I've got an '03 Sierra Z71. The front sits about 2 inches lower than the rear. What's the best way to even it out? I've seen people talking about adjusting the torsion bars, is that a DIY project or should I take it to a shop. What's involved with it? How does it affect the ride? Will I need to have a realignment done? I'm planning on a 3" body lift in the future, but I want it to sit level first. Thanks. <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" />

 

A full suspension lift will level it out. Most of the will raise the front more than the rear.

Adjusting the torsion bars is easy, but your ride will suffer. It makes the front real stiff if you raise it up enough to level it out. This is an easy thing to do - Jack the front end up to remove pressure from the wheels. Take a 19mm socket to the torsion bolts, one on each side under the seat area of the cab. Turn them clockwise the same amount on each side.

Another option is to put a set of 2" drop shackels on the rear.

 

Hill 4 wheel drive makes a kit to raise the front up 2.5 inches to make it level. I have never seen someone use it before, but it seems like it would work
Hill 4 wheel drive Click on 6 lug leveling kit towards the top-right of the page
Good luck,
-Kurt

 

Thanks guys... I think I will end up going for that kit offered by Hill 4 Wheel Drive. Sounds like the best way to go, price is right too. Thanks 01, for the link to their site. Pretty helpful. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

 

No problem... good luck with the install, let us know how it goes and maybe shoot a few pics. A friend of mine is looking into gettin these for his truck so input would be great!
-Kurt

 

Yep the hill kit is nothing but marked up ford keys. Have had them for about 8 months now with no problems. Just buy the ford keys below. Hill buys them, grinds the numbers off and resells them with a hell of a markup. The keys are about 50 bucks from ford.

<img src="http://home.ntelos.net/~jlwz71/keys%205.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://home.ntelos.net/~jlwz71/keys%203.jpg" alt=" - " />

 

The hill kit / Ford keys are just the same as turning up the torsion bars. They allow you to turn them up more than the stock keys allow. I had them on for a few months, but really couldn't take the ride. The front end was so stiff. When I hit a bump at any speed, the front end wanted to "lift off" due to the increased pressure. It does look better, but that method wasn't for me.

Try to turn the bars using the stock keys first. See if you like it. If its OK and you want more, then order the kit.

 

If you have it stock in the rear, then you will be fine by raising the torsion bars up to level. The ride will suffer a bit, but hardly noticable in an extended cab. Standard cab is way worse. I have the Ford keys in the truck now, waiting for installation. I'll let you know how much more I get out of it. They cost me $47 out the door.

Part # XL3Z5B328CA, you will need 2.

 

Okay... I think I'll do that then... raise the torsion bars first, If I like it then fine... if not I'll get some Ford keys (ugh... the thought of Ford parts on my GMC <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" /> lol) Thanks alot for the input... keep it coming, it'll be a few weeks before I can do anything anyway.

 

Okay... I think I'll do that then... raise the torsion bars first, If I like it then fine... if not I'll get some Ford keys (ugh... the thought of Ford parts on my GMC <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" /> lol) Thanks alot for the input... keep it coming, it'll be a few weeks before I can do anything anyway.