Author Topic: Those of you who have worked with torsion bars... Have a ???  (Read 3102 times)

Offline Boosted

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Those of you who have worked with torsion bars... Have a ???
« on: December 25, 2014 - 06:18:35 PM »
I had rotator cuff surgery along with a synovectomy and some arthritis removed from my shoulder 6 months ago and I am half way through the healing. With that said I need to lower the front of my car about 1" to 1 1/4". I also am about to get it aligned.

 How many turns of the torsion bar bolt will get me close? My shoulder will not hold up for both sides so i am going to mark a socket and use an impact to get it close then use the pull handle and socket to finish it off.

 I am just trying to save some pane as this is my right shoulder and I am right handed.

 My car has the rear lean going on and it is just not my style. Just want to level it off.

Merry Christmas.. and thank you.
1970 FC7 Challenger
1970 FM3 Swinger

Steve




Offline anlauto

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Re: Those of you who have worked with torsion bars... Have a ???
« Reply #1 on: December 25, 2014 - 09:37:53 PM »
Remember to loosen the large nut on the front the the lower control arm first. :2cents:
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Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Those of you who have worked with torsion bars... Have a ???
« Reply #2 on: December 25, 2014 - 09:44:22 PM »
I would undo them approx 5-6 full turns also make sure the weight is off , jack up the front of the car Before turning the bolts in case they strip & the car drops suddenly

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Offline Boosted

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Re: Those of you who have worked with torsion bars... Have a ???
« Reply #3 on: December 25, 2014 - 10:44:50 PM »
Thank you all.. The car is in the air on jack stands as the wheels are off to go to the tire store tomorrow and be swapped over tot the painted steel wheels...

 Lugnuts will not be here until next week but I have a few to set the ride height with.
1970 FC7 Challenger
1970 FM3 Swinger

Steve

Offline dfrazz

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Re: Those of you who have worked with torsion bars... Have a ???
« Reply #4 on: December 26, 2014 - 10:11:54 AM »
After adjusting, bounce the front end and drive it around a little then come back and re-measure the height to make sure it is where you want it.  Once you are satisfied, then go get the alignment.  Post some pics with the new wheels on when your done.  Sweet Challenger BTW!!!   :ylsuper:

Offline Boosted

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Re: Those of you who have worked with torsion bars... Have a ???
« Reply #5 on: December 27, 2014 - 02:35:12 PM »
Front wheels are on now just need to do the rear on Monday.. I am liking this.. I know the hubcaps may not be correct but I used what I had... I redid the black and added the red stripe to them.
1970 FC7 Challenger
1970 FM3 Swinger

Steve

Offline soundcontrol

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Re: Those of you who have worked with torsion bars... Have a ???
« Reply #6 on: December 27, 2014 - 02:44:31 PM »
Remember to loosen the large nut on the front the the lower control arm first. :2cents:


Why do you do that before adjusting the T-bars?
/ Ken
Restoration thread: http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=102525.0
topic=108917.new#new

Offline Katfish

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Re: Those of you who have worked with torsion bars... Have a ???
« Reply #7 on: December 27, 2014 - 06:00:50 PM »
Wondered that too?

Offline CHL2T

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Re: Those of you who have worked with torsion bars... Have a ???
« Reply #8 on: December 27, 2014 - 06:20:58 PM »
You need to Loosen the nut because the lower control arm bushing is pressed in and won"t rotate as the height is adjusted, can potentially f- up your LCAB'S

Offline soundcontrol

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Re: Those of you who have worked with torsion bars... Have a ???
« Reply #9 on: December 28, 2014 - 07:11:34 AM »
You need to Loosen the nut because the lower control arm bushing is pressed in and won"t rotate as the height is adjusted, can potentially f- up your LCAB'S


Thanks! Did not know that, but it makes perfect sense now. I adjusted my T-bars a while ago without doing that :(
/ Ken
Restoration thread: http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=102525.0
topic=108917.new#new

Offline CHL2T

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Re: Those of you who have worked with torsion bars... Have a ???
« Reply #10 on: December 28, 2014 - 01:47:28 PM »

Thanks! Did not know that, but it makes perfect sense now. I adjusted my T-bars a while ago without doing that :(

Not to worry, I did too, many years ago although much worse. The first time I rebuilt the front end, I tightened the nuts even before getting the front down on the ground. Needless to say, I needed new LCAB's shortly thereafter.....

Offline Katfish

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Re: Those of you who have worked with torsion bars... Have a ???
« Reply #11 on: December 28, 2014 - 03:00:14 PM »
I think we're talking about different things here.
No need to loosen the LCA anchor bolt to adjust ride height.  The adjustment bolt on the bottom of the LCA determines the ride height.

2 completely separate things.

Offline anlauto

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Re: Those of you who have worked with torsion bars... Have a ???
« Reply #12 on: December 28, 2014 - 03:18:29 PM »
I think we're talking about different things here.
No need to loosen the LCA anchor bolt to adjust ride height.  The adjustment bolt on the bottom of the LCA determines the ride height.

2 completely separate things.

Yes the adjuster bolt determines the height, but if you adjust it while the anchor nut is tight  you can ruin the bushing. This info is in the service manual. :2cents:
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Offline 734406pk

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Re: Those of you who have worked with torsion bars... Have a ???
« Reply #13 on: December 31, 2014 - 07:11:58 PM »
Nice looking '70 Challenger TA there! Reminds me of the TA I had years ago. Remember to check the ride height on both sides and torque  the LCA nuts to spec when you are done. Recheck the torque after driving 25 miles or so. The suspension bolts are tight so be careful no to injure your shoulder doing this, not worth it. I know. Get some help if needed. Be safe!
1973 Challenger 440 6 pack auto 3.91 rear
2012 Dodge Ram 3500 dually 6.7 Cummins Fleece EFI Live
1973 Challenger 318 2bbl auto 2.73 rear 22.5 mpg RIP
1970 Challenger TA 340 4bbl auto-Sold and sad
1999 Dodge Ram 3500 dually 5.9 Cummins Fleece tuned VGT-sold
1995 Kawasaki ZX1100E & still alive