coolj554

Recently got a 1999 f150 5.4l and I was wondering if the torsion bars would be cranked. It was used as a landscaping truck and has plow brackets in the front. So I'm wondering if my bars would be higher than stock since it was used for plowing Thanks!

Line_Ape

Best way to find out would be to bend over.. Sit down... Lay on your back... Scoot under your truck.. Look up at the sky, (but you won't see the sky, you'll see the torsion bar) if you are under the area of your door. Find where that bar ends. You will see a brace that runs from door to door, if you see another bar on the other side of the truck that ends there too then your in the right spot. Look for a bolt under that brace.. (hint there's two but you only need to really see one) if you see threads on that bolt then your bars are not maxed out if you only see the head of the bolt then yes your torsion bars are maxed out.... Hope this helps you find your answer.
This is a pic of mine for reference

coolj554

Thanks! It helped a lot

Line_Ape

Well what was the verdict?.... Were they cranked or not?

coolj554

They weren't at all. Totally stock, I was hoping to get some extra inches

chickenburrito

what are the negatives to cranking the torsion bars up like that?

there must be some, no?

stiffer ride?
wear quicker?
i dont know.. you tell me

ill have to give mine a look to see where theyre at, my truck sits pretty level, but i also think its because the leaf springs are worn a bit, so they might not be cranked at all

coolj554

I'm not a expert but I've read cranking them can cause a stiffer ride and maxing them can cause slightly quicker wear on front ball joints from the angle change but not super bad like 1 a month.

Line_Ape

You might want to get your alignment checked after you do but as far as a harsher ride .. Not that I've noticed. And just keep an eye on tire wear, rotate often I rotate mine every oil change just cuz I'm OCD lol and if your rear end is lower then front after you crank then all you need to do is add a leaf or a block to your rear

Line_Ape

Yes the joints will wear a bit quicker but not as fast as if you added aftermarket torsion keys then your angles get pretty bad

chickenburrito

cool , thanks for the explanations guys