Torsion Bar Adjustment

This procedure adjusts the front ride height on the 2021-2024 Ford F-150 by modifying the torsion bar preload to correct for sagging or uneven suspension.

Warnings

Tools required

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Measure current ride height from ground to bottom of front fender opening at centerline on both sides and record measurements
4. Determine desired ride height adjustment (typical adjustment range is 0.5-1.5 inches)
5. Apply penetrating oil to torsion bar adjustment bolts if corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front wheels
   Loosen the front wheel lug nuts one full turn while vehicle is on ground. Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack at the designated front jacking point. Position jack stands under the frame rails behind the lower control arms. Lower vehicle onto jack stands. Remove the lug nuts completely and remove both front wheels.
2. 2

   Locate torsion bar adjustment mechanism
   Locate the torsion bar adjustment bolt on the rear of the lower control arm assembly. The adjustment bolt runs through the torsion bar anchor arm and is retained by a lock nut. Mark the current position of the adjustment bolt with paint or chalk for reference.
3. 3

   Relieve tension on adjustment bolt
   Use a floor jack to slightly raise the lower control arm to relieve tension on the torsion bar adjustment bolt. Place the jack under the lower control arm near the ball joint, raising just enough to compress the suspension slightly (approximately 1 inch of upward travel).
4. 4

   Loosen adjustment bolt lock nut
   Using an 18mm wrench, loosen the lock nut on the torsion bar adjustment bolt. Do not remove the lock nut completely. Back it off 3-4 turns to allow adjustment of the main bolt.
5. 5

   Adjust torsion bar preload
   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 0.25 inches. Make equal adjustments on both sides for even ride height. For initial adjustment, turn the bolt 2-3 full turns in the desired direction.
6. 6

   Lower control arm and check initial height
   Carefully lower the floor jack to release pressure from the lower control arm. Remove the jack completely. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands to the ground temporarily to check ride height with vehicle weight on suspension.
7. 7

   Measure and verify ride height
   Measure ride height from ground to bottom of fender opening at centerline on both sides. Compare to original measurements and desired height. If further adjustment is needed, raise vehicle back onto jack stands and repeat steps 3-6. Continue adjustment in small increments until desired ride height is achieved.
8. 8

   Secure adjustment bolt
   Once desired ride height is achieved, raise the front of the vehicle onto jack stands again. Place floor jack under lower control arm to relieve tension on adjustment bolt. Tighten the lock nut against the adjustment arm firmly with an 18mm wrench while holding the adjustment bolt steady to prevent it from turning. Lower jack from under control arm.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels
   Install both front wheels. Thread lug nuts on by hand first to ensure proper seating. Tighten lug nuts snug with a wrench but do not torque yet. Lower vehicle completely to the ground and remove jack stands.
10. 10

    Torque wheel lug nuts
    With vehicle on ground and full weight on wheels, torque the wheel lug nuts to specification using a star pattern. Start at one lug nut and move to the opposite side, continuing in a star pattern until all are torqued.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all lock nuts on torsion bar adjusters are tight
2. Double-check wheel lug nut torque after first 50 miles of driving

Verification

• Measure final ride height on level ground - both sides should be within 0.25 inches of each other
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or handling issues
• Visually inspect that tires have equal clearance in wheel wells on both sides
• Schedule front end alignment within one week of adjustment as ride height changes affect camber and caster angles

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