I have a 2003 f150 5.4 supercrew. Wondering if I can crank the torsion bars on this truck to gain a little clearance so my tires won't rub. Also is this a good idea? Thanks in advance

 

You can gain a bit but I wouldn't recommend it. The extra height is because you are changing the spring rates. The best idea to maintain good driving/handling is to get some torsion keys. They reindex the torsion keys to raise it a bit without making the bars tighter to increase the spring rates. Be assured that if you go big it will change the geometry of the front end and make it wear a little faster. I think there is "leveling kit" torsion keys that only raise it a couple inches. How much clearance do you need?

 

Like an inch. Just rubbing a little. But really annoying. Thanks

 

You CAN get by with that by cranking, but be aware that other parts will wear faster, (cv axles, ball joints, maybe tie rod ends, thinks like this. You will do the same thing with keys too, just keeps the spring rates the same. If you do make sure you mark the bolt and the crossmember and turn them the same amount. Typically the drivers side starts out a bit tighter anyway to make up for the weight of the driver I think. The main thing is turn them the same amounts.

 

Did it. Nice and even. Turned 5 times raised front a little over an inch. Going to go cash in my free alignment at town fair tire. No more rubbing.

 

Get the right sized tires to start with and you won't have this issue.

 

If it weren't for people like you on this forum I don't know how anyone would get anything done. You've been very helpful. Thanks pal

 

sounds like your all set, but just for the record... the torsion bars make the truck rise and lower. If you use the stock key or the aftermarket key, you get exactly the same effice. The aftermarket key is cut to allow for additional cranking and more lift. Thats is not the best idea in the world.. If you use either and raise 1 inch total, you get exactly the same effect on your torsion bar. I raised mine an inch also. Looks good. You might need an alignment, depending on what end of the tolerance it was at to start with.