Torsion Bar Replacement - How Difficult?
 

I'm putting together this winters projects. Number 1 on the list is upgrading the torsion bars. My track driving has gotten better, but the car rolls like a lincoln in the big turns.

Anyway, is this a true 1 man - Novice to Medium do it yourself job or should I leave it to the pro's?

Is this one of the 101 projects in Waynes book? I'd look it up, but a set of sticky fingers walked off with my signed copy!

Input anyone


Thanks

Jeff C

Fronts are very easy. Backs take some work. While you're in their you should replace all the bushings and consider struts. Plus, don't forget the cost of a new alignment when completed.
Anyway, it's very straight forward but can be a PITA. Good project when time is not critical.

JG

I haven't done it yet, but in Waynes book he shows 4 little guys meaning, & I quote, "training,& practice are required--these projects are not for novices." Probable means you'll need to buy another book & enlist the help of this board.
Hope to piggy back with another related question, I am waiting for my bump steer kit in the mail from the host so I can lower my car. I was wondering if this will work to index my rear torsion plate?
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1066000222.jpg

http://66.34.72.138/howto/torsion/index.html

and

http://66.34.72.138/cgi-bin/spring.cgi

I've done it 3 times, my car twice and my brother once. If you can obtain someone thats done it that can help, it will make things much easier. Even better then using a manual. I'll make the rears as simple as possible. (The Haynes manual version) Remove everything that is attached to the trailing arm and let it hang with just the torsion bar holding. Replace the torsion bar after finding the correct spline adjustment. Reverse of removal. Done. OK I know I've over simplified it, but it ain't much harder then that. Alrighty know, get to it!

Perhaps the swaybars need attention, if the problem is roll.

Anyway, changing torsion bars is pretty easy in the front, fairly easy in the rear. I haven't actually changed mine, but I did remove and replace them. If you change the ride height, which is likely, you will probably want to budget for a corner balance and alignment.

I would get the Bentley manual for your SC, it is better at step-by-step procedures than 101 Projects and has torque settings and other reference material.

The problem is that after you decide to replace the torsion bars, you might catch the "disease" and replace other suspension stuff - bushings, balljoint, bearings, shocks - soon you find yourself in the midst of a bigger job than you'd planned . . . but the car will handle great when you're done!

common sense saftey and patience are required.. you may have to re-index the springs after the 1st shot

I used a gizmo with a bubble level for a ballpark angle after guessing how a heavier spring would affect the out come.. adjustable spring plates help big time

if you read about the string method of home alignment you'll be good enough to drive to an alignment & corner balance shop