torsion bar troubles

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1970w34
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torsion bar troubles

Postby 1970w34 » Tue Sep 17, 2019 11:40 am

Been quite a while since I worked on my restoration (70GT) but am having fits with the torsion bar/lower control arm indexing. I have had it apart and together, both sides, at least 5 times and cant seem to find the sweet spot....either too tight to even line up the control arm holes to get the bolts through (even to the point of reefing on them with jacks and straps) or they're too loose to adjust enough on the keys (the car goes right to the ground) Not sure what to think of it all.

I know for sure that they are oriented properly right and left wise and nothing is bent or distorted frame or arm. Any ideas?

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Otto Skorzeny
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Re: torsion bar troubles

Postby Otto Skorzeny » Tue Sep 17, 2019 12:48 pm

Are these the torsion bars that you took off or are these replacements?

I'm assuming you are following the instructions in the FSM?

Is it possible that the cams are misadjusted on the control arms?

bcroe
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Re: torsion bar troubles

Postby bcroe » Tue Sep 17, 2019 1:02 pm

First lay them on a level floor, the hex pattern should be flat on the floor
at both ends. If so the bars should at least go together OK. Does not rule
out too weak and rides too low.

Then I would say check the factory manual and be sure you have every
part in the proper place. I never had such a problem.

There are after market rear anchors with the hex turned half a notch
(30 degrees) to change height. As I recall for STOCK, a rule laid from the
tip surface across the center of the hex will cross at the points, not the
center of a flat each side. Bruce Roe

1970w34
Posts: 208
Joined: Sat May 21, 2011 5:51 pm
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Years Owned: 1970 multiple

Re: torsion bar troubles

Postby 1970w34 » Tue Sep 17, 2019 1:03 pm

They are another set off a nicer parts car I had. Unfortunately the service manual doesn't seem to be helping at this point...or I'm getting too dumb in my old age. The keys and sockets are each 60 degree choices unlike the newer spline type end so there are really only a few combinations.

1970w34
Posts: 208
Joined: Sat May 21, 2011 5:51 pm
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Years Owned: 1970 multiple

Re: torsion bar troubles

Postby 1970w34 » Tue Sep 17, 2019 1:06 pm

Hi Bruce, it seems that the hex (60 degree each side) puts me at either extreme of the adjustment and when I index the lower arm down it is impossible to get the bolts back through. I've said some awful words today out in the garage! :D

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Otto Skorzeny
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Re: torsion bar troubles

Postby Otto Skorzeny » Tue Sep 17, 2019 5:20 pm

Do you still have all the original parts?

If I were you, I'd install all the original parts in their original positions. If they install correctly then it's obvious that there is something wrong with some of the new components. It should then be a process of elimination to determine what parts are faulty.

If the old parts won't go back in properly, then it has to be something you're doing wrong.

A glass table top makes a perfect surface to check the torsion bars for straightness.

1970w34
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Re: torsion bar troubles

Postby 1970w34 » Tue Sep 17, 2019 5:52 pm

Hey Otto, yeah, I think I'm gonna try that but I have to find them. I have a large pile of junk and at least 3 other sets that I of course didn't mark! I might be able to identify them from some old pics I have. Those I am using are level and straight from as far as I can see. Thanks for all the replies!

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Otto Skorzeny
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Re: torsion bar troubles

Postby Otto Skorzeny » Wed Sep 18, 2019 4:18 pm

Post back with the progress. Take some pictures if possible. I'd like to know how this turns out and what exactly is the problem preventing assembly.

bcroe
Posts: 305
Joined: Thu Nov 15, 2012 12:25 pm
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Re: torsion bar troubles

Postby bcroe » Wed Sep 18, 2019 8:07 pm

1970w34 wrote:Hi Bruce, it seems that the hex (60 degree each side) puts me at either extreme of the adjustment and when I index the lower arm down it is impossible to get the bolts back through. I've said some awful words today out in the garage! :D


Perhaps you are saying you have the bars in position, and you cannot get the
lower A arm attached (bolts back through) to the frame? That is not the correct
procedure and might be impossible.

You must have the A frame already attached to the frame. Then insert the T bar
components. As I recall the A frame might be jacked into place, then you use tool
BT6601 to get the rear anchor into position and put in the adjusting screw and bar.

I made my own version of BT6601, but they must be extremely robust. My first
2 attempts broke. good luck, Bruce Roe

1970w34
Posts: 208
Joined: Sat May 21, 2011 5:51 pm
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Years Owned: 1970 multiple

Re: torsion bar troubles

Postby 1970w34 » Thu Sep 19, 2019 5:00 pm

I am on hiatus until next week as I'm working long hours now. I will go back at it with a fresh mind then and see what turns out. I do have an authentic Kent Moore(?) tool. I really appreciate the replies and will keep you updated. Thanks!


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