I was wondering if the torsion bars on a light duty F-250 are stiffer than the torsion bars on a F-150 (4x4, Offroad Package, Extended Cab, 1999, 5.4L, 3.73LS). I am putting rancho add-a-leafs on the rear and I want to crank the front torsion bars up 1 to 1.5 inches so that the truck is more level. Also so that I may fit bigger tires. If the F-250 and F-150 bars are the same does anybody know of any companies selling heavier duty torsion bars for a F-150. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I'll bet your paycheck (not mine ) that the tortion bars on my 7700 series are stiffer than the tortion bars on the lesser GVW F-150's.

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Y2K™ Jim - N8JG@Hotmail.com

Toreador Red, Keyless XLT SC SB 5.4L E4x4 4wDisc/ABS, 3.73LS, Skid, HD 7700# Towing, LT-245's on Chrome, Tube-Steps, Captain's, 6CD, Tonneau, named: "Nick"

 

Someone who frequents these posts has put on F-250 LD torsion bars on his F-150. The 250 LD bars are 4 inches longer, and obviously stiffer. You will not need to crank them as much to get a higher ride up front. The nice thing about getting the heavier duty bars is that the frame has holes already pre-drilled to relocate the Torsion Bar mount 4" further back to fit the longer bars. I checked my local dealer to see how much for the new bars, and they said $150 each, that is in Canadian. Seems to be a pretty inexpensive suspension mod if you want greater load / stiffer suspension / less roll / better off-road ability. You are still limited somewhat on how high you can "crank" you front end up because of increased angles on the CV joints (at least that is what I keep hearing. I think they are fine, they are designed to turn all the time with you wheels cranked, and through the full suspension travel.)

Hope this helps. I plan to go with new bars myself sometime. I also have seen Rancho actually have new Torsion Bars. I have no clue if they make any that will fit a 97+ F-150.

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'97 F-150 4x4 SC SB 4.6L. Riding on Sport King 265/75R16 AT's. ProComp 3000 shocks. Add-a-Leafs and rear block lift, torsion lift. Side Bars and pushbar. WMS Intake, Gibson SS exhaust and Superchip!

Wish list: 4.10 Gears, Hedman Hedders, 3" body lift, 33x12.5 MT's!!

 

Thanks for the help. I will probably end up purchasing those bars.

 

Will these 3/4 ton bars fit on the short box regular cab??

Only asking because the frame is shorter. I took a look at mine, and the bars are mounted about as far back as they can go.

Actually, are the 5.4L engine trucks equipped with a heavier torsion bar?

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1997 F150 4x4
Short Box/ Regular Cab

4.2L V6
Open Filter Housing
K&N Filter

Factory 5-Speed

3.08 Gears

3" PA Body Lift

305/70/16 Goodyear AT/S
16x8 American Racing Baja

[This message has been edited by Crotteau (edited 05-27-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Crotteau (edited 05-27-2001).]

 

Crotteau-

Look at your frame where the trosion bars mount crossmember is. You should see three extra holes mounted further back. If you look at where the crossmember mount holes are, and where they are mounted, these same 3 holes should be on your frame, exactly 4" further back. They are on my SB. That is probably the only way for you to find out for sure. I don't think the 5.4 engines really that much heavier than the 4.6 engines, they are probably the same bars.


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'97 F-150 4x4 SC SB 4.6L. Riding on Sport King 265/75R16 AT's. ProComp 3000 shocks. Add-a-Leafs and rear block lift, torsion lift. Side Bars and pushbar. WMS Intake, Gibson SS exhaust and Superchip!

Wish list: 4.10 Gears, Hedman Hedders, 3" body lift, 33x12.5 MT's!!

 

Jim W-
I don't have the holes, in fact, at the end of the 3rd current bolt for the torsion bars, the frame starts the bend up towards the rear over the axle. Maybe I got a wierdo truck or something. Thanks for the help anyway though.

andrewjhaley- Are you serious? The Chev 1 ton bars will fit in our trucks. I am not super keen on the use of GM parts in my Ford, but hey, if it works. Any more info on this project would be appreciated, thanks much!

--Crotteau



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1997 F150 4x4

4.2L V6
Open Filter Housing
K&N Filter

Factory 5-Speed

3.08 Gears

3" PA Body Lift

305/70/16 Goodyear AT/S
16x8 American Racing Baja

 

I remember seeing that post saying the Standard cab short box cannot use these bars. I believe the stadard cab 250LD only came long bed???

 

Matt90GT-

You are right, that would make sense, since I don't see a way that it would be possible for me to have the additional mounting location.

Crotteau

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1997 F150 4x4

4.2L V6
Open Filter Housing
K&N Filter

Factory 5-Speed

3.08 Gears

3" PA Body Lift

305/70/16 Goodyear AT/S
16x8 American Racing Baja

 

If your lifting an f150 I suggest you do what a friend of mine did. He added a 4inch Rancho suspension lift and a 3 inch body lift. But for the torsion bars he added chevy one ton model torsion bars. They fit and everything, just alot stronger and the front doesnt sag one bit, give it 2 more inches of nice lift to fit 40inch tires.