Unloading Torsion Bars
57chizler
Posted 2017-11-12 5:18 PM (#552122)
Subject: Unloading Torsion Bars



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I'm starting a front suspension overhaul on my '57 Dodge, I've done lots of later B-bodies but never a FL.

The FSM says to back off the torsion bar adjuster and to remove the anchor bolt and swivel, but why? Seems to me that simply backing off the bolt to relieve the tension should allow the bar to be pushed back (after removing the snap ring) to disconnect the lower control arm. What am I missing?
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Mopar1
Posted 2017-11-15 7:59 PM (#552329 - in reply to #552122)
Subject: RE: Unloading Torsion Bars



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57chizler - 2017-11-12 4:18 PM

Seems to me that simply backing off the bolt to relieve the tension should allow the bar to be pushed back (after removing the snap ring) to disconnect the lower control arm. What am I missing?
Best I recall I backed it off & removed the ball joints when I put disc spindles on my '60 Plym.
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60 dart
Posted 2017-11-15 11:34 PM (#552344 - in reply to #552329)
Subject: RE: Unloading Torsion Bars



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Mopar1 - 2017-11-15 7:59 PM

57chizler - 2017-11-12 4:18 PM

Seems to me that simply backing off the bolt to relieve the tension should allow the bar to be pushed back (after removing the snap ring) to disconnect the lower control arm. What am I missing?
Best I recall I backed it off & removed the ball joints when I put disc spindles on my '60 Plym.


and ya don't risk breaking an adjuster bolt -------------------------------------------------later
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Ev's62Chrysler
Posted 2017-11-16 12:08 PM (#552402 - in reply to #552344)
Subject: RE: Unloading Torsion Bars



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60 dart - 2017-11-15 11:34 PM

Mopar1 - 2017-11-15 7:59 PM

57chizler - 2017-11-12 4:18 PM

Seems to me that simply backing off the bolt to relieve the tension should allow the bar to be pushed back (after removing the snap ring) to disconnect the lower control arm. What am I missing?
Best I recall I backed it off & removed the ball joints when I put disc spindles on my '60 Plym.


and ya don't risk breaking an adjuster bolt -------------------------------------------------later


Precisely why I'd like to obtain a couple new bolts and swivels for my 62. Anyone know where to obtain some? I believe 2196773 is the kit part number.

I've never worked on torsion bar suspensions, but it appears the adjusting bolt is the only attachment for the anchor to the chassis. Sounds like the manual is saying by removing the bolt entirely allows removing the torsion bar and anchor as a unit. This may be an easier method if bars are tightly stuck in anchors??? I'll be finding out soon enough.

Edited by Ev's62Chrysler 2017-11-16 12:11 PM
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1960fury
Posted 2017-11-16 1:50 PM (#552412 - in reply to #552402)
Subject: RE: Unloading Torsion Bars



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Ev's62Chrysler - 2017-11-16 12:08 PM

60 dart - 2017-11-15 11:34 PM

Mopar1 - 2017-11-15 7:59 PM

57chizler - 2017-11-12 4:18 PM

Seems to me that simply backing off the bolt to relieve the tension should allow the bar to be pushed back (after removing the snap ring) to disconnect the lower control arm. What am I missing?
Best I recall I backed it off & removed the ball joints when I put disc spindles on my '60 Plym.


and ya don't risk breaking an adjuster bolt -------------------------------------------------later


Precisely why I'd like to obtain a couple new bolts and swivels for my 62. Anyone know where to obtain some? I believe 2196773 is the kit part number.

I've never worked on torsion bar suspensions, but it appears the adjusting bolt is the only attachment for the anchor to the chassis. Sounds like the manual is saying by removing the bolt entirely allows removing the torsion bar and anchor as a unit. This may be an easier method if bars are tightly stuck in anchors??? I'll be finding out soon enough.


if you are careful and take yourself time you will not need to replace the bolts. clean the exposed threads, oil them well, do not turn only in one direction and they will come off without any problems. do NOT use a ?=§"°+ impact wrench (boy, do i hate these things for lazy *** b******) on them.
I removed these from rusted out rustbelt junk cars without any problems.

yes, simply remove the bolt and pull the Tbar and anchor as an unit.
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57chizler
Posted 2017-11-16 4:11 PM (#552423 - in reply to #552344)
Subject: RE: Unloading Torsion Bars



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60 dart - 2017-11-15 8:34 PM

57chizler - 2017-11-12 4:18 PM

Seems to me that simply backing off the bolt to relieve the tension should allow the bar to be pushed back (after removing the snap ring) to disconnect the lower control arm. What am I missing?

and ya don't risk breaking an adjuster bolt -------------------------------------------------later



That's why I'm asking, the bolt won't come out of the swivel on one side but I can back it off enough to unload the bars.

The '59-later set is 2196770 and there's one on E-bay right now.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-MOPAR-1959-PLYMOUTH-DODGE-DESOTO-CHRYSL...

Edited by 57chizler 2017-11-16 4:13 PM
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