t-bar crank: conflicting steps found - Ford Ranger Forums

buzzair · 07-20-2006

Hey all,

i did a good amount of searching on the t-bar crank and I've read a couple conflicting steps.

First, some say to put the truck up on jackstands, which is also stated on the RPS how-to. http://www.therangerstation.com/tech...orsionBar.html

However, others are saying its better to leave your truck on the ground.

Secondly, I read someone saying that it's important to loosen the upper arm bushing bolts before adjusting the preload on the torsion bars. True? or BS?

I don't want to crank the t-bars any more than I have to, to be able to fit my 32's in without rubbing. How many turns or inches of lift do you recommend with the crank?

jrpro130 · 07-20-2006

Lift the truck, crank em evenly.

I have heard that myth about the upper arm bushings, but I think a few ppl busted it.

I got 20k miles on mine..3 of which on 33's...no probs yet

TrailRateThisFx4 · 07-20-2006

i cranked mine and only put 3000 miles on the truck and my truck has been sitting in the dealership for a few days now with the front end taken apart....dont know what there replaceing yet but i bet i find out tomorow

buzzair · 07-20-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrpro130

Lift the truck, crank em evenly.

I have heard that myth about the upper arm bushings, but I think a few ppl busted it.

I got 20k miles on mine..3 of which on 33's...no probs yet

how many turns or inches did you raise yours?

rwenzing · 07-20-2006

I don't think it matters much but the Ford factory service manual says to adjust the bars on the ground with the weight of the truck on them. The important thing is to get them even right to left.

There is much more bolt adjustment available on one side than the other, so don't just crank them both to the stops. 4~5 full turns on each side will probably buy you an inch without seriously affecting ride quality, tire wear or ball joint life.

As far as loosening the upper bushings, the Ford manual doesn't mention it and I can't see any benefit.

jrpro130 · 07-21-2006

I cranked mine about 4 turns both sides...I'm getting ready to crank em all the way (after my AAL install..it's haunting me, I swear)

So, I should get 2 more inches more of lift (in theory)

buzzair · 07-21-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwenzing

I don't think it matters much but the Ford factory service manual says to adjust the bars on the ground with the weight of the truck on them. The important thing is to get them even right to left.

There is much more bolt adjustment available on one side than the other, so don't just crank them both to the stops. 4~5 full turns on each side will probably buy you an inch without seriously affecting ride quality, tire wear or ball joint life.

As far as loosening the upper bushings, the Ford manual doesn't mention it and I can't see any benefit.

Alright, guess I might just leave em down since the Ford manual says it. Not sure yet. Anyone else have opinions?

Bob, I thought I read in a way older post from you that cranking the t-bars doesn't actually affect rubbing clearance at all.

zabeard · 07-21-2006

crank them 4 turns one each side and you will be good to go.

that is how mine were forever. since maybe 10k and at 60k i cranked them but i lost track where they were from stock so idk how much they are cranked now.

jack the truck up and do it.

it really doesnt hurt anything to do it. and i will add some clearance.

i think you are thinking way too much into this procedure.

buzzair · 07-21-2006

heh, probably. I usually do when it's gonna affect ride quality and performance.

RockysFord · 07-21-2006

I tried cranking mine again and those bolts wouldnt turn worth crap....i know they said they are hard to turn but i seriously thought i was going to break it....

Rocky

rwenzing · 07-21-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by buzzair

Bob, I thought I read in a way older post from you that cranking the t-bars doesn't actually affect rubbing clearance at all.

It doesn't. It simply changes the static equilibrium point of the suspension within the available travel. The upper and lower limits are defined by the suspension stops which stay exactly the same regardless of the torsion bar adjustment.

When I said it would buy you an inch, I was talking about height, not clearance.

zabeard · 07-21-2006

but it should add more preload which will help keep the tire from smashing into the fender, but i doubt it will happen.

if you change the equlibrium isnt that inturn pushing the tire further away from the fender creating more visible clearance for normal road driving. sure the bumpstops are the same but its still less likly to hit the fender with the torsion bars cranked some.

rwenzing · 07-21-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by zabeard

if you change the equlibrium isnt that inturn pushing the tire further away from the fender creating more visible clearance for normal road driving. sure the bumpstops are the same but its still less likly to hit the fender with the torsion bars cranked some.

Exactly. It can reduce the likelihood of rubbing under normal conditions but it does not change the possibility of rubbing under all conditions.

zabeard · 07-21-2006

ok cool, just clarifying for myself and others.

buzzair · 07-21-2006

Ok great. Thanks for claifying.

I'm gonna crank em soon. My tires/wheels are arriving at any moment today.

winks · 07-21-2006

I cranked mine without jackstands and without loosening the bolts and have had no problems. You should be fine either way.

Kanoeking · 07-21-2006

post pics when youre done homie!

buzzair · 07-21-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by winks

I cranked mine without jackstands and without loosening the bolts and have had no problems. You should be fine either way.

What do you mean loosening the bolts? I thought you crank in