I just slapped in a new set of sway-a-way torsion bars on my '97 T100 and was wonering how far I could safely crank them down to get a little extra lift. I've heard 2"-2 1/2" is this about right? I'm not worried about killing my front axles because I converted to manual hubs after the first set went bunk on me, but I don't want to trash this set when I am in 4x4. I'm also going to drop a 2" body lift on it so I can fit 33's when my 31's wear out, any suggestions?

 

You can go that high, but your axles (manual hubs or not) are not the only things that will suffer. Cranking the torsion bars leaves the steering linkage stressed also, whether or not you're in 4wd. Coupled with a 2" body kit, 1-1.5" on the torsion bars should fit 33s and not be too hard on components.

 

Go ahead and crank them up. I just did it with the stock torsion bar on mine today. I got about an inch of lift. After that you will be riding on the stops for extension. You can trim them if you want to get some droop out of your suspension. 33 inchers should fit fine. If you use the right backspacing (stock) you could fit 33x10.5 from BFG with only the torsion bars and not a crappy bodylift.

Andrew