Going to attemp rear torsion bar removal, will this work . .

[redcoupe86]

I am mentally preparing myself for the torsion bar to be seized in the spring plate. I've been reading all kinds of advice on how to "undo" this problem.

My question is can you use, say a puller for a steering wheel or harmonic balancer (for v8's) and put some long bolts so they go past the sping plate surface and somehow rig a piece of metal that would go from one bolt to the other, but hehind the plate, knock a hole in the endcap and pull the hold end off that way?

Just a question, Im just getting a mental inventory of fixes.

here's a pic:

[greglepore]

Why not just get a puller with jaws rather than bolts?

[450knotOffice]

I think it would work.

[redcoupe86]

Originally posted by greglepore
Why not just get a puller with jaws rather than bolts?

Yeah, that might work too. I guess it would work, as long as the jaws didn't slip!

[jpnovak]

you don't need a puller. Just drill a hole in the end cap and drive out the torsion bar with a drift and BFH. I just inserted a block of wood between the body and spring plate and swung for the fences. Came right out after my other methods of heat and clamps failed.

YMMV

[Breeang]

Never underestimate the power of brute strength and a big hammer.Sometimes I could have the job finished if only I hadn't stopped to think about it !

[kycarguy 935]

A hydraulic press would work also if you have access to one. I once had a real stuck torsion bar in a 70T and the big hammers and metal rod wouldnt remove it. The paint was really nice so I didnt take any extra chances with the hammer and finally used a press. Good luck.

[redcoupe86]

Originally posted by jpnovak
you don't need a puller. Just drill a hole in the end cap and drive out the torsion bar with a drift and BFH. I just inserted a block of wood between the body and spring plate and swung for the fences. Came right out after my other methods of heat and clamps failed.

YMMV

how does this work if the other end of the TB is stuck too. when you hit the end the TB will have nowhere to go. Or do I not get the method? do you pry AND hit?

[greglepore]

Actually, I'd be surprised if your bars on an '86 are stuck that hard-but then again, you live near the Gulf.

[redcoupe86]

Originally posted by greglepore
Actually, I'd be surprised if your bars on an '86 are stuck that hard-but then again, you live near the Gulf.

Yes, I live in the gulf, but most the the cars life was in the Northwest.

[oldE]

Yes, a small puller with jaws works well.
Les

[ianc]

Good point. What do you do if the inboard end is stuck?

ianc

[greglepore]

If the inboard end is stuck you unstick it towards the center of the car, once its unstuck it should come right back thru the splines to come out.