Author Topic: Torsion bar questions - keep or replace  (Read 7575 times)

Offline TRIPLE-GREEN

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Torsion bar questions - keep or replace
« on: September 22, 2009 - 07:33:04 PM »
I mentioned a few weeks back that I was looking to replace the torsion bars on my challenger. But before I do this I would like to ask if they need adjusting or should they just be replaced. The wheels i have on it now are some what angled like the suspention is to soft and it kinda looks like a badly lowered VW. Not really bad but I can see the car it sitting to low.
   I am assuming that this is really messing up my alignment which on a new set of tires make me want to quickly review my options before they start waring funny.  :clueless:
   OK, question time. How do i know if the bars are bad or just need some adjustment?
The guy that use to to the work for my grandmother ( original owner ) I would not put past him setting this thing lower to look cooler. He was kinda a dip :swear: when it came to some of the wierd things he did




Offline 72bluNblu

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Re: Torsion bar questions - keep or replace
« Reply #1 on: September 22, 2009 - 08:05:14 PM »
You can lower the ride height with the torsion bars, it just needs an alignment afterward. Typically you can lower most cars about an inch or 1.5" and still get the alignment back into the proper specs. More than that usually requires offset bushings or adjustable a-arms to get the specs right again, but every car is a little different.

The problem you're talking about, the wheels being angled (cambered) too much, is an alignment issue, and not really a torsion bar problem. Maybe a torsion bar adjustment problem. It doesn't necessarily mean you need to replace the torsion bars themselves, just get a front end alignment, and possibly adjust the bars if necessary to get the alignment back into spec.

On the other hand, your torsion bars are over 35 years old at this point, and were too soft to begin with. So the question is really whether or not now is a good time to replace the torsion bars for YOU, financially or otherwise. Personally, if I were you I would get a set of .96 or 1.0" torsion bars if its financially feasible at the moment. The improvement in the handling of your car with that change alone would be huge. And if that is what you do, make sure you adjust the ride height and have the car aligned after you install the new bars.

Offline cudazappa

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Re: Torsion bar questions - keep or replace
« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2009 - 09:34:20 AM »
The torsion bars are shot when you can no longer get the factory ride height back through the adjusters located on the Lower Control Arms.  They do not lose spring rate, they just lose pre-load through modulus creep (molecular flow) over the course of time.  Often called "settling."  Ride height is the first setting done when performing an alignment.  Get an FSM for the setting (measured from level pavement to the LCA pivot, don't have my FSM handy here at work) and you should be able to perform this yourself with a ratchet and socket (longer handled ratchet does make the job easier).  Take it to a good alignment shop afterwards (someone you trust) and they should be able to make it minty fresh for you.

If the ride height doesn't come back, then your t-bars are shot.  If they are, I'd recommend a slightly heavier bar (.92 or .96).  Of course, your rear springs are also old, and you may find those need to be re-arched/replaced, too.
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Offline the_engineers

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Re: Torsion bar questions - keep or replace
« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2009 - 09:42:28 AM »
Of course, your rear springs are also old, and you may find those need to be re-arched/replaced, too.

I'd buy new leafs if you buy new torsion bars.  Settling happens to the leaf springs as well.  You can have them re-arched, but they will settle again and you'll have wasted your money.  Also, if you upgrade to a stiffer bar in the front, you'll need a stiffer spring in the rear to maintain balanced handling.  .920's with XHD's in the back makes a nice package for a small block.

I'm running SS rears and HEMI fronts and it's pretty stiff...'course, I do not have any sidewall so that doesn't help.
Brooks

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Offline Bullitt-

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Re: Torsion bar questions - keep or replace
« Reply #4 on: September 23, 2009 - 10:30:09 AM »
If your adjusting the T-bars be sure to get the weight off the front wheels otherwise you may strip the adjuster threads.....   How are your shocks & control arm bushings?   If you get new T-bars it would be an ideal time to replace the control arm bushings.
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline HP2

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Re: Torsion bar questions - keep or replace
« Reply #5 on: September 23, 2009 - 02:33:55 PM »
Considering a classic mopar is undersprung by 10-25% compared to a new car, I'd just upgrade them. Your mileage may vary.

Offline TRIPLE-GREEN

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Re: Torsion bar questions - keep or replace
« Reply #6 on: September 24, 2009 - 04:22:11 PM »
Sounds like I just need to replace them. I think they are original. Not sure if they have ever been replaced. I was looking at it yesterday and it looks pretty low. There is less then a half an inch of travel between the bumper and the top plate. along with the fact that the wheels look kicked out like the suspention is to low.

Offline the_engineers

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Re: Torsion bar questions - keep or replace
« Reply #7 on: September 24, 2009 - 04:25:55 PM »
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=62178.0

Mancini gets $218 plus shipping, so that's another option.
Brooks

1971 'Cuda 360
2004 Infiniti G35 6-spd Coupe
2001 Toyota Solara Convertible
2002 GMC Savana 1500 Explorer Hightop Conversion
1972 Dodge Dart Swinger...keeping the Slant.  Rocking the turbos.

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Torsion bar questions - keep or replace
« Reply #8 on: September 25, 2009 - 01:30:47 AM »
I would swap the originals out for .96 at least

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Offline Purple73Cuda

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Re: Torsion bar questions - keep or replace
« Reply #9 on: September 25, 2009 - 07:33:15 AM »
Who's torsion bars would you recommend? Anyone have any problems with the Mopar performance t bars?
John
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Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Torsion bar questions - keep or replace
« Reply #10 on: September 25, 2009 - 09:19:23 AM »
the Mopar bars are made in canada & have not had quality issues like the mexican made rear leaf springs

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Offline Bullitt-

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Re: Torsion bar questions - keep or replace
« Reply #11 on: September 25, 2009 - 10:22:44 AM »
https://www.mopar-wholesale.com/

Part Number: P5249157    List Price    Core Price    Your Price
   
PKG BAR SET TORSION    
   $224.00    $0.00    $184.80

Part Number: P5249158    List Price    Core Price    Your Price
   
PKG BAR SET TORSION    
   $224.00    $0.00    $184.80
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline TRIPLE-GREEN

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Re: Torsion bar questions - keep or replace
« Reply #12 on: September 29, 2009 - 03:02:46 PM »
I would swap the originals out for .96 at least

This will be a 318 driver, I was told before .92 . Is that true that I would be better with .96? I was about to get a set of .92 for 230.00-shipped. Would like to find cheaper but, I most of all want to make sure I get the right ones.
« Last Edit: September 29, 2009 - 03:04:41 PM by TRIPLE-GREEN »

Offline dodj

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Re: Torsion bar questions - keep or replace
« Reply #13 on: September 29, 2009 - 03:35:06 PM »
I believe, not 100% sure, that the .96's are intended for big blocks. Depends on what kind of handling you are after I guess.
Scott
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Offline mopardave

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Re: Torsion bar questions - keep or replace
« Reply #14 on: September 29, 2009 - 04:00:46 PM »
we have the leaf springs and .920 or .960 bars in stock, discount to members 198.00 FOR THE BAR SET, 198.00 FOR A SET OF SPRINGS. we also match pricing, let me know if your interested, thanks
Mopar Dave
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