OK guys. I have a '05 2500hd, which Im currently running the torsion bars cranked up on about 1/4" from being maxed out. I always hear that maxing your torsion bars is horrible for front end components.

... I kinda want to just max em out. Iv heard of a few people doing it with no problems. Would the extra 1/4" be that big of a deal?

I need some input!!!!

It should be fine, but my parents cranked them up on their Hummer H3 and after a few years it started to give them a little trouble (nothing too serious).  But they had to lower it a little.  I would say go for it just keep an eye on it, if stuff starts to happen lower it.  If they are already cranked up 1/4" to the top, I can't see it being that bad.  It would definetly look better if you did it. 

The answer is it all depends. The further you crank the worse the bad effects will be. The bad effects include a worse ride and more wear and tear on your IFS components. These components include your ball joints, CV half shafts, and tie rods. The reason these wear faster is that the LCA and UCA are pushed down creating a bigger angle at which these components must operate at. All of these wear out faster when operated at a steeper angle. Therefore the further you lift your truck, the faster your will wear components and the worse it will ride.

 

Also you might have heard of someone breaking a CV shaft or you might have even done it yourself. A CV shaft can operate at a certain angle before it binds. When it reaches its binding angle and power is applied (as in your in 4x4 and gas it) the force has to go somewhere, since the joint cant turn it blows up! This can happen even if your torsion bars aren’t adjusted way up by having your suspension at max drop and wheels turned very sharp. The catch is, adjusting your bars up makes it much easier to reach max drop since your already closer to it, and in turn makes it a lot easier to snap a CV.

 

A-Jay

The answer is it all depends. The further you crank the worse the bad effects will be. The bad effects include a worse ride and more wear and tear on your IFS components. These components include your ball joints, CV half shafts, and tie rods. The reason these wear faster is that the LCA and UCA are pushed down creating a bigger angle at which these components must operate at. All of these wear out faster when operated at a steeper angle. Therefore the further you lift your truck, the faster your will wear components and the worse it will ride.

Also you might have heard of someone breaking a CV shaft or you might have even done it yourself. A CV shaft can operate at a certain angle before it binds. When it reaches its binding angle and power is applied (as in your in 4x4 and gas it) the force has to go somewhere, since the joint cant turn it blows up! This can happen even if your torsion bars aren’t adjusted way up by having your suspension at max drop and wheels turned very sharp. The catch is, adjusting your bars up makes it much easier to reach max drop since your already closer to it, and in turn makes it a lot easier to snap a CV.

A-Jay

Well said! I would not advise it myself.. It's not worth the amazing expense, JMO..

Thanks guys. I'm torn. I know it should probably be a no brainer, but I'm hard headed!! Don't know what to do!!!

Thanks guys. I'm torn. I know it should probably be a no brainer, but I'm hard headed!! Don't know what to do!!!

For most of us experience is the only way to learn such things! Getting good advice and taking it are two very different things. One thing is sure, paying for repairs is a no brainer...

No problem, as long as you don't mind replacing ball joints.