Torsion bar removal tips/tricks?

[zotman72]

After 33 years, my SC rear tbars are being swapped out for some 26 mm turbo ones I had on the shelf. Getting the old bars out are a royal PITA. Left side took over an hour of wiggling and spraying penetrant before it came free. Now the right side is giving me the same business. What are everybody's best tips to get tbars free? Thanks in advance lads!

[Jeff Higgins]

If one side is already out, you can use a broomstick coming in from that side to drive (rather than pull) the other side out. The first side is the hard side.

[zotman72]

Already closed up the left side Jeff so that option is not viable. But it is a good idea for the "next" time....

[BK911]

If you didnt install the torsion bar caps, you can hit the newly installed torsion bar with a hammer and punch to drive it inward a little bit, which will move the stuck side outward a little bit.

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by zotman72

Already closed up the left side Jeff so that option is not viable. But it is a good idea for the "next" time....

Rats. Looks like you get to repeat the left side drill on the right side.

Originally Posted by BK911

If you didnt install the torsion bar caps, you can hit the newly installed torsion bar with a hammer and punch to drive it inward a little bit, which will move the stuck side outward a little bit.

There is a stop ring in the center to keep from pushing them all the way through, so the torsion bar itself won't work for this. Needs to be something smaller in diameter, like a broomstick.