh.jpg

The next step is to mark the stock location of the bolt. You should clean off the surrounding area of the bolt and scuff it a slight bit if you decide to apply a paint to it to mark the location. For myself, I prefer to use a Dremel with a cutting bit attached to mark the location, the following is how I marked it.. this is to show you exactly how many rotations of the TB you are doing, and provides a good place to tweak each side to the exact amount every time. The picture is slightly fuzzy.. as holding a camera eight inches away doesnt allow it to focus just right, I sharpened it up a bit and tweaked it so you can see the marks on both the nut, and on the outer housing of the TB.

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/frf/h...ar/303a0k2.jpg

Fasten a 13mm socket to the bolt, stick your breaker bar on the end of the socket wrench.. and begin to tighten it (Righty tighty, lefty loosey) (Or Clockwise for Tightening, Counter for Loosening). A good sized breaker bar will give you PLENTY of leverage, Adjust both sides EXACTLY the same, and a small amount at a time.. Go roughly 1/2 a turn on each side, then got up and measured the gap in the tire to the wheel well every time. You NEED to measure BOTH sides at the same time, as it is very critical to make sure both are measuring the same when the truck is lowered. Keep tightening the bolt until you feel you have what you need.. then lower the truck, and take it out for a spin on some un-even terrain to settle the suspension back into place.