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Where the torsion bar plugs in beneath the cab, where you can adjust the height. Mine on one side must have hit something large at some point because it is bent. Now the truck makes a creak in that area when backing out of a parking spot. There is a bolt inside and it is out of aligment because the buckle has been pushed back. This piece is partially welded so replacing it might be costly. It did not always creak but it was damaged before I bought the truck. I just want to know from a safety standpoint how bad this is. A mechanic looked at it when I reported the noise. He didn't seem concerned and only said the repair might be costly with welding needed. Also said the whole bar might need replacement along with something at the front end of the bar. Anyone have any input?
I'm going out on a limb here but I think I agree with the mechanic; Time consuming and COSTLY !
You siad it didn't make the noise but it does now, that means one of two things, you hit something and the part is weaker than we thought or it was damaged when you got it and is wearing to the point of no return and needs to be repaired.
The cross member is a vital part of your suspension system and something should be don't soon.
Another thought... this might be the time to consider a Coil-Over Shock Conversion... IF you can find one of the Coil Over Kits, it will replace the T-Bars, I'm thinking maybe cheaper than the Crossmember replacement.
I have never seen a kit for sale but post up a Wanted Ad, with your needs and hope for the best.
One problem is, I think I saw a posting - the member that used to make the kit posted he wouldn't be making more BUT if you contact him, explain your situation, and are willing to pay the price, he might make the parts but you will still need to get the pieces welded to your truck get the correct shocks, get the work done. $$$$$
Hard to tell how extensive the damage is from these pics, but at the very least I see a damaged torsion bar protector (That's what Ford calls it on the 4x4 torsion bar diagrams). It's that thick metal piece, basically a skid plate, that wraps around the bottom and protects the adjuster bolt and key (search "ford ranger 99-11 torsion bar diagram" in your search engine of choice).
Those protectors are thick and their shape makes them very strong, so it took a significant and well-placed hit to bend it. These were stamped, not welded, so if this is the welded part you're talking about someone else has been in there and who knows what else you'll find (i.e. frame damage). Either way, the torsion bar protector will come right off with four bolts, so take it off and you'll have a much better look at what's going on. With any luck it's "just" that bent protector rubbing on something like the torsion bar or key itself, which are the only moving parts in there. If the damage is limited to that piece and you can't hammer it back into shape you'll find them on any '98-'11 4x4 Rangers in every junkyard, where they should be ridiculously cheap.
This is where the transmission cross member bolts in, it is not the suspension cross member. While coil-overs is certainly an option, don't even think about jumping into that mod until you figure out where the noise is coming from and why. If it's just the torsion bar protector that's been bent you're lucky because it's a very cheap fix, but if if it's something else involving the frame you want to deal with that regardless of whether or not you do a coil over conversion!
There is a rubber (maybe Kevlar?) bushing that sits between the torsion key and the frame. More than likely that is where the noise is coming from, if it is coming from that area.
Hard to tell how extensive the damage is from these pics, but at the very least I see a damaged torsion bar protector (That's what Ford calls it on the 4x4 torsion bar diagrams). It's that thick metal piece, basically a skid plate, that wraps around the bottom and protects the adjuster bolt and key (search "ford ranger 99-11 torsion bar diagram" in your search engine of choice).
Those protectors are thick and their shape makes them very strong, so it took a significant and well-placed hit to bend it. These were stamped, not welded, so if this is the welded part you're talking about someone else has been in there and who knows what else you'll find (i.e. frame damage). Either way, the torsion bar protector will come right off with four bolts, so take it off and you'll have a much better look at what's going on. With any luck it's "just" that bent protector rubbing on something like the torsion bar or key itself, which are the only moving parts in there. If the damage is limited to that piece and you can't hammer it back into shape you'll find them on any '98-'11 4x4 Rangers in every junkyard, where they should be ridiculously cheap.
This is where the transmission cross member bolts in, it is not the suspension cross member. While coil-overs is certainly an option, don't even think about jumping into that mod until you figure out where the noise is coming from and why. If it's just the torsion bar protector that's been bent you're lucky because it's a very cheap fix, but if if it's something else involving the frame you want to deal with that regardless of whether or not you do a coil over conversion!
Good luck,
Aaron
I just went back and read this. You are correct they are indeed bolted. I think whats underneath sustained some damage. It started making noise as I was going through rough terrain at a recycling yard. So yes I can fix the shield easy enough. I am wondering if then the torsion bar part will be something I can repair.
Thanks
01-03-2022
