Torsion bar install "?"

Torsion bar install "?" - 03/31/11 11:03 PM

I just got done putting my torsion bars in. The drivers side was a real pain. Had to "vigorously tap" it into place. But it went in with just that amount of coaxing. The other side went right in. Did it with just my hands sliding it right into place (like it's supposed to do). It's been so long since I've done them I can't help but wonder if I've done something wrong on the drivers side. I can adjust both sides OK, but the pass side is easier. I'm thinking/hoping after I get it down on the ground and let it settle for a while all the planets will fall in line and things will be fine.
Any comments/suggestions? I guess I just need/want some reassurance.

Posted By: 469runner

Re: Torsion bar install "?" - 03/31/11 11:46 PM

I think you'll be fine. Production tolerances were "loose" at best back when these cars were built. Also some sag can occur on older cars.

Posted By: BDW

Re: Torsion bar install "?" - 04/01/11 01:17 AM

I had similiar experience with my install. It was just too much powder coating on the 1 side. As long as it's in, your good to go.

Posted By: Mapandjlp

Re: Torsion bar install "?" - 04/01/11 01:06 PM

Quote:

I had similiar experience with my install. It was just too much powder coating on the 1 side. As long as it's in, your good to go.

Same here. Actually, exactly the same. The passenger side slid in, driver's side needed coaxing. No problem though. Drives straight and rides great!

Posted By: bigblock340power

Re: Torsion bar install "?" - 04/01/11 02:23 PM

Thanks for the replies, I feel a little better about it.
I'm adjusting it, putting the wheels on, and letting it down on it's own feet today for the first time in quite some time.

Posted By: 5spdcuda

Re: Torsion bar install "?" - 04/01/11 02:59 PM

My experience has been that production tolerances were such that seldom were both bars indexed the same. This can result in having to pull one of the control arms down just to get the bar started especially when using rubber LCA bushings. This is also why usually one of the adjusters needs to be screwed in further than the other when setting ride height. If you're using poly LCA bushings I suggest driving the "T" bar all the way forward. That way once the bar is preloaded it will prevent the LCA from moving in a fore and/or aft direction, which can be a common occurrence with poly LCA bushings.

Posted By: bigblock340power

Re: Torsion bar install "?" - 04/01/11 03:29 PM

Quote:

My experience has been that production tolerances were such that seldom were both bars indexed the same. This can result in having to pull one of the control arms down just to get the bar started especially when using rubber LCA bushings. This is also why usually one of the adjusters needs to be screwed in further than the other when setting ride height. If you're using poly LCA bushings I suggest driving the "T" bar all the way forward. That way once the bar is preloaded it will prevent the LCA from moving in a fore and/or aft direction, which can be a common occurrence with poly LCA bushings.

I guess I should have explained a little further. I'm not using Poly bushings in the LCA's. However I am using fully adjustable tubular U"A"A's, and beefier adjustable strut rods. Another thing I did, was to tie the LCA assembly together with the weld in piece on the bottom of the LCA's. This should make the whole front end much more "adjustable" friendly, tighter, and make getting it to where I want it to be (instead of the factory) easier.