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TwiceWithHair

TwiceWithHair

10 Year
Joined
Sep 27, 2011
Threads
13
Messages
404
Location
Truckee, CA
Hey! My first shout into the internet. Not even sure if I'm doing it correctly. I just bought a 2004 LC and I need to get her nose down. The previous owner cranked the torsion bars to fit his 285/65r18 M/T's on. Not purchasing his big tires with the truck, I am left with the stockers (275/60r18 - BALD). I need to get it back closer to stock ride height. Preferably level - which I understand is up from stock but definitely down from where it is now. When I ordered my replacement $300 key (previous owner lost original at the beach) through Toyota, I asked them if the could return my torsion bars back to stock and they had no clue what I was talking about. I have tools and common sense, but I lack confidence with my new baby. I would hate to hurt her. Anyone have the time to type me a step-by-step or maybe know of a mechanic where I could take her to get this resolved? I live in Maui currently. Thanks for any help.
 
Also search for "rake" "level" etc. Most people are going the other direction, but the steps are the same, only instead of tightening, you'll be loosening your anchor bolts. The detailed steps are already on here several times. You will need a 30mm socket (which you likely don't have) and they run about $15 bucks at AutoZone. If you roll under your truck, and look about 1' inboard fromt he edge between the front and rear doors, you'll see the end of the torsion bar and the 30mm anchor bolt head. It'll all make sense then. Get it where you want it, drive it around for a little bit (day or two) to make sure it's all settled in and you're happy with where its at, then get it aligned for the new ride height. Or just go back and buy the mud tires! :cheers: :lol:
 
Trying to figure out how changing tires makes the nose any higher. If it was level before it will be level after. By adjusting the t-bar you're changing the static center line of the axle, not the top of the tire.

I do agree with the others that regardless of what tire you have on the vehicle, the LC wants to ride nose low. Like 3/4" low. Most people report squirrelly handling under power with a level truck.
 
He must have cranked the s*** out of those bars if you're sitting that far above level. I've only got about 2" of droop in my OME bars and front end is considerably lower than my rear (unloaded, at least).
 
You may also want to check if it's still running original rear springs. OEM rear springs are black, with some green paint dots on one side and a reddish/pink spot on the other spring.
 
Me too. I have 2" of droop with OME TB and my 860s have the rear about an inch higher than the front.
 
mechanixhorseman said:
He must have cranked the **** out of those bars if you're sitting that far above level. I've only got about 2" of droop in my OME bars and front end is considerably lower than my rear (unloaded, at least).
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Wondering if there perhaps was also a bumper and winch removed. Reduction in weight would also cause excessive buoyancy in the front.
 
There was no winch or bumper removed and taking off the mud tires didn't raise the front. He said the front had some rubbing at stock height with his tires and instead of getting a lift, he just ran it with the nose in the air. I'm not a fan. Thanks for the help. Sounds like I need a jack, some awesome lube, a 30mm socket, and some strength. ill be sliding under to see what I can do. I'll probably;y attack the stock running boards today as well. If I can figure out how to put pictures up on here, ill get a before and after. There is no nut on the other side of this anchor bolt is there? It would be much less fun with a nut on the back to hold... I already bought her new tires. She is waiting to be shipped across the big pond to be united with them. i went with General Grabber AT2 size 285/60r18. I haven't read alot of good or bad on here about them, so I took the leap and I'll let you guys know how they are.... if anyone is interested. Thanks again!
 
No nut. Just crank away with the front tires off the ground. I would do 6 full rotations on each side and then drop it, drive it around the block throwing in a few speed bumps and hard stops to settle the TBs in, and then re-check. Rinse and repeat! Oh yeah, you might want to purchase one of those extended length ratchet wrenches. The longer size you get, the easier it is to turn those bolts! Good luck!
 
pfran42 said:
No nut. Just crank away with the front tires off the ground. I would do 6 full rotations on each side and then drop it, drive it around the block throwing in a few speed bumps and hard stops to settle the TBs in, and then re-check. Rinse and repeat! Oh yeah, you might want to purchase one of those extended length ratchet wrenches. The longer size you get, the easier it is to turn those bolts! Good luck!
Click to expand...

I second this. A two foot breaker bar and some pb blaster will make the job much easier. Hopefully you don't have to re-index to get back down to a level you're comfortable with.
 
before and after. ill get better pictures, but she is on her way! thanks for your help, guys
photo.webp
photo 2.webp
 
9 full turns later and the front is down .5" from the rear. im really diggin the look now. especially without the running boards. im thinking i need to trim those rear mud flaps next or else risk having a rock do it for me.
 
Looking good, twice! I've read lots and lots of good things about the grabber AT2s, and I was actually considering them before I decided on my duratracs.
 
OregonLC said:
I do agree with the others that regardless of what tire you have on the vehicle, the LC wants to ride nose low. Like 3/4" low. Most people report squirrelly handling under power with a level truck.
Click to expand...

A few weeks ago when mine was dead level (exactly) it was all over the place on the highway. And at full throttle the whole thing would wander. So to reduce that feeling I lifted the back higher
 
2000UZJ said:
A few weeks ago when mine was dead level (exactly) it was all over the place on the highway. And at full throttle the whole thing would wander. So to reduce that feeling I lifted the back higher
Click to expand...

Did it work? That's my plan too lol. Gonna have some 866s back there before too long.
 
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