Originally Posted by RazorEdge

My 2002 Edge has just under 150,000 miles on her and the torsion bars are almost certainly sagging a little. A couple of years or so, ago I cranked the old (and original) Code "F" bars up to the max and have been running 31-10.50-15's on stock 7.5" wide Ford Aluminum wheels. But even before torquing the **** outta the old "F" bars I had NO clearance problems at all. All cranking them did was give my truck a somewhat more "sporty" look. When I cranked the "F" bars I got just short of 3" of lift as measured from the ground to the top of the fender wells...2.8" if I remember correctly...but I've made a couple of trips to CO in the last couple of months so my memory might be a little bit hazy on that figure. But it's close... I am going to replace the old bars with factory fresh Code 1 bars (should be here before the end of the week) cranked up as far as they'll go. Anyone care to venture a guess as to how much more (if any) these new bars will raise the front of my truck? I was told at my local Ford Dealership that using fresh Code "1" bars would give me about another 1.5-2" more lift for a total of just under 5" w/o having to trim anywhere. I am, however, skeptical when I get information from an outfit that wanted to charge me $700 for a new ignition set (luckily I found the keys to her so I dodged a bullet of rather large caliber there). That's why I'm putting this thread out there so's people that know and love their Rangers might give me some real world feedback. This backwater town I live in has very little in the way of suspension services. I'm going to have to go 'bout 130 miles to Dallas to get them properly installed by aftermarket professionals. I'd like to cram as much tire under her as I can get. I don't do off road so suspension travel should not pose a problem. Looking for suggestions that might lead to running 33-12.50-15's without using a spindle lift or anything other than the new bars (and probably some aftermarket torsion bar keys) to get the height I need. The back spacing on the factory wheels is 5.25". The wheels I have on order (10x15's) have a backspacing of 3.5". So I stand to gain another 3.5" of center line track width. This modification will leave the tires inside the fender wells by about an inch (if my measurements are correct). I'm giving thought to torquing the new bars to the max and I'm wondering if new or any aftermarket torsion bar keys might help me get the lift I need to get 33-12.50's to work.

Originally Posted by RazorEdge

Thanks, Bitzy: CV Axles are the least of my worries. My Truck is 2WD and Torsion Bars (obviously). I gotta admit I thought the guy at the Ford House was trying to pound sand in my *** when he told me I could get almost 5" of lift using the method I described. But, honest to God, my truck came up just short of 3" when I cranked the old "F" bars I have now. I just figured that being a stiffer Code 1 bar (larger diameter, I think) I might squeeze another inch out of it (maybe a bit more if I went to aftermarket Torsion Bar Keys) without having to go to the raised spindles. But after reading your response I'm left to wonder about it. In fact, you've given me a severe case of the heebeejeebees. Leavin' me to wonder if I should scratch my watch or wind my ***. I would like to ask (and please don't take offense)...what do you know about Torsion Bar Keys that makes you think they are a bad idea? Just curious you understand. I'm sure you have your reasons for your opinion. I'd just like to know, specifically, what damage you think they might do to my particular application? Don't know why I'm even considering trying to get the max out of the Torsion Bars & Keys. I'll probably go with the raised spindles in the end anyway...besides, I've already got 10" wheels on the way so I gotta do something. Don't ask me why...I just want that extra 2" of tread width and the extra track width that the wheels I have on order and 12.50's will give. Do you think 2" lift spindles will work or should I go to 3" (or more)? At any rate, I appreciate your response, there, Partner. I'll keep you posted.