Posted: Jan 05 2012 at 1:04pm | IP Logged

ok. ive been looking for a decent explanation on how torsion bar suspension works, so i can have a better understanding of it before i install my lift. im trying to figure out how a front suspension lift consists of only control arms. are they longer? and how exactly do they provide 3 inches of lift? any help on this topic would be greatly appreciated.

Posted: Jan 05 2012 at 3:09pm | IP Logged

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T-bars are long rods. Depending on the matrial and size the rods resist twisting caused by the movement of the 'A-arms' One end is fixed solid to the frame and the other fastened to the A-arm. There is an adjuster at the frame mount to increase or decrease the 'Anti twist power of the rod... (T-bar). Tighening the adjuster will lift the front of the truck. The max lift is about three inches.. BUT... Lifting the truck this way reduces the amount the suspension play up and down... This is NOT good! Also the front end alighnment needs to be reset.

I lifted the front of mine five/eighths of an inch with no problems.

Good Luck.. Don S..

Posted: Jan 06 2012 at 11:45am | IP Logged

thanks for that explanation. that makes more sense. couple more questions: in a front end lift consisting of only control arms, how exactly does that lift the front end? are the control arms longer? i am also planning on buying a heavier bumper, would you reccommend buying heavy duty torsion bars because of the extra stress? and how much extra stress will the bumper/and or lift put on the front end? the bumper weighs about 105 lbs. i am just planning on a simple 3 inch suspension lift in the front, new shocks, and an add-a-leaf in the back with possibly new shackles.

Posted: Jan 06 2012 at 4:04pm | IP Logged

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Added weight will shorten the life of many parts, tires and reduce fuel mileage. But... 100lbs is not all that much. The added bumper weight would require less than a one inch lift. I'm assuming you are planing to increase tire size. Larger tires and the lift will increase air drag and decease the fuel mileage. Larger tires will cause added wear to most front end componantes. Larger tire will reduce your crawl ratio but you get it back when you air down.

Added outward wheel offsets will increase componate wear. Nissan Hard Bodies and first generation Frontiers  are noted for weak steering componates. They are Ok as is but with mods you may need to beef upthose parts also. I have BFG AT KO 31X10.50x15 tires. 5/8" T-bar lift and one inch block in the rear. My Frontier has many 'narly' miles on the rocks in the Colorado Rockies.

Note the extra clearance at the rear because of the lift and the removal of the bumper. I built a trailer hitch to protect the rear.

Have a good one .. Don S..