Torsion Bar Adjustment

This procedure adjusts the front suspension ride height on 2011-2014 Ford F-150 4WD models equipped with torsion bar front suspension by rotating the torsion bar adjuster bolts.

Warnings

Tools required

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, flat surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Measure and record current ride height from ground to bottom of front frame rail on both sides
4. Spray torsion bar adjuster bolts with penetrating lubricant if rusted or corroded

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate torsion bar adjusters
   Position yourself under the front of the vehicle. Locate the torsion bar adjuster assemblies on the rear end of each torsion bar crossmember, behind the lower control arms. Each adjuster consists of a bolt threaded into a nut plate with a keyed adjuster arm.
2. 2

   Mark initial adjuster position
   Count and record the number of threads visible on each adjuster bolt above the adjuster nut. Alternatively, use a marker to mark the current position of the adjuster bolt head relative to the adjuster arm for reference. This allows you to return to original height if needed.
3. 3

   Clean adjuster bolt threads
   Use a wire brush to clean the adjuster bolt threads and adjuster nut area to ensure smooth adjustment and accurate torque reading. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris that may interfere with turning the bolt.
4. 4

   Adjust driver side torsion bar
   Using a 19mm socket and ratchet, turn the driver side adjuster bolt clockwise to raise the front end or counterclockwise to lower it. Each full turn of the adjuster bolt changes ride height approximately 1/4 inch. Make adjustments in 1-2 turn increments. The adjuster bolt should be snug but not over-torqued during initial adjustment.
5. 5

   Adjust passenger side torsion bar
   Repeat the adjustment process on the passenger side torsion bar adjuster bolt, making the same number of turns as the driver side to maintain level ride height. Both sides should be adjusted equally unless compensating for side-to-side height differences.
6. 6

   Bounce suspension to settle
   After making adjustments, bounce the front end of the vehicle several times by pushing down on the front bumper and releasing. This allows the suspension to settle into its new position and provides an accurate ride height measurement.
7. 7

   Measure new ride height
   Measure the ride height from ground to bottom of front frame rail on both sides. Compare to original measurements and desired height. The measurements should be within 1/4 inch side-to-side. If further adjustment is needed, repeat steps 4-6.
8. 8

   Final adjuster bolt torque
   Once desired ride height is achieved, ensure both adjuster bolts are torqued to 34 Nm (25 lb-ft). This secures the adjustment while allowing future changes if needed. Do not over-torque as this can damage the adjuster threads.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. No disassembly was required for this procedure

Verification

• Verify ride height is equal side-to-side within 1/4 inch tolerance
• Confirm both torsion bar adjuster bolts are torqued to specification
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal handling and steering response
• Check for unusual tire wear patterns after 500 miles; uneven wear may indicate need for alignment
• Have front end alignment checked if ride height was changed more than 1 inch from factory specification

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