Too Much Weight on the Front End?

Ok, I've got a new built 4l60E, fixed all my oil leaks (thanks to help from folks on this forum) and 4 new ball joints.

Now, I am going to install a front mount trailer hitch, 10,000lb winch and brush guard. With the winch, the guard and all the mounting accessories it will total something like 225-250lbs on the front end. I am getting a lot of feedback telling me this is too much weight. Or I will need to adjust the torsion bars to compensate. Does this sound reasonable?

I guess I never thought about it being a problem.

96 GMC K1500 4x4 5.7 168k Bring it on, right!?? :dogpile:

Obviously, another 250 lbs of weight on the very front is going squat the front some. What I would do is measure the front end to ground before you install the items and then measure after the install and adjust the torsion bars to compensate. This would keep the front suspension at the correct height.

would also consider an alignment after adjusting torsion bars

That sounds straightforward. I have been doing some research and it looks like a lot of people adjust the front suspension to gain ride height. I did set the winch and brushguard on the front last night, it definitely squats some, I'd say a 1/2'' or so. I've yet to drive it with this setup.

And then it occurred to me, what do all these people with snow plows do?

I called a local snow plow dealer and got the usual, 3/4 ton is the ideal rig speech, then he said that most 1/2 ton plow drivers do adjust the Tbars to compensate as the plow, motor and frame is very heavy. In fact, he said they offer a plow storage service where they install and remove the plow each season and part of that package is to adjust the Tbars up and then back down the end of the season. He stated ride quaility and tire wear being the major concerns for re adjusting after taking the plow off.

So, I think as suggested above, I will take some measurements and try to find a medium between good ride height and a rough, tire wearing ride.
(and get an alignment)

I know other makes run torsion bars, but seriously, how cool is it to be able to adjust the front suspension! :)