I could be wrong but the front-end travel is not limited by the torsion bars but rather with the bump stops on compression and a nipple on the top a-arm during extension. Could it be the Bilstien shocks? By increasing the ride height you may be closer to the full extension of the shocks.

My idea!

------------------
'97 F150 Lariat, Flareside, white/sliver, SC, ORP, 5.4 (FQR 8/99) running Mobil 1
Mods: 305/70/16 GY ATS, AR Baja wheels, dual exhaust, Smittybilt Nerf Bars, Edelbrock IAS Shocks, K&N Filter, Carbon Fiber Bug Gaurd and rigged the fog lights too.

On Order: Supercrew 4x4 Lariat, Black, 5.4 and all the goodies.
Planned mods: 305/70/16 ATS, AR Atlas 16x8, Dual Exhaust, Toneau Cover, Expedition Console Mod and Smitty Bilt Tube Steps.

Another great Ford truck site -www.fseries.com

Truck Pictures

 

Hey Kirt,

DO you have any other pictures of your truck. It's pretty sharp. I'd like to see what the 305's look like from other angles.

If so, let me know.

Wing

------------------
2001 Bright Red Supercrew
4X4
5.4 V8

No Mods yet, but they're coming!

Go Buckeyes!

 

kkirt1-
What I saw was the suspension not even touching the bump stop (about 1" short of touching it) at all. I was told that when I raised the front completely off the ground, the suspension should full extend and rest on the bump stop.What happens is the shock (I checked shock part numbers already)is limiting the extension length of the front suspension.So, I think that the additional ride height I have added from the torsion bars (also about 1") has created this problem.Any thoughts.. anyone??? Help

 

kkirt1-
I see you are running Edelbrocks.How much did you raise the front? I by chance, have a set of new Edelbrocks for my truck in my garage and I am wondering if these will make my problem go away.My mechanics say it will not help.They will be the same shock length.

 

Sure will man. Did mine Fri. Check tire pressure, measure both sides, jack one side up, and give it 2 full turns. Then drop, and jack up the other side, give it 2 full turns as well. Drop, and joust the torsion bars. (I drove up, and down a steep curb several times. (Or you could jump up and down on the tow hooks. Then re-measure. Level out the driver's side / pass. side to your liking, and take it to Ford for an alignment. ($39.95) I LOVE this mod so far. Looks / feels great.

-AR

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- 2001 F-150 XLT 4X4 Off-Road, S/C, FS, Black
- 4.6L Triton V8 (20 H.P. Increase)
- 5 Speed / 3:55 Reg. Axle
- Keyless
- Premium Audio CD
- Mods.
- K&N Cold Air mod.
- Flowmaster 40 (Stock Setup with 3 1/2" Gibson Tip)
- Cranked Torsion Bars
- Bugshield
- Bedliner
- Ventshades

 

You may want to take one of the shocks off or at least undo the top or bottom them work the suspension to see what is holding it up. The pic below is of my rebound bump stop. It doesn't appear there is that much travel there. btw: I cranked mine about 3/4 inch and have had no problems!


Here is a pic of the 305's. Except for a slight high speed vibration they are great. They handle very well and look great. Sorry, it was late and was the only perspective I could get in the garage




[This message has been edited by kkirt1 (edited 10-03-2000).]

 

mine is a question, not a reply.
All the talk about tightning torsion bars to increase frt end height (to make level)
is this on 2 wheel drive, or 4 wheel drive only?

 

The bumpstop pic is with the truck sitting on the ground. I wonder if you have a faulty shock?

 

But it's happening on both sides. I'll shoot you an e-mail later today after I find out more from the alignment shop. Wish me luck!

 

Problem solved. Raising the front of the truck by increasing the Torsion Bars did result in the bottoming out of my front shocks. "Stock length" shocks are just not long enough to allow for full movement of the suspension. Although many may find that this simple modification is fine, I question if their shocks not also having the same problem as mine. The best way to find this out, is find a curb and drive up onto it with just one side of your truck on it. Get a good running speed and "jump off" the curb. Do you hear anything unusual? The sound mine made was a pop or bang sound as the shock hit hard at full extension 1" short of the bump stop. This combined with the full weight of the tire and suspension componets is not my idea of shock longevity... but driving off curbs is'nt either! Until somebody makes a longer shock, I'll stay at my stock height.(Kirt- Thanks again for your photos and words)

 

I had this problem with the jeep I currently own. I couldn't find any shocks that were long enough and ended doing a little research and buying shocks with similar specs for another vehicle (ford I believe). All I had to do was swap the ends out. I don't know what the Screw shocks look like yet, so I don't know if this is possible. When I get my new truck, I'll be sure to look into it.

------------------
2001 SuperCrew Lariat White/Silver,4x4,5.4L, Lim Slip,Cd,Moon roof,Tow

Planned: Dealer will install propane dual fuel conversion

 

wingnut33,
These are my 305's, on a lifted 4x2 screw.

Here's a shot of the whole truck. I know you only wanted front end leveling , but thought this would help.

 

Damn, you guys are makin' me jealous! Those white trucks look NICE!

Woody, how did you level off your front end? I noticed that you added a lift, did you do anything different to the front to even it up?

If you don't mind me asking, how much did the lift cost and how much did the tires cost.

Thanks,

Wing

------------------
2001 Bright Red Supercrew
4X4
5.4 V8

No Mods yet, but they're coming!

Go Buckeyes!

 

Thank you very much for all your efforts here. Is that photo with the vehicle at rest or lifted off the ground? Should'nt the bump stop touch if the vehicle is raised off the ground completely? I'm going back today to the alignment shop today, so I'll let ya know what happens. They too, suggested I remove the shock completly.
Thanks Again,
Pete

 

Hey ptfii, you mentioned before that you had, "Bilstein shocks". Are these aftermarket? Is this the cause for your problem? I haven't checked to see if I hit the stop bumber or not. What actually happens? Do the shocks "top out?" Are they not bottoming-out? Or both? Do you have the 4X4, or the 4X2? Of 4X4...is it an Off Road? TIA.

-AR

------------------
2001 F-150 XLT 4X4 Off-Road, S/C, FS, Black
- 4.6L Triton V8 (20 H.P. Increase)
- 5 Speed / 3:55 Reg. Axle
- Keyless
- Premium Audio CD
Mods.
- K&N Cold Airbox / Throttle Body Mod.
- Flowmaster 40 (Stock Setup with 3 1/2" x 10" Gibson Tip)
- Cranked Torsion Bars
- Bugshield
- Bedliner
- Ventshades

arobbins@mail.liberty.k12.mo.us




[This message has been edited by Jackal (edited 10-04-2000).]