I just put a set of 285/75/16 on a stock set of lariat 5 stars, on my 1998 ORP with an extended cab. It looks pretty good with the bigger tires and they fit with no problems at all. But Now I would like to level out the front end, I figur it only needs ot go up an 1" to an 1 1/2". Will cranking the torsion bars cause any long term damage, I have and extended warranty to 100k and dont wont to ruin it. And does does the ride quality suffer at all. Anyone with experience here let me know what you think.

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1998 F150 XLT extra cab white,4.6 with off-road package
tint,rhino-lining, white face gauges, clear front marker lights, stull billet grille
16" lariat 5 stars with dunlop radial rover
285/75/16

 

KMMON1,

Raising the torsion bars will not void your warranty. However, you should realize that it will change your wheel alignment drastically and perhaps, your wheel position (i.e., the orientation of your steering wheel when the car is going straight). The truck will also ride harder and if you go up to high, you risk reducing the suspension travel to the point where the vehicle will "top" after a bump. At stock height, the suspension is designed to have approximately equal travel up and down from the "resting" position. If you raise the vehicle, your upward travel will be severely restricted and run the risk of the control arm hitting the frame on the return from large bumps or on driveways. The good news is that if you have trouble, you can always return the height to stock. Remember to measure before you start.

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BLK 2000 F150 XLT 4X4 SuperCab SB, Shift-on-the-fly, 5.4L, 4R70W, 3.55 LS, 4-Wheel disc/ABS, ORP, Keyless, PWR Seat, Slider, Soft tonneau, Cab steps.
MODS: Rhino, Molded flaps

 

I am not going to raise it much. I dont have any kind of lift on the truck. I just want the front end up maybe 1 inch to maybe 1 1/2 inches. Even if it is not completely level I just want it a little bit higher. I dont think that should cause a suspension problem. How many turns should I crank them to get 1 - 1 1/2 inches. Ad with only goin up so little should I still need an alignment.

 

I raised mine on turn each. No problems yet. I did not need alignment either. Try it, you can always go back. It almost leveled my truck.

-Tim

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1998 F-150 4X4 ORP 4.6L
Dark Toreador Red

 

kmmon1,

I have 285's also. I upped the T-Bars aprox
3/4". I had a alignment shop do the work and also align the front end afterwards. I wouldn't risk the alignment on a new set of tires that I spent good money on.

Just my .02

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99 4x4 XLT supercab 5.4L Flareside, Deep Wedgewood Blue/Med. Graphite w/Captain Chairs, Pioneer DEP-4000, Tint, K&N, Bedliner, 3" Catback w/3 Chamber Flowmaster, 285/75/16 BFG A/T on American Racing Python wheels, Stull Billet Grill, Clear Corner Lenses.

'00 Expedition XLT, Silver w/Dark graphite interior, 5.4L, Stull Billet Grill and some other stuff. All in all she'll stay stock. Ok, maybe a Flowmaster 50 series soon.

 

I cranked mine up 5 full turns yesterday which brought it up a little under 1 full inch. How many times shoul I turn them, Should I keep going or keep it where it is to avoid any future damage. I was measuring and I realized my drivers side is 1/2 inch lower then the pass. side of the truck. Front and back, no matter where I park. It still does not sit level but I dont know if it is worth going up about a little more????

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1998 F150 XLT extra cab white,4.6 with off-road package
tint,rhino-lining, white face gauges, clear front marker lights, stull billet grille
16" lariat 5 stars with dunlop radial rover
285/75/16

 

I wonder about this mod??? I think you might want to go to your local race track on race day and ask to borrow someone's suspension level. Check the Caster/Camber angles to avoid any unwanted surprises at speed. The tow angle will likely be affected and immeadeate symptoms may not be apparent. In any event, keep an eye on both front and rear tire wear and pay attention to front end tendancies while turning sharply. Usually cosmettic changes that are made to such vital components aren't really worth the hassles
Just a couple of thoughts.
Bruce