Torsion Bar Adjustment

Adjust the torsion bar tension to correct ride height or address suspension sag on the 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD.

Warnings

Tools required

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground with fuel tank at approximately half full for accurate measurement
2. Apply parking brake and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Measure and record current ride height from ground to bottom of front fender lip on both sides
4. Locate the torsion bar adjustment bolts on the lower control arm crossmember (passenger and driver side)

Procedure

1. 1

   Clean adjustment hardware
   Spray penetrating oil on both torsion bar adjustment bolts and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. Use wire brush to clean threads and remove dirt, rust, or corrosion from the adjustment bolt and surrounding area. This prevents thread damage during adjustment.
2. 2

   Mark initial position
   Use marker or chalk to mark the current position of the adjustment bolt head relative to the adjustment nut bracket. Count and record the number of threads visible above the adjustment nut on both sides. This allows you to return to original setting if needed.
3. 3

   Loosen adjustment lock nut
   Using a 19mm wrench, loosen the lock nut on the torsion bar adjustment bolt. Do not remove completely. The lock nut sits on top of the adjustment mechanism and must be loosened before the adjustment bolt can be turned.
4. 4

   Adjust torsion bar tension
   Turn the adjustment bolt clockwise to increase ride height or counterclockwise to decrease ride height. Each full turn of the adjustment bolt changes ride height approximately 3-5mm. Make equal adjustments on both sides to maintain level stance. Typical adjustment is 2-4 turns maximum from factory setting.
5. 5

   Tighten lock nut
   Hold the adjustment bolt stationary and tighten the lock nut using a 19mm wrench. Ensure the lock nut is snug to prevent adjustment bolt from turning during operation.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts31 Nm (23 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Settle suspension
   Bounce the front end of the vehicle several times by pushing down firmly on the front bumper and releasing. This allows the suspension to settle into its new position. Repeat 5-6 times to ensure components are seated properly.
7. 7

   Measure ride height
   Measure ride height from ground to bottom of front fender lip on both sides. Compare to initial measurements. Typical factory ride height is 1025-1050mm (40.3-41.3 inches) on front fenders. Ensure both sides are within 6mm (0.25 inch) of each other for level stance.
8. 8

   Fine-tune adjustment if needed
   If ride height is not within desired range or sides are uneven, repeat steps 3-7 making smaller adjustments (1/2 to 1 turn increments). Always adjust both sides equally to maintain cross-vehicle balance unless correcting a side-to-side height difference.

Reassembly

1. No disassembly required for this procedure

Verification

• Verify both front corners are at desired ride height and within 6mm (0.25 inch) of each other
• Confirm adjustment lock nuts are tight and adjustment bolts cannot turn freely
• Test drive vehicle and verify no abnormal noises, vibrations, or handling issues
• After 50-100 miles, recheck ride height measurements as torsion bars may settle slightly
• Inspect tire wear pattern after 500 miles - uneven wear indicates alignment is needed after height adjustment

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