First of all, my 99 f150 scab has the off-road package, and it's stock height in the front was level with the rear. Does this mean that the torsion bars were already cranked from the factory? I wouldn't think so, but I'm not sure as to why mine was level at stock.
Last weekend I installed some 2" lift shackles in the rear. I love the looks now, but really need to crank the torsion bars up front a little so that my new tires quit rubbing (33x12.50 18's), which only seems to rub when turning while backing up( and of course if the suspension flexed much). I have trimmed my front valance a little already, and I don't recall my tires rubbing until after I installed the shackles in the rear. I only want to raise the front about 1", but was just wondering what was done to it from the factory to level the front. I don't want to trash my ride quality or cause my CV's to wear prematurely.

Thanks,
Joey

 

1" wont hurt it

 

My only concern was whether or not mine had already been cranked, as it was sitting level as stock. If they were already cranked to level the truck, I would be a bit hesitant to crank them even more.

 

How much bolt is left over on the torsion keys? Mine (stock) had about 3/4" of thread, So I used a little less than half of that so now there is a little less than half inch and I gained just over an inch which leveled it out and was all I was looking for.

 

I just crawled under the truck. The passenger side has about 5/8" of threads left, but the driver's side has about 1 1/8" of threads left.

 

 

driver side carries more weight than passenger side. (gas tank, driver etc)

 

Crank them all the way, then back off about 3/4 of a turn.

 

Well I thought that I was supposed to crank each side the same amount.

 

crank both of them all the way, back em off 3/4" And measure your fender to tire. If one side is higher/lower than the other you can adjust it.

 

Thats a bit odd for them to be that much different. Mine were no where near that much, maybe an 1/8 or full turn difference if that. And im almost positive mine have never been touched before that. Sounds like someones been adjusting them. Either way, you have lots of room to go up. I woudnt max them out, just get what you need to level it, make sure it sits level across the front. Try to keep track of how many turns on the bolts. Then some measurements on good level ground to make sure one sides not higher than the other. Get a jack and take the weight off the front and those bolts should turn like butter.

 

yeah, I've never messed with torsion bars before, but I was still surprised that they were so different. Wasn't sure if that was in the norm or not. I got the truck from my father, and he bought it brand new, so no one has ever messed with the torsion bars, unless it was done before he bought it from the dealership My father put 100K miles on it before I got it, and he never had any irregular problems with tire wear. All I want is an extra 3/4" to 1" of clearance up front, so it sounds like I'll be cranking this afternoon!

Thanks,
Joey

 

You can get almost 2" from cranking them like I said. I had them cranked for 4 years.
Jacking the front end up before you crank them does help alot to. Makes it so much easier.....