Strut Rod removal

[anlauto]

  That is the same tool I use exactly. When I add heat it's only to the "socket" of the lower control arm and is only with a small propane tourch...just enough to get that old grease melting...

[rattlesnake]

cool, if you got the money and access but out here in the sticks we sometimes have to make do. preciatecha

[Jasonwiltshire]

  The torsion bars are case hardened on the outside and have temper in alloy.  If you scratch the bars deeply it will cause the bar to fail .Any heat you apply to the bar will weaken it. Torsion bars should never be removed with vise grips. A proper torsion bar tool is needed. 

Thats a nice pic.  I definitely like to work with the right tool when it is necessary and I am beginning to think it is necessary here.  Not in any rush at this point so I guess I will prolly order that tool.  Thanks for all the help.  TORSION BAR REMOVAL:  Heat to LCA socket.  T-bar Tool.  Hammer.  Make sure LCA is at bottom of its travel and bounce it up and down for additional loosening. Good summation?

Jason

[brads70]

Thats a nice pic.  I definitely like to work with the right tool when it is necessary and I am beginning to think it is necessary here.  Not in any rush at this point so I guess I will prolly order that tool.  Thanks for all the help.  TORSION BAR REMOVAL:  Heat to LCA socket.  T-bar Tool.  Hammer.  Make sure LCA is at bottom of its travel and bounce it up and down for additional loosening. Good summation?

Jason

Sometimes it helps to loosen/unbolt the LCA  as well!

[jhaag]

Jason, if you are taking the car all the way apart, do what I did. Drop the k member slightly, and slide it forward. Might take some wiggling and a little help from a friend, but that is what I did to get the torsion bars out. You can then remove the LCA and strut rods.

[Aracer]

The whole lower C. A. will pry rearward when unbolted and un-clipped.

[Chryco Psycho]

The way I do it damage free is to loosen the T bar adjuster ,  the LCA pivot nut ,  drop the control arm down remove the strut rod nuts & T bar retainer clip  , & put a large pry bar between the K frame & LCA & pry everything backwards , some heat may loosen the grease . This will provide greater leverage on the t bar without marking it
 The T bars are junk if you have clamped pipe wrench or vice grips on to them Please do not reuse them , they can fail at any scar on the bar & drop the car unexpectedly stranding you anywhere or injuring you if you happen to be under the car