The suspension on the four-wheel drive models of the Chevrolet S-10 uses a torsion bar to hold up the front end of the truck. These torsion bars act like a coil spring, and are held in place by an adjuster nut located on the frame. This adjuster nut, when tightened or loosened, will raise or lower the S-10. Since an S-10 sits higher in the back than in the front, if you want to level your truck, then you need to tighten up the torsion bar to lift up the front end. This takes about an hour to do.
Park the S-10 on a level surface. Measure the distance between the top of the front fender and the ground on both sides and note the measurements on the paper with the pen. Lift the front of the truck with the jack and put the jack stands under the frame.
Locate the torsion bar crossmember, which is on the frame, around the location where the cab meets the bed. Tighten the torsion bar adjustment bolts on the crossmember with the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket, and take note of how many rotations the ratchet takes. Repeat the same number of rotations on the other torsion bar bolt.
Lower the S-10 off the jack stands with the jack. Measure the distance between the fender and the ground again with the tape measure. Compare this number to the number on the paper. If you need to lift or lower the front end further, repeat step 2 until you achieve your desired measurement.
