So, just like every other new guy on this goddamn site, i am really interested in this mod (torsion bar lift and rear shackles) for my blazer. I understand that it can cause stress on the suspension and whatnot, but i still have a couple questions left unanswered from my searches.
Now, i read something about getting a realignment after tweaking the torsion bar. is this generally the safe thing to do, or is it more of a wait and see what happens sort of thing?
Also, i talked a bit with my local NAPA guy, and he seemed to feel that both shackles and tbar raising were just way too much stress on the truck, but i am just curious on how much stress it really puts out. i mean, if it is such imminent danger, then i would suspect that less people would be doing this. So that leads to my next question is, if something were to break because of these, what would it be (generally)? Whats the general life span of it? and how much is a fix like that going to cost?
sorry for the lengthy thread, i would really appreciate anyone's help.
thanks!
-tom

 

Tbar crank does increase stress to balljoints, CV axles, etc.. Most likely to happen is a ball joint breaks. If you know how to fix a ball joint yourself, about $15. Next the CV axles might wear excessively, the boot would probably tear. You'll notice grease on your control arms.. New CV axles cost about 60$ ea. for reman.
I have about a 1.5"-2" Tbar crank on my 2001 Blazer and both driver and pass. side CV axle boots are torn. You can just buy the boots if they tear.. Autozone sells them for around 20$. I haven't bought them but just something to think about..

 

Just ask yourself how much you're going to need the extra ground clearance. If you don't plan on taking it offroad then it is a waste of your money and a 2" body lift would be much better because then your suspension will have the stock geometry. If you do plan on offroading then I'd get the bodylift + tbars/shackles and some 31" tires...just try to keep the Tbar crank minimal, I've probably only got mine 1.5" above stock right now.

 

i do plan on a bit of offroading, and i actually tend to drive alot offroad to get to ski spots and things, so i just want that extra safety incase i cant see something under some snow.
i appreciate thae advice though!
i dont know why, but this tbar deal is just freaking me out, i feel like its just wrong, idk. gut feeling haha.

 

It is comparable to putting 2" lift coils on a truck. How safe it is depends on how you drive and what shape your front end is in.

 

Tbar cranks have been covered a million times in 2 million different ways (I know searching is a PITA lol) but if you keep the tbar tweak to 1-1/2" there is a lot less strain to the front end (so I've read). Maxing it out however will lead to premature parts failure & thats $$$ as you know. As for the rear shackles, 2" shackles shouldn't wear anything more than stock. All they do is raise the rear body 1" because you're only raising 1 half the rear leafs. The filler tube & wiring should have enough play in them to fit... unless someone has messed with things, just keep an eye on that.
Also with both mods you may want to get Gap Guards, pre formed rubber pieces that fill in the space between the frame etc & the wheel wells. They help keep debris from the tires in the wheel wells from getting under the vehicle & engine compartment as well as get rid of the daylight you'll see in there.
With any front end change like a tbar twist I've always gotten the front end re-aligned.

These mods will only raise the body up, so anything you don't see under the snow is hitting frame, suspension, drivetrain, depending on the size of tires it may help for fender clearence etc, but not mucking fuch for obstacle avoidance lol

 

i have been running 1.5" tbar crank for over a year. the only problem i had was the cv boots slipped off. they had to be repacked and then i added an adjustable clamp over the boot. still on there to this day. as far at they rear shackles the only p.i.t.a is getting the stock ones out.

i say go for it, just dont over do it and you'll be fine.

 

Im not a fan of shackles. They hang down and stick out like a sore thumb...ugly. Use AAL.

 

thanks for all the input. I am going to go with the 2" shackles with torsion keys, from everything i've been reading, i belive that is best fitting for my needs. And boosted, i did considder aal, but i would prefer not to bounce around like a motherfugger when i drive thru the constant westernmass potholes haha.

 

my truck is a daily driver, i use it to drive alteast 100kms a day. would a tbar twist be a very bad idea? i just want to twist it one inch? also do you have to twist the t bars on both sides or is it just one bolt on the one side? any help would be very apreciated sorry i can find this info i dont have all day to llook arond iether