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Jim
Dodge Dakota
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3/12/2002
17:49:23

Subject: Cranking t-bars
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I read a past post on cranking up the torsion bars, and I have some more questions to add to it. I have a 2001 QC 4x4 and my goal is to raise the truck 1" and put 31x12.5x15 pro comp xterrains on. I'm thinking of putting homemade 1" blocks in the rear (unless anyone knows of any I can buy). I want to crank the front torsion bars up 1". Is 1" going to put that much of strain on the front end components? How much will it effect the flex when off-roading? Will 1" really effect anything? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just really curious because I think this might be my solution if the cons don't out weigh the pros. Thanks!



Knobbyman
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3/12/2002
20:24:07

RE: Cranking t-bars
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It depends on how much they were cranked to begin with. Mine really aren't all that cranked right now. But I know of people who have had theres almost maxed out from the factory. I think it depends on how it was originally made. It's all about ride quality.

'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
http://www.knobbyman.com
----Speed only breaks stuff faster----

Jim
Dodge Dakota
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3/14/2002
10:57:43

RE: Cranking t-bars
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Thanks Knobbyman! One more quick question: I'm somewhat mechanically inclined (worked on diesel engines for awhile) but not that knowledgable in the automotive world. Where exactly are the torsion bars? I know they are near the front suspension components somewhere, but where? I don't want to just go cranking on any nut and bolt I find. Thanks.



caribbeankota
Dodge Dakota
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3/14/2002
11:34:12

RE: Cranking t-bars
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Uh dude put the wrench back in the toolbox....leave the keys on the table and tell your mom to taxi you around........DON'T WRENCH when you aint sure



Knobbyman
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3/14/2002
12:28:59

RE: Cranking t-bars
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That's probably why he asked instead of just cranking them... I honistly don't know which bolts do it... I will look under my truck when I get home tonight and see if I can explain the bolts to you then.

'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
http://www.knobbyman.com
----Speed only breaks stuff faster----

QUADMAN
Dodge Dakota
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3/14/2002
12:46:18

RE: Cranking t-bars
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If you look under your truck directly under the front driver and passenger doors you will see two rods (one on each side) tucked up into the frame a bit that extend towards the front of the truck. The rods or torsion bars have heads on the very ends of them so you can crankem. If you want maximum height crank them all the way until they won't turn any more then back them off atleast 3/4 of a turn. You will need to jack the front of the truck to get the pressure off of the suspension. Best way is to put a floor jack in the middle on the crossmember to raise the whole front at once. After you have cranked them, lower the truck and measure both sides from the frame to make sure the height is the same. It is sometimes best to have the driver side atleast 1/4 inch taller due to more weight being on that side when you are alone and there is more weight on that side anyways due to steering components. To add more height turn clockwise, to lower, counter clockwise. I hope this isn't confusing. It's about as clear as I know how to be.



Jim
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3/14/2002
13:02:43

RE: Cranking t-bars
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Thanks Knobbyman and QUADMAN for the info. Knowledge differs from person to person and it's always better to ask if you're not sure than be sorry later. Thanks.



gotsand?
Dodge Dakota
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3/15/2002
00:32:13

RE: Cranking t-bars
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i may be missing something, but my truck came with 31x12.50x16's from the factory, so you shouldnt need to tighten the torsion bars. please just ignore this if i'm being ignorant

'01 CC 4x4 Forest Green
4.7l auto, AirRaid intake, Gibson headers and catback system, Jet stage 1 chip, 6"lift(or solid axle swap) and 35's on the way



bjlindsey
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3/15/2002
10:10:06

RE: Cranking t-bars
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Wow,
315/60R16's....
Don't see many of those around..STOCK!

01 QC 4x4 5.9L 3.92 LSD
K&N clone, Clear Corners, Carbon Fiber Tails, Aluminum Billet 3rd Brake Light Cover, Bug Guard
www.FreeGasForYou.com


QUADMAN
Dodge Dakota
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3/15/2002
11:43:48

RE: Cranking t-bars
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I am a bit confused once again. I thought the stockers were 265/60R16's? Thats what came on mine anyways and I thought those were the biggest? Am I wrong?



Jim
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3/15/2002
11:58:58

RE: Cranking t-bars
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Mine came stock with 265/70R16's
265/75/16's are about an inch taller.
I guess Dodge wasn't to uniform about their tires.



QUADMAN
Dodge Dakota
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3/15/2002
12:16:31

RE: Cranking t-bars
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Oops mine were 75's too! I had a brain fart my bad!



QUADMAN
Dodge Dakota
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3/15/2002
12:41:36

RE: Cranking t-bars
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I think the 75's were on the daks with the big wheel and tire package which is what mine had. I may be wrong but I think this is true.



bjlindsey
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3/15/2002
13:19:39

RE: Cranking t-bars
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My '01 has 265/70R16s w/ Tire and Handling Pkg.


01 QC 4x4 5.9L 3.92 LSD
K&N clone, Clear Corners, Carbon Fiber Tails, Aluminum Billet 3rd Brake Light Cover, Bug Guard
www.FreeGasForYou.com


Knobbyman
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3/16/2002
21:45:59

RE: Cranking t-bars
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I got a picture of the T-Bars for you..


Tighten to lift.. Loosen to lower. Mine were cranked all the way from the factory.

'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
http://www.knobbyman.com
----Speed only breaks stuff faster----

SUPERBEE
Dodge Dakota
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3/16/2002
23:10:56

RE: Cranking t-bars
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ONEOF MY T-BARS is all the way up and the other will go up more so they must have put them on one notch off when they put them on, buz i could go another inch or more ont he one side and the other side is maxed



Jim
Dodge Dakota
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3/17/2002
13:53:14

RE: Cranking t-bars
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Thanks Knobbyman! Good luck on that lift!



Knobbyman
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3/17/2002
14:02:29

RE: Cranking t-bars
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:-) Np & Thanks

'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
http://www.knobbyman.com
----Speed only breaks stuff faster----

Peter M
Dodge Dakota
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3/19/2002
15:06:52

RE: Cranking t-bars
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Jim,

Look at my truck. I cranked up the torsion bars to fit 32"x11.5"x15's. Even after I cranked up the torsion bars I still rubbed on the front bumper and the rear of the fender well. I had to shimm out the front bumper until I changed my front bumper, and trim the inner fender plastic.

My situation is different than yours, I changed the rims which set the tires further out, and my tire size is different. Just figured I would share my experience with you.

I haven't noticed a big difference in the ride but I have had a problem getting the truck alligned. Alligned to factory specs, I pulled to the left my local 4x4 shop fudged it a little now I go strait down the road. Cost $50.00 from local tire shop, $130.00 from Local 4X4 shop.

A question for you, why go 2" wider on your on 31's? It will hurt your performance, cauze you to Hydroplane in wet conditions and snow. Will not increase your ground clearance. The only place they would be beneficial would be in the sand.

http://www.geocities.com/romeoprm/



Jim
Dodge Dakota
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3/19/2002
17:50:08

RE: Cranking t-bars
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I've seen your truck, pretty sweet. I'm the one that emailed you about your front bumper. The only reason I was wanting the 31x12.5 is because I like the procomp xterrains and that's the only size they have that will fit without a lift. Thanks for the info about wider tires. I'm actually getting GY Wrangler MT's that will fit on my stock rims. Kinda short on the $$$$ flow :)



Steve Rupp
Dodge Dakota
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3/19/2002
19:38:35

RE: Cranking t-bars
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What bumper are you talking about? I've been trying to find out from someone if they know where I can get a winch bumper but it seems like no one cares to tell me.



QUADMAN
Dodge Dakota
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3/19/2002
20:30:11

RE: Cranking t-bars
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peter that bumper is sweet as he77! Who makes it? I likes I likes!



Jim
Dodge Dakota
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3/19/2002
20:31:56

RE: Cranking t-bars
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It's from Hansen Enterprises. Check out Peter's web site. It looks pretty tuff. They also have the option for a winch.



QUADMAN
Dodge Dakota
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3/19/2002
20:44:02

RE: Cranking t-bars
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Thanks Jim.



Knobbyman
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3/20/2002
09:51:49

RE: Cranking t-bars
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They have one.. Hanson Enterprise
They are working on one .. Road Armor

There have been plenty of posts about this.. Just look around for them.

'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
http://www.knobbyman.com
----Speed only breaks stuff faster----

ForeXFour
Dodge Dakota
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3/20/2002
16:04:35

RE: Cranking t-bars
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I did not see anyone post that an alignment needs to be done after cranking the torsion bars.

I am having my tire guy do the whole job for $80.00 and he will level it how ever I want it.

I'm not sure that doing the cranking myself would be worth it if I have to have it aligned as well.





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