1997 Chevy Blazer Torsion Bars
#1
11-04-2013, 04:18 PM
1997 Chevy Blazer Torsion Bars
I have a 1997 Chevy Blazer 2door 4x4 5speed. It's quite bouncy over bumps so I replaced the front shocks. It got a little better but it's still a little bouncy. I figured the torsion bars are the problem, yes? Now, would cranking them up help my problem? How much can I turn them up?
#2
11-05-2013, 10:00 AM
Cranking your torsion bars will not help with the bouncy ride. If anything, it will make it worse because it will allow more vertical travel before the frame contacts the rubber bump stops. Have you checked the front sway bar end links and bushings? If they're worn it can also play into the front end being soft and bouncy.
Also what shocks did you put in? If you chose soft shocks then they will only dampen the ride a little.
Also what shocks did you put in? If you chose soft shocks then they will only dampen the ride a little.
#4
11-05-2013, 01:23 PM
I put monro sensatrak light truck shocks on. Sway bar endlinks are about 4 months old and the bushings look pretty good still. It drives fine over like hard bumps but over the smoother bumps (i.e. the change in road level when driving over a bridge on the highway) it tends to give a few bounces after the bump - kinda like a car that has bad struts. It's driving me nuts.
#5
11-05-2013, 02:46 PM
I don't think Monroe is what it used to be. I recently put some Sensa Tracs on the wifes Stratus and they are bouncy just like the old ones I took off. I changed some out on my Firebird about 5 years ago and they are stiff and I can feel every bump in the road(I am running poly bushings though). I can bounce the car once and the shocks feel like they lock. This does not happen on the Stratus. IMO it's worth a little extra money to just go with Rancho or something. If you keep en eye out they have rebates sometimes.
#6
11-05-2013, 03:15 PM
Thanks TZFBird. I was wondering if the shocks were still my problem or not. Good to know someone else had a problem with Monro shocks too. Can't anybody make parts like they used to??
#8
11-05-2013, 06:25 PM
This info will probably help too:
Yep, first off the chilton manual says to push the bar forward into the control arm, drop it out of the cross member and pull out the back. but after droping the bar, its at an angle that doesnt like to pull out
I have a better way, tap both bars forward enough to drop the keys out. then unbolt the two cross member bolts & drop that out. then pull the bars straight out the back.
now that ive said that here is the list of bars gm made
Part Number Bar Dia. NOM Torque
LH 15956501 26.63mm 1052
RH 15956502 26.63mm 1052
LH 15956503 27.94mm 1276
RH 15956504 27.94mm 1276
LH 15956505 29.36mm 1450
RH 15956506 29.36mm 1646
LH 15956509 30.69mm 1883
RH 15956510 30.69mm 1883
LH 15956511 32.51mm 2305
RH 15956512 32.51mm 2305
The old ones had settled two inches since i got it. they were the 27.94mm bars. Put in the 30.69mm bars off a 03 zr2 with 33,xxx miles. I must say, it drives more like a 4x4. feels alot more stable going over bumps.
I have a better way, tap both bars forward enough to drop the keys out. then unbolt the two cross member bolts & drop that out. then pull the bars straight out the back.
now that ive said that here is the list of bars gm made
Part Number Bar Dia. NOM Torque
LH 15956501 26.63mm 1052
RH 15956502 26.63mm 1052
LH 15956503 27.94mm 1276
RH 15956504 27.94mm 1276
LH 15956505 29.36mm 1450
RH 15956506 29.36mm 1646
LH 15956509 30.69mm 1883
RH 15956510 30.69mm 1883
LH 15956511 32.51mm 2305
RH 15956512 32.51mm 2305
The old ones had settled two inches since i got it. they were the 27.94mm bars. Put in the 30.69mm bars off a 03 zr2 with 33,xxx miles. I must say, it drives more like a 4x4. feels alot more stable going over bumps.
#9
11-05-2013, 06:55 PM
Thanks a bunch! Anyone know where I can get my hands on a pair of ZR2 torsion bars? I've been checking eBay but they only have one. Suggestions? Also, if I do the torsion bars from a ZR2 then it will lift the front slightly right? Do I need to lift the rear also?
New to the whole lifting of vehicles lol. Better to ask and make sure you're doing it right instead of doing it wrong and breaking stuff right?
New to the whole lifting of vehicles lol. Better to ask and make sure you're doing it right instead of doing it wrong and breaking stuff right?
#10
11-05-2013, 08:23 PM
1999 4x4 blazer factory height - S-10 Forum
See Post #5
Check your ride height with this and see if your front suspension is sagging below factory spec and adjust accordingly. Mine was an inch low and when I brought her back to spec, all mushiness up front disappeared.
See Post #5
Check your ride height with this and see if your front suspension is sagging below factory spec and adjust accordingly. Mine was an inch low and when I brought her back to spec, all mushiness up front disappeared.