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Raised / Lifted Dakotas
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Jeremy
Dodge Dakota
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10/03/2005
00:41:35

Subject: Torsion Bars
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I have read alot about cranking torsion bars on 2000 4.7L Dakota. But what about touching the bump stops? Is it bad to have the upper control arm touching these bump stops? How are some of these guys adding blocks to the rear and maxing out their t-bars with this into consideration?



8banger
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10/03/2005
12:50:28

RE: Torsion Bars
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You don't have to crank them all the way up. Look at my profile picture, mine are cranked up 2" and I have no bumpstop issues.

The best way to do the lift is to park on level ground and measure from the top of your wheel to the bottom of the fender. Jack the front of the truck up and crank the t-bars evenly on both sides about 5-6 turns. Lower the truck, drive a mile or so and remeasure. Repeat this process until you are 2" higher. Mine took 7 complete turns, but yours may be different.

03 Dakota 4X4 QC SportPlus 4.7L 3.55 LSD AWD
Superchipped, 2Chamber Flowmaster Dumped, K&N Drop-in, 2"Torsion Lift
MY 4X4'S BAPTISM

Dan
Dodge Dakota
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10/04/2005
00:59:58

RE: Torsion Bars
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You can also shave the bumpstops a little to give it back some articulation. Do not crank too much, youll never get it aligned and it'll wear out your front mighty quick

Dan



Jeremy
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10/04/2005
14:52:27

RE: Torsion Bars
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Thanks for the feedback.
8-Banger, what do you mean by no bump stop issues? Are they close to touching or not close at all? Would you say you have an inch or less clearance between bump stop and control arm?



8banger
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10/04/2005
16:47:58

RE: Torsion Bars
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I would say around an inch...I haven't hit them yet and I offroad more than most I guess.

03 Dakota 4X4 QC SportPlus 4.7L 3.55 LSD AWD
Superchipped, 2Chamber Flowmaster Dumped, K&N Drop-in, 2"Torsion Lift
MY 4X4'S BAPTISM

other bill
Dodge Dakota
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10/05/2005
16:30:58

RE: Torsion Bars
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If you haven't hit them yet, then you haven't hung a front tire in the air. I'm referring to the upper bumpstops. They are what limit how far a wheel will droop.
If you have not hit a lower bumpstop then you have not fully stuffed a wheel into the well. The lowers are what prevent the tire from rubbing the fenderwell.
If your torsion bars are adjusted (up) you may never touch the lower stop do to the amount of tension on the bar, but you can still touch the upper stop if you hang a wheel in the air. It is not always easy to see that the rubber stops have made contact, but if it is done often enough, it will wear the paint at the contact point.
Careful not to over adjust. I had mine up to the point that the uppers were touching all the time and the drivers side eventually seperated from the mounting stud. I have since lowered it a bit.

Hope this helps. 102K miles on the ol' ticker and parts are still in good shape! I have my own opinions about how fast this raising of the front end prematurely wears out components.



8banger
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10/05/2005
17:09:32

RE: Torsion Bars
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What I meant by not hitting the bumpstops was during normal or light offroad driving. Ofcourse you will hit the stops if you hang a tire or jump the truck. Let me rephrase it, I have not hit the bumpstops during normal offroad conditions.

You should be able to "safely" raise the front 1.5" as long as someone hasnt already adjusted the t-bars. Mine is 2" with no problems

03 Dakota 4X4 QC SportPlus 4.7L 3.55 LSD AWD
Superchipped, 2Chamber Flowmaster Dumped, K&N Drop-in, 2"Torsion Lift
MY 4X4'S BAPTISM

Jeremy
Dodge Dakota
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10/07/2005
01:26:44

RE: Torsion Bars
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Thanks for the info guys! Much appreciated!
I am about 1/4" or less from touching my bumpstops, but I am still not quite level. I may go just a bit more so they are barely touching. I wonder if my t-bars are somewhat worn out? Only 80,000 and I beleive everything is stock on suspension.



other bill
Dodge Dakota
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10/07/2005
11:33:10

RE: Torsion Bars
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I know from time to time people suggest new T-bars, key way lifts, etc. Unless you have maximized the adjustments of the stock suspension and still have not hit the limiting points (bumpstops) you are wasting money chasing down fixes. In other words, "YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FIX."

If you have run out of adjustment (threads on the adjusting bolt for the Torsion bars) and your upper bumpstop still has room, your T-bars may be worn (allowing front end sag). The bumpstops hitting are what limit your IFS travel.

As far as key way lifts, the same applies: Once you hit the bumpstop, there is no more adjustment to be made. It is just that simple. The key way lift you all hear about for the GMs is because unlike Chrysler, GM did not put in as much adjustment capability. In other words they cannot always get to the max (touching the bumpstop) without installing this after-market keyway.

I hope this helps.



Eric
Dodge Dakota
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10/12/2005
14:57:42

RE: Torsion Bars
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I took the chance and purchased the new torsion bar keys from truckin suspension for $90 or so bucks + shipping. I was able to raise the front of my 2002 dakota Qcab slt 2 inches with no bump stop or alignment issues. All and all it cost my about $200.00 to level the truck out.



8banger
GenIII
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10/12/2005
22:58:02

RE: Torsion Bars
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Eric,

I lifted the front of my truck 2" for free with no bumpstop problems.

03 Dakota 4X4 QC SportPlus 4.7L 3.55 LSD AWD
Superchipped, 2Chamber Flowmaster Dumped, K&N Drop-in, 2"Torsion Lift
MY 4X4'S BAPTISM

guest
Dodge Dakota
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7/15/2009
19:56:36

RE: Torsion Bars
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Eric, is the ride any stiffer with the keys, and how much space is between upper control arm and bumpstop



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