Author Topic: Torsion Bars - how much adjustment?  (Read 1980 times)

Offline dlrogers

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Torsion Bars - how much adjustment?
« on: February 11, 2011 - 06:59:18 AM »
Hoping someone can help... I have had to slacken off the torsion bar adjusting bolts to do some other work (long story) on the car. Before the work the car handled beautifully, now she drives like a pig and I am guesing I havent got things right in terms of adjusting the T bars. Along the highway she seems to 'float' somewhat and getting her to steer in a straight line takes quite a lot of concentration. Is there a rule of thumb for how far to tighten them up? Do both sides get adjusted the same? Any help would be appreciated.
Bay of Islands, New Zealand




Offline Bullitt-

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Re: Torsion Bars - how much adjustment?
« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2011 - 07:16:46 AM »
Someone with more knowledge may respond but in the mean time any adjustment should be made with weight off the wheels. Changes to the ride height does effect other aspects of alignment....
I think this post may get you started in the right direction  http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=61210.0#quickreply
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline brads70

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Re: Torsion Bars - how much adjustment?
« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2011 - 07:53:45 AM »
If you didn't get it back to the exact same spot all the front end adjustments could be out, camber, toe in/out , caster. You might want to get a front end alignment if your all finished working on it?
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
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 My handling upgrade post
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Offline HP2

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Re: Torsion Bars - how much adjustment?
« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2011 - 10:00:48 AM »
T-bar height directly impacts camber, caster, and toe. If you did not put them back in exactly the same spot, then these three parameters have changed, which will alter the way the car feels and tracks down the road.

You can try adjusting the bars up or down to where you think they should be until the tracking improves to what it was. This will get you close to what it was before. Best solution would be to get it into an alignment shop. So, if you going to do that, set the ride height where you want it to be, then tell the shop to leave it there when they perform their adjustments. Do you have power steering and/or radials or are you manual  steer with bias plys? The combination impacts the alignment specs you want to achieve.

Offline dlrogers

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Re: Torsion Bars - how much adjustment?
« Reply #4 on: February 11, 2011 - 02:21:31 PM »
Thanks for the posts everyone - good advice. I'll get the height sorted then get an alignment done
Bay of Islands, New Zealand