Adjusting the spring on an FG cab lift mechanism

[kerry]

This discussion began in my cargo rack thread but I thought the instructions were worth a thread of their own. The effort it takes to tilt the cab on an FG is determined by the load on a spring(?) or torsion bar(?) at the front right side of the cab. There is a bolt into the side of the 'can' holding the mechanism in position, an adjusting bolt with a lock nut which pushes against an 'ear' on the spring mechanism. These are accessible with the cab tilted over the top of the AC condensor mechanism.

Bolt into the side of the can 14mm
Adjusting bolt--17mm
Lock nut--22mm

First loosen the lock nut a little bit. Then back out the adjusting bolt quite a way. Then put a wrench on the lock nut to hold it in place and turn in the adjusting bolt the number of turns you think it needs to be adjusted.(it will not be hitting the ear at this point) I did mine about 6 threads or so since mine was hard to lift even without a roof rack. I suspect it had never been adjusted since new.
Then, turn the adjusting bolt back into the mechanism until it hits the ear. Then loosen the bolt in the side of the can that holds the spring in position. Then tighten in the adjusting bolt. It should snug up against the lock nut which you had moved to its new position. Finally tighten the bolt in the side of the can to hold the spring in position.
Test your work.
Should take about 20 minutes.

[whatcharterboat]

Well done Kerry here is the pic from that thread. Glad you sorted it out. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/3109412455_d15b009649.jpg

[kerry]

Thanks for bringing that picture over. For future reference, I believe the picture is from a right hand drive FG which has the adjustment on the left side of the truck(?) Left hand drives have the adjustment on the right side.

[DontPanic42]

Thanks guys for the detailed instructions and picture. Now all I have to do is get my dead butt in gear and get the job done.
Bruce