I had a car in the shop the other day and both torsion bars had been twisted out of shape. I had to really beat on those bars to get them out of there. A lightweight tool wasn't up to the task, had to use the real deal.

On a car that hasn't been abused, doesn't see any salt, is always kept lubed and garaged is a different issue. The bars will usually slide right out once they are unloaded.