4x4 Torsion Bar Setting

From: Dave_Clement-LDC009@email.mot.com
Date: Mon Feb 12 1996 - 08:44:18 EST


Since I got my 89 Dakota last NOV I have thought that the truck sat butt high. I
do not have a FSM but I picked up a Chiltons at the dollar store (that's right
$1.00) and it talks about a 1 - 1 1/2 inch difference between the inner pivot
and outer balljoint area when measured to the surface the truck sits on. It does
not state which measurement should be greater.

On my truck as you look at the lower control arms from the front they have an
upward sweep from the inner mount to the wheels and there is only 1/2" from the
lower control arm to the rubber jounce bumper. The axle shafts also go up from
the differential to the wheels.

I stopped at the local Dodge dealer to take a look at some new Dakota's. The
lower control arms appeared level and there was definately more space between
the top of the tires and the fender (both with 235's). The trucks appeared to be
sitting level but the one's on the dealer lot were club cabs (mine is not) and
the they were not on a flat surface.

The question I have is there any concern that I should be aware of if I just
crank the torsion bar adjusting bolts unti the truck sits fairly level? I did
put one turn on each bolt Saturday when changing the oil but it still sit has
more of a but high attitude than I think it should.

Dave Clement

ps: The 89 3.9l v6 specs out the tea cup sized oil filter. I was able to get the
larger Fram PH43 filter on with no problem. This increased the oil capacity
enough that it took a full 5 qts of oil and doubles the filter element surface
area compared to the specified filter. There appears to be enough room for the
full size Fram PH8A filter and I will be checking that out at the next oil
change.
 



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