Author Topic: torsion bar removal  (Read 1453 times)

Offline jordan

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 601
  • no replacement for displacement
torsion bar removal
« on: July 10, 2012 - 08:50:56 PM »
I have read many threads on how to remove my t-bars.  I have removed the clips, pulled back the boots, loosened the lower control arm pivot bolt, pried back the LCA, made a removal tool, beat on the tool with a 3 lb hammer, but yet they are stuck into the LCA socket!!!  I have loosened the adjuster bolt and supported the outside of the LCA to take the weight off of the T-bar.  Now what?  SawzAll?  The engine, k-frame, trans is ready to unbolt as I lift the car off if it, only if I can get the torsion bars out first!!  More suggestions?   Im in a working mood, and got to get things done.  Thanks Guys!   :swear: :banghead:
"Don't brake until you see God!"




Offline jordan

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 601
  • no replacement for displacement
Re: torsion bar removal
« Reply #1 on: July 10, 2012 - 09:31:15 PM »
I just popped the passenger side out and it only took 5 minutes!!!  Still struggling with the drivers side!!!  Arrgghh
"Don't brake until you see God!"

Offline jordan

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 601
  • no replacement for displacement
Re: torsion bar removal
« Reply #2 on: July 10, 2012 - 10:35:32 PM »
Got it!!!  Seems stupid to spend a few hours struggling with one thing, while I got most of the car disassembled in a good after noon and evening.  I ended up pushing the LCA back far enough to get the rear hex of the T-bar through the frame, and then had to tap the LCA forward again and tighten the LCA pivot and then beat the T-bar back again with everything snugged up.  What a production.  I thought I was missing something, but I guess it was just patients that I was missing.
"Don't brake until you see God!"

Offline burdar

  • Sr. Resident
  • ******
  • Posts: 5925
Re: torsion bar removal
« Reply #3 on: July 11, 2012 - 09:34:13 AM »
Did you put any deep scratches in the bars durring removal?  If you did, they will become stress points and the bar could break.  Make sure to sand out any deep scratches so a crack doesn't form there.

Offline HP2

  • Resident
  • *****
  • Posts: 4478
Re: torsion bar removal
« Reply #4 on: July 11, 2012 - 03:23:46 PM »
Did you take off the bumper under the upper control arm to allow it to drop far enough to completely unload?

Offline jordan

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 601
  • no replacement for displacement
Re: torsion bar removal
« Reply #5 on: July 11, 2012 - 05:20:54 PM »
The upper control arm was already removed from the chassis, and I put a jack under the brake to lift the control arm, so no load on the t-bar.  I wrapped the t-bar with tape, and then used a piece of steel tubing cut in half to wrap around the bar before I clamped it with a vice grip.  I ended up beating on the vice grip for seemingly ever before the t-bar finally started moving out of the LCA socket.  So, only paint got beat up a bit, but the steel itself is still smooth.  I am putting larger t-bars in when it all goes back together.  I am headed out to the garage again to unbolt the K-frame and drop the engine/trans/suspension sub assembly, and lift the body over it.   Wish me luck.   Thanks for checking.   J
"Don't brake until you see God!"

Offline burdar

  • Sr. Resident
  • ******
  • Posts: 5925
Re: torsion bar removal
« Reply #6 on: July 11, 2012 - 07:31:03 PM »
You didn't have to jack up on the LCA at all.  You accually put load on the bar that way.  With the adjusters loose and the suspension hanging all the way down, there wouldn't have been any load on it.  Either way you got them out.  When reinstalling the new bars, just have the suspension all the way down and the adjusters loose.  The bars will slide right in.