Torsion bar adjustment
#12
Torsion bar front ends are found on 3rd Gen 4x4 IFS Ram 1500s (not including the MegaCab) made from '02-'05. In following the trend to give half ton trucks a more car-like ride, a coil-over system replaced it starting in '06.
The feature uses a long bar connected to the chassis on one end and the front suspension on the other and is the weight bearing "spring". Advantages on using a torsion bar is that they tend to be very durable and the ride height can be adjusted by simply turning a bolt attached to the torsion bar key. Also, they require much less room than a coil system, often allowing clearance for much wider tires.
The downside to a torsion bar front suspension is that unlike a true spring, there is no progressive spring rate, resulting in a harsher, more "truck-like" ride.
I like the fact I have a torsion front end on my '04 over a comparatively weaker coil-over IFS setup, but I'd trade it in a heartbeat for a SFA. Even the comparatively weak Dana 44 front axle is a LOT stronger than my IFS CV half-shaft system...
The feature uses a long bar connected to the chassis on one end and the front suspension on the other and is the weight bearing "spring". Advantages on using a torsion bar is that they tend to be very durable and the ride height can be adjusted by simply turning a bolt attached to the torsion bar key. Also, they require much less room than a coil system, often allowing clearance for much wider tires.
The downside to a torsion bar front suspension is that unlike a true spring, there is no progressive spring rate, resulting in a harsher, more "truck-like" ride.
I like the fact I have a torsion front end on my '04 over a comparatively weaker coil-over IFS setup, but I'd trade it in a heartbeat for a SFA. Even the comparatively weak Dana 44 front axle is a LOT stronger than my IFS CV half-shaft system...
#14
#17
#18
Last edited by Wombat Ranger; 11-29-2011 at 12:24 AM.
#19