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99bludak
Dodge Dakota
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9/29/2004
12:02:44
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 Subject: Torsion Bars...Please Read!!
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I know there is a thousand threads on here about this, but I want a definitive list of experiences from those who have done it. Let's start with what I have heard that is most likely true:
1. It will stiffen up the ride.
2. You probably will need an alignment.
3. It may wear front suspension parts faster.
Ok, so what I want to know is this...
Those of you who have done this, have you had to get an alignment, if you didn't are your tires wearing evenly? Have you had any problems with ball joints due to this mod, not the usual problems? I have had no problems at all with my Ball Joints and I have 60K on my truck. So I don't want to do this and then all of the sudden need to replace them. Thanks to everyone who responds, and maybe this will be the last time that anyone has to ask this question!!
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Verde SAR Dog
Dodge Dakota
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9/29/2004
19:56:52
| RE: Torsion Bars...Please Read!!
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I put heavy duty V8 torsion bars on my 1994 v6, tweeked them all the way up and got an alingment, don't really know if it was needed but good preventive medicine. Also 2" blocks under the rear springs. No problems after more than a year. I use my Dakota off road a lot on search and rescue missions.
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Doug
Dodge Dakota
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9/30/2004
16:58:43
|  RE: Torsion Bars...Please Read!!
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I cranked my torsion bars and raised the front 2" as soon as I got the truck in 02. Yes, you definately need an alignment. My tow was off the chart at the shop. You will thank yourself later. I have 42K on it now, and no visible problems with the ball joints. Not sure what the symptoms are of something gone wrong though. Passes inspection each year.
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BigDakota97®
Dodge Dakota
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10/01/2004
08:20:28
|  RE: Torsion Bars...Please Read!!
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well... I too cranked the torsion bars on my '97 4x4 dak, when I put 32" bfg at on it. and not long after I have to replace the driver side upper ball joint because of the new angle and stress placed upon it from the torsions, dirt and water was able to get into the rubber boot on the joint, and cause it to squeak and such. The joint never really went "bad" and loosened my wheel, but it made an anoyying popping and squealing sound when turning, over speed bumps, so I had to replace it, WD-40 quiten down for a while, but then came right back, now, I believe the passenger joint is starting the same problem, which I replace if it persist. But, would knowing this keep me from crankin on te bars again, no, because I like the look that resulted from doing so, and allowing for more tire underneath.
#s 2 and 3 on your list are true, but not a big henderence, as far as #1, stiffer ride, Mine rode much smoother with less bounce and body roll, but the 32" tires also help in that too
L8R
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peter
Dodge Dakota
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10/01/2004
13:40:15
| RE: Torsion Bars...Please Read!!
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I too cranked up my torsion bars. about 1.5" on my 02 4.7, 5spd, 3.93 LSD,Quad Cab. The mods where done within 1000 miles and I now have 29,000 miles on the truck.
I also put on 32" BFG M/T tires and changed the shocks to the Edelbrock performers: So I can't really give you an idea about stiffer ride. My truck rides better than stock.
I havent seen any extra ware and tear on the suspension components as of yet.
I did have alignment problems. Even when realigned my truck pulled to the right.
I finally took it to a local 4X4 shop and they fudged the toe in to make it ride strait which lasted for about a week, it then started to pull to the left, which it still does.
The ware on the tires is not uneven but they do ware faster I will need new tires this winter.
I don't regret doing it so far.
Good Luck
http://www.geocities.com/romeoprm/
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chris
Dodge Dakota
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10/01/2004
20:50:12
| RE: Torsion Bars...Please Read!!
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i was just thinking about how cranking the bars would affect alignment. i cant think of anyway that it will affect toe. and even if it is out, it wont wear your tires, you will just have a crooked steering wheel. the only way i can see it messin with alignment is if you crank one more than the other, then it will pull. as far as ball joints go, they all wear out lol.
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chris4x4
Dodge Dakota
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10/05/2004
19:37:15
| RE: Torsion Bars...Please Read!!
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I have raised my front about 2" and have had no problems at all. I have an '04 dak, QC 4x4, 4.7. I had an align done after about 200 miles, but didnt notice any difference in ride. Truck rides much better than it did stock.
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Kyle
Dodge Dakota
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10/11/2004
20:14:39
| RE: Torsion Bars...Please Read!!
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Have mine cranked 1.5" with no problems yet.
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Tony
Dodge Dakota
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10/27/2004
03:30:08
|  RE: Torsion Bars...Please Read!!
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Kinda hard to say how toe will be affected w/o showing you. But basically, when the ride height is affected, it pulls the steering knuckles closer/farther from the rack & pinion (for example). The tires move (up & down) but the steering mechanism stays put. As a result, the tires will toe in or out a little.
Another perspective is when you raise your vehicle several inches - you need a longer driveshaft. The rear axle's location is moving farther from the tranny that is stationary.
Confused you enough? =)
Having worked on the Hunter H111 down in Sandy Eggo for a while, it was everyday I would explain this to people with lowriders & show them. Again , lot easier to show you so you can fully understand.
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Jeremy
Dodge Dakota
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10/27/2004
19:21:22
| RE: Torsion Bars...Please Read!!
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I too was thinking about cranking mine up and adding 2" blocks in the rear. How do you know how much you've cranked the bars?
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Tony
Dodge Dakota
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10/28/2004
05:25:05
| RE: Torsion Bars...Please Read!!
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Til you can't crank 'em anymore! SERIOUSLY. I'm doing ball joints / bushings & I noticed while trying to take the bars off, the bolt was tightened all the way! I'm a 2nd owner BTW. Best of luck undoing the bolts - mine are currently soaking in penetrating oil.
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jd
Dodge Dakota
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10/28/2004
09:49:10
| RE: Torsion Bars...Please Read!!
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note when sucking up those bolts, do the one that is up the most from the factory then the other to match. i cranked mine up when i bought it (1990 4x4 reg cab long box now with a 5.2 mag) approx 2 years ago, and put on 31x10.5 aswell as 4" blocks in the back, no alighnment no longer drive shaft, every thing works fine. if you go with 4 inch blocks in the rear i recomend longer shocks to keep every thing cherry.
jd
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chaximus
Dodge Dakota
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10/29/2004
06:29:29
| RE: Torsion Bars...Please Read!!
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It pays to make preventive measures. If you want to crank it up, do so, but if i were you, grab a set of HD greasable ball joints somewhere cuz they don't cost alot of $$ and whenever your stock joints go, you have backups ready :) I have spare parts for every joint on the truck and it pays :) And of course, with any lift on any vehicle, alignment is mandatory unless you don't give a sh@# about your tires :)
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99bludak
Dodge Dakota
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10/29/2004
14:38:57
| RE: Torsion Bars...Please Read!!
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So, jd, you didn't have to get an alignment and you haven't had any abnormal tire wear?
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