torsion bar adjustment

[mopar70maniac]

hello group, does anybody know how to determine the correct adjustment for the torsion bars. I removed mine when I installed a dent free k member on my 73 challenger....  got it back together, the wheel angles look ok, just want to make sure it's correct before making any other suspension changes. thanks in advance!

[dfrazz]

Weight off the wheels, turn the adjustment bolt to increase, decrease height (note: it will adjust the front end height mostly, but will also have an effect on the rear end too).  Lower the car, bounce it, drive it around the block and then re-adjust as needed.  When you are satisfied with the height, get an alignment.

[anlauto]

Torsion bars set the height and even though that might help the "angle" of the wheel, the torsion bars certainly don't correct it. As said, get the height where you want it, then get an alignment

[mopar jack]

When making suspension adjustments you generally start with the torsion bar set to the correct height. A good factory service manual will help. I see a lot of people just crank the bars to lower the car but if not set properly you may not get a proper camber adjustment and you will lose suspension travel causing it to bottom out sooner. To lower the car beyond factory setting you will want to use a stiffer bar than stock, probably cut or replace the bump stops to allow for more travel and replace the upper control arm to allow more camber/ caster adjustment. Moog offset bushings may help instead of replacing the upper arm.

[dodj]

If by 'correct' you mean the factory set height, I think it is measured from the lower control arm pivot. I'll try to remember to check the service manual this evening and post the measurement.

[roadman5312]

Weight off the wheels, turn the adjustment bolt to increase, decrease height (note: it will adjust the front end height mostly, but will also have an effect on the rear end too).  Lower the car, bounce it, drive it around the block and then re-adjust as needed.  When you are satisfied with the height, get an alignment.

                    Are you supposed to loosen the lower comtrol arm bushing pivot nuts before adjusting the bars.  ??

 

[Chryco Psycho]

It doesnt hurt , that way the bushing is relaxed @ normal ride height

[anlauto]

                    Are you supposed to loosen the lower comtrol arm bushing pivot nuts before adjusting the bars.  ??

 

YES according to the FSM....otherwise you're working against the bushing.

[dodj]

Stock front height is 1-1/8". That is the difference between the bottom of the steering knuckle assy and the bottom of the torsion bar adjusting blade.

[HP2]

...and results in a nose high attitude if you use the same aspect ratio tires on all four corners. Either adjust the bars down a skosh or use a taller aspect ratio on the rear tires.

[dodj]

...and results in a nose high attitude if you use the same aspect ratio tires on all four corners. Either adjust the bars down a skosh or use a taller aspect ratio on the rear tires.

ya....not a fan of factory ride height specs.

[ChallengerHK]

  or factory wheel alignment in general.

[1973JA5]

                    Are you supposed to loosen the lower comtrol arm bushing pivot nuts before adjusting the bars.  ??
Keep the lower control arm pivot nuts loose until the ride height is set.Otherwise you'll destroy the bushings.When I rebuild my front end I kept the upper and lower control arm fasteners loose,had a flatbed take it to the front end shop,and they tightened up everything after it was aligned!
 

[mopar70maniac]

thanks to all for your input on trying to get my ride height back to normal after changing my k member, and thanks to mopar jack for posting the pic from your manual... which brings me to my next dilemna: when I measure from the ground to the blade and then again from the ground to the bottom of the ball joint as shown in the illustration, I get a measurement way beyond the 1nch & 1/8 allowed for ride height... however when I measure to the bottom of the knuckle (as another member suggested, I think dodj) I get a difference of an inch and half ( a bit higher than the inch and 1/8 allowed according to the illustration) at that measurment I get the lower bump stop clearance of an inch and 1/4. the illustration says that it should be at least 1 inch, so I think I'm good there. also at this measurment, the car sits basically level. ( all tires are the same size) I thought the front of these sat a bit higher than the rear (not that I want that, I actually plan on putting drop spindles on it for some attitude) just want to get the torsion bars adjusted correctly before doing so. anyhow, just wanted to say thanks and see if anybody has any more input.