Did I install torsion bars correctly?
 

Finishing up new bushings on my spring plates and I'm concerned about the reassembly with the TBs.

First off, I did a very thorough cleaning of the TB splines, the Spring Plate splines, and the splines in the torsion tubes (tub mounted). There was a lot of 38 year old grease that had turned to cement, so I got all that removed so that the TBs would slide in and out nice and easy.

Second, I used ample grease on the TBs and the splines before reassembly.

Now my concern: when I reinserted the TBs, I ensured that they engaged the center (tub mounted) splines, and wriggled them into place as far as I could, but I did not force them by hammering or any other method. Next I placed the spring plate, at the proper angle, onto the outer spline. Finally, I assumed that when I cranked down the spring plate covers that would cause the splines at both ends of the TB to fully engage.

I did not have any problem getting the spring plate bolts cranked all the way down.

Questions:
1) was my assumption correct, or should I have hammered the TBs in as far as they would go before mounting the spring plates?

2) Are the TB splines slightly tapered so they can't slide all the way through the center (tub mounted) interface?

I'm concerned that if I haven't fully engaged the splines on either end of the TB that when I lower the car (or worse yet, during a drive) the partially engaged splines rip out and destroy the interface, meaning MAJOR repair.

Out of everything I've read I've never seen any warning about forcing the TBs or being careful to make sure the splines are fully engaged, but I'd rather worry now and disassemble and do it right, but only if you tell me I have to :-)

Thanks

You should be fine from your description.

The problem I found was when I pushed one end in the air pocket would push the other TB out, with the end caps mounted, it will center itself. But yes, you did correctly by not hammering it in and possibly damaging the splines.

Now comes the indexing, oh the JOY :-(, you have to make certain the ground is perfectly level and all load are off the arms. You do not want a lop sided rear end.

OK, thanks Draco. I'll proceed with reconnecting the control arms and the essecntric alignment bolts. Wish me luck on the ride height adjustment.

Break a Leg brother!

If you have any questions, PM me and I will do my best to assist or direct you to the Guru/s that will know.

Jim