I just installed a 4" ProComp lift, I now have what I think is a torque arm that won't reattach to it's original bracket. It comes very close but it now hits the sway bar. What is this? Do I need it or can it be removed? Is there a solution or an additional piece I need (or a new "torque arm"). Thanks and sorry if this a newbie type question.

 

Thats your sway bar end link. There is much debate on wheither you even need a torque arm (I would keep the sway bar if its a daily driver). I removed both on mine but its more for the trail than the road. Also try searching and make the choice for your self, ultimately its your ride

 

garbage take it off even for a daily driver

 

Its for your steering, this is a gen before mine so bare with if wrong. I only know from research from SAS. Yes you need it for the push pull steering setup. Hi steer is a solution as is a longer torque rod.

Hope it helps.

 

The piece in the pic that is not bolted in is the torque arm for the axle.

Depending on how stiff your front springs are will determine if you should keep it or not. Find a wide road with no one on it and get up to speed, then apply the brakes very hard to see if you get any swerving from the braking (assuming the brakes are not pulling to one side). This would most likely indicate that the axle is rotating under the springs (this is what the torque arm helps to prevent) and causing the truck to swerve.

Usually, if brakes are causing the swerve, the steering wheel will track with the direction of the swerve because the tire is pulling the entire assymbly in that direction. If the axle is twisting under the springs you may get the steering wheel moving in the oposite direction slightly or no movement at all.

As long as the springs are stiff enough to keep the axle from twisting, I would not worry about re-installing the torque bar. (It's not installed on my truck with the 7" rearched springs I have)

If you are having twisting issues, you should find a way to re-install it with either an aftermarket part that is made fo the lift you have, fabricate one yourself, or have a shop fab you one up.

 

also keep in might that you have now raised your COG of your truck...it is not a miata, take the corners easier as your truck will be easier to flop now...

 

The item that will not match to the bracket is the torque arm. You can purchase a curved torque arm from Rancho and that will solve your problem. In addition, the Rancho torque arm is adjustable. I have a Rancho unit on my truck for over 25 years and no problems.

 

remove bothe the torque arm and sway bar the dont need to be there and dont change and handling but do impact off road performance I ran the 4" pro comp kit on my 82 with and with out the torque arm/sway bar and was better with out both