Torsion Bars & Parts

Like their coil and leaf counterparts, torsion bars are springs. However, instead of compressing like a coil spring or deflecting and flattening out like a leaf spring, a torsion bar twists when loaded. Torsion bars are spring steel rods with one of the ends mounted to the frame and the opposite ends attached to the suspension, usually the lower control arms. Torsion bars have been transversely mounted on some vehicles in the past but today they are more commonly mounted longitudinally.

Torsion bars are generally very reliable components, but like any type of springs they can eventually become fatigued, which can negatively affect ride height, handling and wheel alignment. However, because they are typically mounted low on the underside of the vehicle, they are also susceptible to impact damage from obstacles and road debris. The torsion bars on vehicles that are driven off-road should be inspected for bends, cracks, and scrapes, which could make them ineffective or decrease their lifespan. Many torsion bars have rubber cross member mounts, and these can wear and cause noise.

Torsion bars are lighter and more compact than coil springs or leaf springs, but their primary advantage is that they can usually be adjusted. Unlike sacked coil springs that must be replaced, bolts at the keys on the torsion bar ends can be turned to raise ride height, or tune the height so it is even side-to-side. Proper ride height is critical to good handling, and to maintaining alignment angles for even tire wear. However, sometimes the range of adjustment is inadequate to bring ride height within specifications. We offer replacement key assemblies that increase the adjustment range, so ride height can be restored or even increased if desired – raising the front-end ride height to level the stance of a pickup truck for example.

If a different spring rate is desired to handle heavier weight or improve handling, rather than just a change of ride height, then performance torsion bars with varying spring rates are available. Torsion bars with a higher spring rate than stock will prevent bottoming out and provide better vehicle control on road or off. These bars are also made stronger than OE, in forged and heat treated steel, and coated with a durable powder coat finish. This kind of toughness is needed for vehicles driven off-road, where the torsion bar are exposed to potential impact damage from obstacles. To complete the installation we also offer a selection of mounts and hardware, and polyurethane mount bushings and dust boots.

For higher lifts of 4 inches or more, it may be necessary to relocate the torsion bars on a truck or SUV. There are several ways to achieve this. For some applications we offer brackets that lower the torsion bar crossmember. There are also brackets that locate the torsion bars further up on the control arms, leaving the ends that mount to the frame in their original location. The latter maintains the factory torsion bar angle, keeps the bars tucked up out of harm’s way, and doesn’t reduce ground clearance. These brackets are included in lift kits that come with everything needed to give you the looks and performance you want for your truck.