Torque keys adjust the load on a car’s torsion bars, allowing for suspension stiffness or softness. Adjusting the keys can raise or lower the vehicle, but it can also be dangerous and cause premature failure of suspension components. It is recommended to record the number of turns made to each side for consistency.
Torque keys allow adjustment to increase or decrease the load on the torsion bars in a car, raising or lowering the vehicle and making the suspension much stiffer or softer. A vehicle’s torsion bar suspension uses a straight torsion bar instead of a coil or leaf spring for suspension travel and control. The torsion bar is usually attached to the front suspension and is attached to the chassis by torsion keys. Torque wrenches attach at a 90 degree angle to the torsion bar and use mounted adjusting bolts to operate the vehicle’s suspension.
The typical torsion bar is octagonal, where it connects to the torsion keys. By indexing the torsion keys on the torsion bar, the amount of lift can be altered. In applications like off-road trucks, some aftermarket companies offer torque wrenches with different indexing positions, which provide higher ground clearance and tighter adjustability than is offered with stock parts. Installing the torque wrenches is a minor project.
While raising a vehicle by increasing pressure on the torsion keys is a relatively simple adjustment, the practice can be dangerous. Raising the suspension by lifting the torsion keys places a tremendous load on various suspension components. Ball joints, tie rods, shafts, and constant velocity joints can fail prematurely. The torsion bar itself is more prone to failure and breakage due to the tremendous load placed on it. The vehicle will also have a much rougher ride due to limited suspension travel.
Torque wrenches are adjusted by jacking up the vehicle and placing stands under the frame. Located under the vehicle on the torsion bar, the keys are at the far end of the wheel. The adjusting bolt that goes through the key and bears against the vehicle frame is used to raise the vehicle by turning the bolt as far as it will go for maximum lift. The vehicle is lowered by turning the bolt as far as it will go; however, completely removing the adjusting bolt could damage the wrench.
When making adjustments to any torsion bar suspension, it is recommended that the user record the number of turns made to each side of the vehicle. This ensures that the suspension can return to its original position and helps set each side at the same height. Due to manufacturing differences and tolerances, the two parts may require subtle to major differences in fit to achieve the same results.
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