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Thread: Do torsion bars 'sag' over time?

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  1. #1

    Default Do torsion bars 'sag' over time?

    Q: Do torsion bars weaken, i.e. 'sag' over time, requiring that their preload be adjusted to maintain correct suspension geometry?

    My '06 K3500 SRW came with oversized rubber and no lift. In the ~40K miles I've since put on, it seems like the front tires are more prone to rub when turning sharp, backing out of the driveway, etc.

    Wondering if the torsion bars are the variable?
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  2. #2

    Default

    Installed new Bilsteins today and turned up torsion bars 2 turns each side. Tire rub is gone, except when backing and full turn to left or right where light contact with fender flare occurs.

    New ride is very smooth, no visible/perceptible 'hood dive', even under moderately aggressive braking. Chatter over railroad tracks has disappeared from the rear.

    Rides like new again.
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    1,248

    Talking

    I think someone makes a bra for the sagging. Oop's ! sorry I'm on the wrong forum "Ha Ha"
    But I would think torsion bars would fatiuge a little in time just like springs would do from the constant weight on them. Do you have to check the alignment after cranking 2 turns?
    0000000

  4. #4

    Default

    We put three turns on when hanging snowplows to counter the additional weight hanging up front.

    I have been told that any turns will affect alignment, but not a problem until over 5... That would be pretty stiff, in my experience.

    Never had any abnormal inside edge wear as a result. I like the firmness of a few more turns, no hood dipping, nice cornering, etc.
    2011 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L daily driver
    • Previous owner of two 1994 6.5L K3500s, '01, '02, and '05 6.6L K2500s, '04 C4500, '06 K3500 dually, '06 K3500 SRW, '09 K3500HD SRW, '05 Denali
    • Total GM diesel miles to date : ~950K

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2002
    Location
    White Hall, AR
    Posts
    99

    Default

    I"ve had a winch setup on both my Dmax's and had to crank the bars to help level truck after adding additional weight. I was told that any upward adjustment at least required the toe-end to be adjusted, if not a full front wheel alignment to be on the safe side.
    2002 Pewter 2500HD D/A EC SB 4wd Warn 12K SOLD! 103k miles
    2007 White 2500HD CC SB LBZ 4wd Warn 12K Stock

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Location
    New Hampshire - Live Free or Die
    Posts
    6,057

    Default

    Adjusting the torsion bar doesn't make the bar any stiffer, it merely changes the neutral position. It may, however, change the angle of the control arm such that more twisting of the torsion bar is required for a given amount of suspension travel.
    The Constitution needs to be re-read, not re-written!

    If you can't handle Dr. Seuss, how will you handle real life?

    Current oil burners: MB GLK250 BlueTEC, John Deere X758
    New ride: MB GLS450 - most stately
    Gone but not forgotten: '87 F350 7.3, '93 C2500 6.5, '95 K2500 6.5, '06 K2500HD 6.6, '90 MB 350SDL, Kubota 7510

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