Adjusting the torsion bars on a 2002 4X4 [Archive]

RLW

08-12-2002, 08:29 AM

Yes.......went up 1 1/2" on mine. Now I'm about 3/4" low in the rear when bed is loaded and my 2000lb trailer is on.
Slightly stiffened the ride, but helped to get the front and rear suspension closer to balanced, improving the overall handling and control quite a bit. No more bouncing around when hitting small speed bumps or dips.
Stock the trucks are too soft (& low) in the front.

Cranking up a full two inches in front wouldn't be a problem, not sure if I'd go past that.
It will need aligned when your done.

gotadodge

08-12-2002, 03:24 PM

Thank you for the reply RLW. I will let you know how mine turns out.

02RAM

08-13-2002, 12:17 AM

After adjusting the torsion bars did you have a frontend alignment?

RLW

08-13-2002, 08:17 AM

Yes

Timb320

08-19-2002, 02:34 PM

Funny.. After having installed (went from 20' rims and tires to 17' Altas with Mut Terrains), was going to have 4wheelparts here in Dallas adjust my torsions and have it aligned today, but he said that he had attempted this on two other 2002 Dodge trucks and in both cases he blew out the the fron end (tire rods) ended up costing thie $1400 to replace the entire setup, Needles to say he would do mine and recommended I not mess with it until the Rancho 4' Lift kit comes out and rais it that way.

In case you wanna see my new tire setup see:

http://www.jedita.com/mytruck.htm

RLW

08-19-2002, 02:52 PM

How far did they try to adjust it? We're talk an 1 1/2" to 2" here max. There's plenty of room for that much on the '02.
I took my '96 Dakota 4x4 up 2" and had no problem at all over the next 5 years

Hopefully they didn't try to go 4" doing that, if they I'd find a new tire shop.

Timb320

08-19-2002, 03:01 PM

Was only going to have them level it out (or rais it no more the 2'). he never even tried..

RLW

08-19-2002, 03:22 PM

Just curious. "Leveling" an '02 is what worried me a little, these things are quite low (& soft) in the front and leveling would take roughly 3 1/2" to 4".
Going that far I've seen & heard of guys have a lot of problems, especially Chevy's. Mostly overly stiff ride and CV joints going out a little early, but this is first I've heard about blowing out a new front end, regardless of brand.

Looked at your web page. With the grill guard and future "winch" you could crank it up 1 1/2" yourself and it would help with the additional weight.
If I heard right, the Rancho set-up will be 4" front and 2" rear, not much more for the money their likely to charge on an IFS kit.
I thought it was suppose to be out by now

Timb320

08-19-2002, 07:58 PM

4wheelparts tells me that it would be out by october, but some possibly be shiiping any time now. They also indicated that it would be the most expensive lift out there. i.e. with shocks and all $2300 Not counting Labor to install it.

I guess I will be saving my duckets.. It really needs a lift. If I crank it up, then question is will they (being anymody) be able to align it, as I know they generaly have to go my manufacturers specs to due a proper alignment. In which case I couldn't go to just anybody for the alignment.

Yup.. But likely I will install a front receiver hitch as well as one in back, so I can attach the wench front or back depending on where I need it.

ELO

08-20-2002, 08:59 PM

Timb320
Why would you want to install a lift after you bought new tires and wheels?
What size are your MT's?
I am thinking of going with 285 or 305 Goodyear MT/R's.
Nice looking truck and I guess the lift would give you ground clearance on you quad cab.

I drive a short bed reg cab and the short wheel base gets around good on sharp angled hills.

REALM

08-21-2002, 11:07 AM

I've had my torsion bars cranked up about 1.5" for a month now or more and have had no problems whatsoever. It's doing great and I personally think it rides a lot better. This IMO is how Dodge should have put them to begin with, because it's too soft stock anyway.

I wouldn't go past 2" either, but 1.5" is good enough and levels it out nicely. Plus I've got 33x12.50's on mine and no problems yet. I personally would have to say the 4wheelparts guy either cranked them up too much, or was giving you BS and wanting you to buy the Rancho kit from them when it comes out. I'm sure they'll say anything to sell a $2300 kit.

I was going to wait for that kit, but it's just not worth paying over $2K for. $1500 I'd be all over it, but $2300... just not worth it for 4" with my budget right now.

Timb320

08-21-2002, 11:31 AM

Well I just like the Idea of a agreesive hieght, i.e. with these new Tires it will look the great on this truck. But, mostly I do want the clearence so I can take it off-Road and really get on it.

I hope to sell my old 20' Tires and Wheels to get some of the money for the kit, they are only 3 months old and I live 2 blocks from work so have very little wear on them.

gotadodge

09-05-2002, 12:00 AM

I just had the torsion bars tightened on my truck and it raised the front a total of two inches. The truck looks outstanding and is completely level. Looks much more aggressive than it did before. I was very reluctant to mess with the torsion bars but did not want a lift kit (I still park inside the garage).
This turned out better than I ever thought it would. The ride is only a minor change and the dealer Jack Powell Dodge Escondido CA did the work for me. The torsion bar and a complete alignment cost me $124.00.
If you are think about doing this I now can honestly recommend it!

RLW

09-05-2002, 09:15 AM

Glad to hear it went well for you.
I know I'm real happy with mine done. A plus for me was my headlights were a little low and cranking the bars put the light where I wanted it, saving time adjusting them.

I used to grind the front air dam into rocks and banks before cranking it up. Last weekend I was out in my hunting area on some rocky/rutted out back roads and cleared everything this time (so far), although my hunting partner said only by 1/8" in a couple spots (at least it cleared :) )

gotadodge

09-06-2002, 11:51 AM

Thanks for the info you provided RLW.

DodgeViper

09-23-2002, 08:04 PM

I tighten my bars 1 1/2 turns. By doing so it raised the front of the truck 1 1/2". It's not level, but the ride is much better. I took the truck to Dodge last week complaining about the tires being out of balance and the way the truck shimmies. Typically the caster is set between 0 through 5 with 3 being normal. The dealer set the caster to 4.8 and this improved the shimmy when you hit a small rough spot in the road. It also tighen the steering wheel and feels more solid in the hands. I will need to have the frontend realigned, but not until the dealer come clean in what is really going on with the balance problem I have. The dealer says all wheels are balance and this is true, but both left wheel are out of round and the right rear tire is out of round. This info. was passed to me by another tire dealer who tried to balance my tires and remove the vibrations in the truck. Was beginning to think the driveline was out, but once the truck was placed on jacks and ran I saw what the tires were doing on the rear.

DodgeViper

09-25-2002, 11:35 PM

Deleted.

MDRAM

10-30-2002, 09:59 PM

I raised mine up 2 1/4" about four months ago and have had no problems whatsoever. Had dealer check the camber on the front end and it had barely changed. I keep mine on the street but I want it to look good.:cool:

MDRAM

CrossEyed

10-30-2002, 10:05 PM

you keep it on the street? what you use 4WD for then?

Chip

MDRAM

10-30-2002, 10:20 PM

Up here 2wd's are not in big demand except as work trucks. I have a 95 1500 4wd to knock around in but seriously, the 20" wheels and tires are not made for offroading.

CrossEyed

10-30-2002, 10:26 PM

yeah i never really understood why dodge put street 20's on a 4WD truck . . .

Chip <><

DodgeViper

10-30-2002, 10:56 PM

Originally posted by MDRAM
I raised mine up 2 1/4" about four months ago and have had no problems whatsoever. Had dealer check the camber on the front end and it had barely changed. I keep mine on the street but I want it to look good.:cool:

MDRAM

How many turns on the bolts did it take to raise it 2 1/4 inches? Mine is now about 2 inches above the stock settings. I am going to be putting on a set of billet wheels with 33x12.5 tires. What I am after is to get the offset so the wheels/tires do not stick out beyond the fenders but still have room not to rub on the inboard side of the tire. I am sure the rotors are going to play a part in finding the right combination as well. If anyone has done this please post the outcome......

MDRAM

11-04-2002, 05:18 PM

Had to check my notes. 10 turns for a total of 2.5". 20" tires(275/60) are 32" tall and 9" tread width. Ride is level. Make a mark on the bolt head so you can count the turns as you do it. Shake the front up and down before you measure it. I measured mine at the front tag bracket.

h2oskier

11-07-2002, 07:46 AM

Are there any adverse effects of adjusting the torsion bars? I'm a little sceptical to go get them tweeked a bit on a brand new truck. You folks are helping me make up my decision, but I don't want to screw anything up.

RLW

11-07-2002, 08:21 AM

Dodge (or any mfr) sets up vehicles for "Joe Public", federal emissions standards and 50 states laws for highway, etc. and the majority of the buyers out probably never change a thing from stock.

1/2 ton trucks almost have the status of a car with a pickup bed, that gets bad gas mileage, so it's almost standard now to have plush interiors, carpet, power everything and the nice soft ride.......not set as a "truck"
Actually I'm thinking Dodge didn't have things set right on the new 1500 Ram, due to many of them being 3 1/2 - 4" high in the back and how soft and out of balance the front was compared to the back..........who knows?

Adjusting the torsion bars will firm up the ride (stiffen....but, IMO, a good thing), will change the angle on the front arms and put "slightly" more stress on front end components. Benefits are less lean in turns, less nose drive when braking, more backend traction and less "bounce" going thru/over dips/bumps.
I've done this before (2"max), with alot of sometime not-so-nice miles and I've yet to have a front end problem due to cranking the torsion bars (actually I don't remember the last time I had any front problem at all, outside of an alignment).

The '96 Dakota 4x4 I traded in on this one had the torsion bars cranked for a 2" lift and Rancho RS5000 shock added when almost new. 60,000 miles later, was still working great and 2" on it was quite a bit more change than 2" on a new Ram.

Blue02

11-07-2002, 08:03 PM

I would agree with RLW. I just cranked mine 5 turns and got about an inch. It is noticeable. I just wanted to see the difference when hitting manhole covers if it
still bounced to the side. It did seem to help so I may give em a few more turns!!!!
I also have and Isuzu Rodeo that I drive on hard off road trails that I have cranked up 2 inches and it works real nice, but yes, the ride is stiff:SHK:

Blue02

11-07-2002, 08:07 PM

Originally posted by MDRAM
I raised mine up 2 1/4" about four months ago and have had no problems whatsoever. Had dealer check the camber on the front end and it had barely changed. I keep mine on the street but I want it to look good.:cool:

MDRAM
Hmmmmm.......wonder if an alignment is really necessary? Did they mess with the alignment at all?

DodgeViper

11-07-2002, 11:32 PM

Before I raised my 2002 4x4 RAM 1500 QUAD door, my dealer had my truck in the shop for the way the front-end shimmies when you hit a small bump. My dealer adjusted the camber. On his truck he was able to improve what I had described to him. Here is what they did. The service manager said that truck in a stock setting the camber is set to 3 or in the middle between 1 and 5. They set my camber at 4.5. This seemed to help and at the time made the truck feel like a man's truck in the steering wheel. The truck steering felt a little tougher to steer. I then raised my truck 2 inches by adjusting the torsion bars. Next I added RS 9000
adjustable shocks to all four corners. I now have a truck that rides more like a 3/4 ton and not like a car with soft ride. I hated the stock ride. It was just too soft and bounced if you hit some rough asphalt.

h2oskier

11-08-2002, 11:48 AM

Thanks for the info. Looks like it will soon be a done deal.

MDRAM

11-08-2002, 04:54 PM

Originally posted by Blue02

Hmmmmm.......wonder if an alignment is really necessary? Did they mess with the alignment at all?

They did not change the camber but made a toe in adjustment to the drivers side. When I asked why it would need a toe in adjustment I got the same line I've heard for the last 25 years "you must have hit curb or a large pothole, it doesn't take much". Bullsh*t! There was only 4500 miles on the truck and I baby it to death. Either it happened from the factory or it wasn't out. But I could see where they made the adjustment. They couldn't even provide me with a computer printout of the results. I can do better at my local goodyear dealer. I'll let you know when I get it rechecked.

Blue02

11-08-2002, 05:21 PM

I was just wondering because I have never taken a vehicle in for an alignment.
I just thought that changing the front ride height an inch or 2 should not make that much of a difference. I may be wrong, and could easily be, but like you said....seems like bullsh*t!!! please let us know the info when you get a re-check.

Chuck

RedRam20s

11-08-2002, 10:21 PM

Does doing this change the aerodynamics of it? Like does it still accelerate just as good and get the same gas mileage? I would just think that both would be worse, but I could be wrong.

kgglass

11-13-2002, 06:37 AM

I pick up my truck up today (2003 4x4 2500 quad cab longbed diesel)
is this something I should be thinking about doing?

Blue02

11-13-2002, 04:42 PM

Originally posted by kgglass
I pick up my truck up today (2003 4x4 2500 quad cab longbed diesel)
is this something I should be thinking about doing?

I would say no, you would have no luck finding a torsion bar on the big boy 2500's. I'm pretty sure they are running coils in the front. The 1500's have IFS and cranking the T-bars lifts the front a bit and stiffens it up.

MDRAM

11-13-2002, 06:14 PM

Originally posted by kgglass
I pick up my truck up today (2003 4x4 2500 quad cab longbed diesel)
is this something I should be thinking about doing?

Finding a place big enough to park it! lol:rolleyes:

BiIIy_B0b

12-17-2002, 02:54 PM

Can I get my torsion bars adjusted to level my front end on my 02 QC 4x2? :dunno:

I live in south Texas, no need for 4 wheel drive. No snow, and I don't do the offroading thing.

++++++++++++++++++
02 1500 QC 4x2 Black Clearcoat
Line-X Spray Bedliner
Volant Cold Air Intake
Flomaster 40 Series Dual Exhaust
Luverne Chrome Nerf Bars
Mopar Seat Covers

Bubba_Hemi

12-17-2002, 06:53 PM

Ok, I'll say it here as well as what I said in the other topic... DO NOT CRANK UP YOUR TORSION BARS! Yes, you will level it off and get the look you want, but it will wear the front end faster that way. Think about it.. you're pushing the arms down to get the lift you want, therefore putting more stress on it and all the componets but also limiting the uptravel on the front end. But as was said, you can't do that anyhow on vehicles with a Solid Front Axle, only those with IFS. If you wanna level a truck out that has a SFA, get a set of coil spacers up front, they work great. Go about a 1/3 of the way down on this page... http://www.siblingrivalry.com/customparts.html to see what they are and how they look.

christian

12-17-2002, 07:44 PM

About the only thing you risk by tightening up the torsion bars as far as has been recommended (a maximum of ten full turns each side) is that if the truck took to the air and you landed about as hard as you could (to the point of hitting the stops) you take the chance of seriously damaging something to the point that repeated hard landings might result in broken front end components.

Then again (my point) - you run the same risk if you do the same thing but without having turned/torqued the torsion bolts :rolleyes:

I will be doing this simple mod to my truck after the weather gets a little warmer... but I'll probably only give it nine turns (the extra approx. 1/5 of an inch at ten turns won't make a difference to me); and besides if I was doing this to "level" the truck, I'd do as others have - getting a level kit for front and rear.

After driving my new Ram for several months, I do think I would like to try a little stiffer front end - I can always tweak it back but I don't expect I'll want that done.

This does not mean that you can not harm your front-end doing such tweaks - I'm only saying that the guideline of ten turns max makes alot of sense for those folks who'd like to give it a try... after all, that's what hot rodders really are (IMO) - folks who'll give something a try to see what difference it'd make on the car/truck.

I'll get down from the soap box now :D

mopartoby

12-19-2002, 11:30 AM

just bought a 2002 4x4 single cab short box 4.7 black. sharp looking truck i'm goin out side right now to lift the front end 2" let you know later how it went

Bubba_Hemi

12-19-2002, 12:52 PM

Originally posted by mopartoby
just bought a 2002 4x4 single cab short box 4.7 black. sharp looking truck i'm goin out side right now to lift the front end 2" let you know later how it went

Did you miss the part where I said "DO NOT DO THAT!"? In case you did... DO NOT DO THAT! It will prematurely wear out your front end and change the ride from how it's supposed to ride.

REALM

12-19-2002, 01:34 PM

Bubba,

I guess some people are just willing to risk it, like me. I've had mine cranked for many months, I use my truck around the farm and haven't had any problems. Now down the line that's not to say the parts won't wear out quicker, but in the long run I don't think it will be that bad unless you super crank those puppies. (Knock on wood).

I really doubt the dealership cranks those bars to the exact limit the truck can take. They are going to keep it down as much as possible because they want that truck to last as long as possible, so a "little" cranking probably won't hurt (knock on wood again).

RLW

12-19-2002, 01:42 PM

Sorry Bubba_Hemi, I didn't miss your opinion, just originally ignored it.......to each their own.
I can't completely agree with you on this one.

On some trucks (especially Chevy's) this "may" cause premature wear on the front end, but as mentioned we're only talking about 1 1/2" to 2", NOT trying to get 4" (which would cause premature wear and maybe unsafe driving due to being too stiff)

I've done up to 2" on trucks I've owned over the last 20+ years. I use (not abuse) my trucks on & off road, keeping most 9+years and with proper maintence have never had any abnormal wear or front end failure, let alone one caused from cranking the bars to get up to a couple inches lift. I also know several others who have more than 12 years on trucks done the same way and only one had related problems, it was a Chevy cranked to get 4" of lift.

On the new Rams 1 1/2" to 2" does not seem to be a big lift and "my opinion" is that many of the trucks were not set up correctly to begin with. The front riding 3 1/2" or more low in the front and bouncing over the smaller bumps like it had worn out shocks is NOT "how it's suppose to ride" and could be dangerous is some situations.
At least on mine, the front end was way too soft and cranking the torsion bars didn't just raise the front an 1 1/2", but balanced the suspension and made the truck safer drive by providing better control.
Currently mine sits about 1 1/2" higher in the back than the front when unloaded and about 3/4" low in the back with approximately 1000lb load and my trailer hooked on.

Just an FYI

christian

12-19-2002, 02:40 PM

Originally posted by Bubba_Hemi
Did you miss the part where I said "DO NOT DO THAT!"?

Bubba_Hemi,

Please... I think we all read your post. Your undying concern is what helps to make this a good site for Dodge communications.
It seems that the folks who disagree have a bit of experience with this subject. Please don't take that as a slam - just don't want to see you discouraged just because the view seems in the minority.

Happy Dodge motoring and Christmas and New Years and...
:cool:

BiIIy_B0b

12-26-2002, 04:55 AM

dang seems like every1 slided around my question and never answered it.....

can i adjust my torsion bars on my 02 1500 2 wheel drive 4x2??

every1 talking about it all have 4x4's...i have no need for a 4x4....is it ok/safe to lift the front end of my 4x2 by cranking the torsion bars???? ???? ?

billy bob

christian

12-26-2002, 06:55 AM

Originally posted by BiIIy_B0b
dang seems like every1 slided around my question and never answered it.....

can i adjust my torsion bars on my 02 1500 2 wheel drive 4x2??

every1 talking about it all have 4x4's...i have no need for a 4x4....is it ok/safe to lift the front end of my 4x2 by cranking the torsion bars???? ???? ?

billy bob

BiIIy_B0b,

My $0.02 is that you don't want to crank your torsion bars to highten your front-end. I suppose most folks discussed this around 4x4 because it is potentially more of an issue with the added weight (stress on the components).

If you want to raise your front end, get a lift kit and then pay a visit to your nearest shop that can do a good 4 wheel alignment (yes, even if you are only a two-wheel drive vehicle, you'll do well to ensure that all wheels are properly aligned - that part has nothing to do with 4 wheel drive anyway).

If you want to stiffen your front-end a bit and don't mind the added little bit of lift that comes from that modification, then you can go for it. Realize from everyone's experience and our collective discussion that this mod - although simple - is not recommended by DC (although I think it ought to be to a certain extent) and that there remains an un-official maximum number of turns to apply (ten, which on a 4x4 results in a little over 2 inches of lift). I've said that I will do this when the weather is better on my own truck but will probably go only a maximum of nine turns (or maybe eight) - again, the idea is a bit stiffer handling and not for the sake of lift.

btw: I hope you don't mind me pointing out the subject line of this thread does read 4x4 - but please don't think you've been ignored - it really isn't so.

hope this helps...

:STY:

RLW

12-26-2002, 09:28 AM

I believe 4x2 have coils springs, no torsion bars. I've heard there are spacers available for about 2" lift. (Daystar?)

FYI, here's something I came across since my earlier post.
Had a chance to read a section in the '02 Ram service manual on "Standard Procedure - Height Measure - 4wd"
In short, on a flat level surface with proper air pressure in the tires, you measure the height to the center of the wheel, then measure the height of the centerline of the rear lower control arm bolt and subtract. The difference should be between 2.1" (highest) and 2.4" (lowest), 2.3" being the listed standard.

As mention above I felt the truck was set up wrong as delivered and saw many of the '02 that had the same stinkbug look.
I measured my current setup (a little over 1 1/2" lift from torsion bar crank, measured from ground, centerline of wheel to highest point of front wheel well).
For reference, "My" measurements were: Centerline of the wheel @ 15 1/16", centerline of rear control bolt @ 12 7/8", for a difference of 2 3/16" or 2.188", still within listed standard.
This is with 265 tires at 34psi. Front center ground clearance was 10 3/4".

Actually I did this for lift/clearance as well as a better look (have scrape marks under there from before the lift)

Bubba_Hemi

12-26-2002, 10:39 AM

*everyone knows my standin on this but hey, if you wanna do it to your truck... go ahead*

Why would the 4x2's have coils? You'd only have the coils on there anyhow if you have the 2500 or 3500 (a Soild Front Axle) whereas the 1500s all have Independant Front Suspension if I'm not mistaken...

MDRAM

12-26-2002, 11:48 AM

Billy_ Bob
You have coil springs on your 4x2. You need spring spacers or a lift kit to raise the front end. Make sure you have front end realigned after you lift it.

BiIIy_B0b

12-26-2002, 12:06 PM

hey thanks ya'll.....any1 know of someone who puts out spacers or a body lift for the 02?

man i gotta get my truck level, i hate looking at it sloping downward

thanks again

billy bob

RLW

12-26-2002, 12:23 PM

These guys list Daystar spacers

http://www.truckperformance.com/

DodgeViper

12-26-2002, 06:12 PM

It's been months from the time I raised the front of the truck 2 inches. I will say it made a much improvement over the stock ride. The stock ride was soft and dangerous. At the stock settings I noticed the front end would bounce badly and under certain conditions, someone could lose control while cornering in a rough stretch of road at about 45 MPH. I drive to work each day along a section of road that has a longer sweeping left turn that the traffic rolls through over 45 mph and before the mod my truck was very dangerous in this section of roadway. I say do the 2” lift and not worry about it.

Blue02

12-27-2002, 05:44 PM

I don't see any reason you could not crank the t-bars on your 2x4. Just keep it around 1 or 1.5 inches and you should be fine. It will stiffen up your ride. If you don't like it you can always put it back to stock.
I have a 1500 4x4 and only turned them 5 turns, about an inch lift. That was fine for me, I like the ride much better!!!

Thanks RLW for the facts, I feel even more confident now that adjusting the t-bars is fine.

jimigee

01-12-2003, 03:36 PM

Hmmmm...I've been thinking of the same thing..and seeings as I opted to put a Minute mount 7.6 ft plow on at times..I need to crank them up a little.
Being a certified auto/truck tech, I feel 5 turns isn't going to be a problem..so, soons as I can get it inside on a level cement floor,and take tape measurements at all four wheel wells, I have to be patient, and be attentive of how it handles now, so that when I do crank them up, I will notice the improvement right away..Damn..I talk too much..sheeeesh..I meant to just drop a few lines or so..geez...

jimigee

02-13-2003, 07:18 PM

gotta admit..cranking them up TOO much may certainly shorten their projected lifespans..yet..I do want a bit firmer ride..height really isnt an issue..besides...it is relatively easy to do, or return to as original..
I hadn't been thinking of bigger tires, but lately the 33 series sounds appealing..

Griggy

02-24-2003, 07:44 AM

Okay guys,

Would love to gain about 1 inch in height. Haven't been under the truck yet, how do you do it? Any tips?

RLW

02-24-2003, 08:38 AM

http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4367&highlight=torsion+bars

MonkeysRam

03-05-2003, 05:17 PM

If you dont want to mess with the torsion bars just do a body lift, it dosent level it but it defeninetly looks bigger. Plus it is alot cheaper than a susp. lift. Im able to clear 35x12.50's for about 200 dollars in lift. Thats pretty beeffy ,right.

midntrdr

03-07-2003, 04:30 PM

Can anyone post some before and after shots?

chop883

03-08-2005, 09:49 PM

I have about 2000 miles on my black 2005 quad Cab SLT 4x4, 5.7L. I just installed some BFG - All Terrain KO 285/70R17 tires on the stock chrome steel 17" x 8" wheels. As soon as I got home from the tire shop, I also adjusted the torsion bars to add about 1 3/4" of lift in the front to level the truck out. I truly could not believe the difference in appearance. This truck looks sooooooo much better. It is unbelieveable.

I have adjusted the bars before on other vehicles either to lower or raise the front suspension. It has always worked to do what I want, but also has always affected the ride. In my lowered truck days, loosening up the bars to drop the front has caused the front to be soft. On my ram, the ride is definately stiffer, but tolerable for the reward! I am going to drive it a few more days before having it alighned. It really looks great. The ride is rougher, but as soon as i find a good set of quality shocks in the appropriate lenghth I need, I will add those to help a little bit. The CV joint angle did not appear to be altered too much, though I did not measure it with anything other than my eyeball.

With the front end leveled out, the BFG AT 285s look really good. The truck actually looks worthy of a transfer case now. - I just added some after shots of the truck - enjoy.