[mtranced]

So, I have been doing quite a bit of work on my 97 T100, SR5 Extended cab with the 3.4L V6. It is the 2WD model and the front end is sitting about 2" lower than the rear. I recently replaced my shocks, sway bar bushings, and sway bar link ends and this made a huge difference in the ride. I also replaced all of my belts (including the timing belt and H20 pump) and now the truck runs more like new, which says a lot as it has 165K miles on it. I also recharged the A/C and made the AC mod (heat shield and insulation) and this made a big difference in the A/C performance. I would say that I got about 5-7 degrees lower on the cold air side. All of the above I was only able to do due to the pictures that were posted on this forum (Thank you!!!).

There are a few things that I want to do, most importantly go to bigger rims / tires and also level up the front and rear (which should also give me more room for the tires)... Currently the truck has P235/75 15's on it and I have about 3 - 3.5" clearance in the wheel wells (all around). The rear has about 6" clearance (in height) but I would still be limited to the 3.5" on the side clearances.

I am guessing (from reading other posts) that I will need to install a lift kit (or rather ball joint spacers 1.5")... So I have a couple of questions.

If I were to go with the ball joint spacers would I also need to adjust the torsion bars? I am assuming so to get the lift that I am looking for (about 2") to match the rear. Does anyone have any pictures of the torsion bar and adjustments? I have been using the pics on the forum to do most of my work.

What size rims / tires could I fit on the truck (without having to worry about rubbing / problems)? I am guessing that I could only go to 16" rims (and not 17") as they would require a low profile tire... which I really don't want to do... although I am open to it.

Thanks in advance,

Marc

 

[BamZipPow]

Best thing to do to level the front is git some ball joint spacers and some longer front shocks.

Instead of longer shocks you could git some shock stud extenders fer $6 at AutoZone.

Either way...you'll still have to git the front end aligned after you lift the front.

Don't try to lift the front by tightening the torsion bars. The ride will git too rough.

 

[bixnix]

Don't try to lift the front by tightening the torsion bars. The ride will git too rough.

2WD BJ spacers go on the upper control arm. I believe that's the same as the 4WD spacers. The difference is that the torsion bar adjusts height through the lower arm on the 2WD (it's the upper arm on the 4WD). Therefore, I don't believe that spacers will change the ride height on the 2WD - as I see it, you have to adjust the torsion bars, even with the spacers.

 

[BamZipPow]

2WD BJ spacers go on the upper control arm. I believe that's the same as the 4WD spacers. The difference is that the torsion bar adjusts height through the lower arm on the 2WD (it's the upper arm on the 4WD). Therefore, I don't believe that spacers will change the ride height on the 2WD - as I see it, you have to adjust the torsion bars, even with the spacers.

What I was trying to say was to not only tighten the torsion bars without any kind of lift to raise the front up.

 

[bixnix]

Bam - ah, I see....

OP - there's also the lift spindle option and also the body lift. I don't know of anyone here who has the lift spindles, but that would lift your front end without making you adjust your torsion bars at all (you would need an alignment, though). For a super front end lift, you could do both - adjust torsion bars w/ BJS's + lift spindle. A body lift (2" is good, 3" will expose more of the frame) will also give you more space for your wheels.

$$$, I think it goes like this:

Cheapest - BJ Spacers + adjust T-bar (+ optional sway-a-ways)
A bit more - lift spindles
A bit more than that - Body lift (assuming you have someone install it for you)

 

[BamZipPow]

There's a local 1995 T-100 2WD that looks like it has the front leveled...

I'd be curious fer those leveling out their 2WD T-100s if yer gas mileage increases or not.

I'm tempted to contact them just to see what was done to that T-100.

 

[mtranced]

So do the ball joint spacers go on the upper or lower? I was thinking the lower... And then I will also need to adjust the torsion bars, basically the same amount of the spacers (or slightly more) as well as install the shock extensions. Does this sound right?

 

[mtranced]

I think I just answered my own question... Upper ball joints (for the spacers).

And also to adjust the torsion bars:

First...take measurements from the ground to the top of the wheel well. Write it down.

You'll have to jack up the front end with the wheels off the ground and then tighten the torsion bars a few cranks. Drop yer truck back down and drive around to settle the suspension. Measure. Repeat as necessary. You should be able to git the 1 inch lift that yer looking for but the ride might git a little stiff.

Keep in mind that you'll need to git the front end aligned no matter which method you go with.