Nope, no need to unload the torsion bars to install the lift. All the brackets and extensions bolt on below the torsion bars/upper control arms. If you can replace your upper ball joints without relaxing the torsion bars then you can also install the lift without messing with the torsion bars. It makes the work a lot less dangerous and destructive as I found out by messing the with t-bars.

97 T100, 32" BFG/AT, Warn hubs, stock height with Bilstein shocks, Optima battery