Torsion bar — removal and installation
Note: The torsion bars must be removed as a pair, since the torsion bar crossmember must be removed to provide clearance to slide the bars to the rear.
1. With the vehicle unloaded, on level ground and with the wheels pointing forward, measure the ride height at the front by measuring between a point on the frame and the ground. Mark the spot on the frame from where the measurement was made so another measurement can be taken using the exact same spot. This step is crucial to establish the vehicle’s ride height so that it can be restored after the torsion bars have been reinstalled.
2. Raise the front of the vehicle and sup- port it securely on jack stands. Count the number of threads showing on the torsion bar adjuster bolt and mark the relationship of the bolt to the torsion bar adjuster nut (see illustration).
4.2 To ensure proper adjustment of the torsion bar upon reassembly, count the number of threads showing on the torsion bar adjuster bolt and mark the relationship of the bolt to the torsion bar adjuster nut as insurance
3. In the torsion bar adjuster arm there’s a small dimple. Install a puller with its bolt centered on this dimple (see illustration).
4.3 Install a two-jaw puller as shown, with the fingers hooked around the flange running along each side of the crossmember; make sure the puller bolt is centered on the dimple in the torsion bar adjuster arm. Tighten the puller bolt until all tension is removed from the adjuster bolt
4. Turn the puller bolt until all tension is removed from the torsion bar adjuster bolt, then unscrew the torsion bar adjuster bolt and remove the nut. Slowly unscrew the puller bolt until the torsion bar unwinds completely and no more tension is on the adjuster arm. Remove the puller.
5. Mark the relationship of the forward end of the torsion bar to the lower control arm. Also mark the relationship of the rear end of the torsion bar to the adjuster arm.
6. Push the torsion bar forward, through the lower control arm, until the rear end of the bar clears the crossmember, then remove the torsion bar adjuster arm.
7. Repeat Steps 1 through 6 on the other torsion bar.
8. Unbolt the torsion bar crossmember and remove it. Inspect the bushings in the frame bosses where the crossmember mounts. If
they’re worn or otherwise deteriorated the cyan be replaced. They are staked in place from behind; once unstacked, they can be driven out of their bores toward the front of the vehicle. On models equipped with a link between the crossmember and the frame, check the links for wear. If they’re not in good shape, replace them.
9. Slide the torsion bar to the rear, lower the rear end of the bar down and guide it out through the hole in the frame crossmember (see illustration). If the front end of the bar hangs up in the lower control arm, drive it out of the control arm with a brass drift.
4.9 Slide the torsion bar to the rear, then lower it out of the vehicle
10. Installation is the reverse of removal, but if both torsion bars were removed, be sure to install them on the proper side of the vehicle (they are marked L and R on the ends). Clean out the hexagonal hole in the lower control arm and lube it with multi-purpose grease before inserting the torsion bar into the arm. Also apply some grease to the hex ends of the torsion bar, to the top of the adjuster arm and to the adjuster bolt. Make sure that the alignment marks you made on the torsion bar and the control arm and adjuster arm line up, and that the torsion bar is completely engaged with the adjuster arm.
11. Tighten the crossmember mounting fasteners to the torque values listed in this Chapter’s Specifications.
12. Tighten the torsion bar adjuster bolt until the same number of threads are showing and the marks you made on the adjuster bolt and nut are lined up.
13. Lower the vehicle, jounce the front suspension a couple of times, then roll the vehicle back-and-forth a few feet to settle the suspension.
14. Repeat Steps 12 and 13 until both sides of the vehicle are set to the original ride height.
15. Have the front-end alignment checked and, if necessary, adjusted. Be sure to inform the repair facility that the ride height must be inspected before any alignment procedures are performed.