RustBucket

iTrader: (1)

My 4runner has its original t-bars and has a very big tjm brushguard and a Warn winch on the front. I am changing the springs in the back for a 2" lift, and I would like to crank the t-bars to level it out and give it more clearance offroad.

Should I invest in some aftermarket torsion bars? First, how expensive are a decent set, what models ARE decent, how difficult are they to replace, and do you think it would be necessary?

Thanks.

celica

I would do something like BJ spacers before I cranked the bars. Cranking the bars will increase your upward travel but limit your downward travel. Cranking them will also make the ride stiffer.

bob200587

I would go with 1.5 BJ spacers and see how it looks. Fooling with the torsion bars can make the ride horrible from what I hear, and I think they're more expensive for aftermarket bars.

RustBucket

iTrader: (1)

Balljoint spacers? Are those hard to put on?

funrunner91

Don't get the spindle nut conversion kit, you don't need it.

Maybe get some shiny new acorn nuts for the hub!

funrunner91

hahahaha sorry rust but i had to do that to you, geese when you hit me with that line and that avtar i could not stop laughing i even told the wife all about it

RustBucket

iTrader: (1)

Good, I'm glad I'm making a name for myself

I suppose I would be surprised too to get some newbie advice from the Unabomber...

funrunner91

hahaha....your a great sport....thanks, you made my day

curly_c

we have an 86 with tightened torsion bars to level out the add a leaf in the back. never had a problem. and it rides like any other 4runner ive been in. keep in mind its not a car but i drive it alot and seems to be fine for me. and my dad has been running with the torsion bars cranked for along time now. i have no experience with BJ spacers so i cant help out there. im thinking about getting some for my second gen though.....

RustBucket

iTrader: (1)

Okay, given the cost of the BJ spacers I may just try to crank the t-bars up an inch. I don't really like the idea of cramming a chunk of aluminum in a place where it's not supposed to be .

... and that way I can save up for a SAS

89red4x4yota

how long has your dad been running them cranked? cause i wanted to know what they're like cranked. Some people have said that the torsion bars wear out after 2 years or so of being cranked????

subliminaltrips

check out liftkitdepot.com or type sway away torsionn bars in a search for a good aftermarket set. i have them on my 2wd and they are stiff but you can always adjust them to where you like them. the part number for your tryck is saw-1446p

Cebby

You can get OME aftermarket t-bars from Strap22. They aren't too big like the Downeys, but are beefier than the stockers.

CoedNaked

When I got my truck last year my torsion bars were cranked up quite a ways. I had them cranked down about 1 and a 1/2 inches, and the ride is way better than when they were cranked.

Also, most threads I've read concerning aftermarket torsion bars over the years suggest to not bother with anything other than stock. The stocks are 22.8 mm in diameter. They are a good compromise for ride quality, and firmness. I don't know why, unless you seriously had a lot of crap (winch, bull bars, what have you) on the frond end, anyone would bother switching to an aftermarket 26 mm. Unless of course you like having your teeth jattered out.

My question is then does anyone make an aftermarekt stock size torsion bar? (22.8 MM again).

The other question I have is how are you guys doing as far as torsion bar longetivity and sag?

curly_c

as long as i can remember. im 17 and i cant remember them not being cranked. he has owned it since december of 85. and he told me he used to have it lifted higher too..... nothing but cranked t-bars and add a leafs. at least ten years.... never replaced. wheeled pretty hard..

Bobakazi

When I bought my first '90 Truck in '95, the difference between the front tire to wheel well was an inch more on the driver's side. I cranked it up 1" on the driver side, and 2" on the passenger side to get a little more lift and to level it out. I ran it like that for 10 years. Never had a problem, and it rode just fine.

anthony1

iTrader: (1)

the 88 has lighter front end than 90 and up V6.
Having said that, the Sway-a-way torsion bar is 24 mm which is fine for your application. It's was 99.00 at 4wp when I bought them a while back.

Strap22

The OME Bars are 23.4mm. Here is the link to a group buy we did. I still have a few sets left if anyone wants them at that price I will honor it.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...78&postcount=1

As far as the Sway-a-way T-bars I had them on my 91 and switched to the OME's and couldn't be happier. The SW T-bars I had were 25.something mm and the OME's are 23.4mm. I too am running a ARB front Bumper and Warn M8000 winch. The stock bars didn't handle the extra weight very well.

As for the Ball Joint Spacers I recommend the SDORI 1.5". Yes I sell them but I also run them on my 4Runner. They are $109.00 shipped anywhere in the CONUS. I hope this helps. Here is the link to the spacers.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...07&postcount=1

RustBucket

iTrader: (1)

Anything for 1st gen runners as far as T-bars go?

Strap22

They will fit 1st and 2nd.