First Problem

[mjc76]

I started taking apart my rear suspension tonight to install my new torsion bars an spring plates. Everything unbolted just fine. Just one problem the old torsion bars are frozen to the spring plates. Any ideas? I'm thinking about stocking up on metal sawzall blades and just cutting the torsion bars in half. But if anyone else has a better idea just speak up. Thanks.

[Clark Griswald]

It is common for the tbars to stick a bit. They usually aren't too tight, its just awkward reaching in to get enough force.

You need to loosen the tbar by rocking it back and forth in the sring plate. Just see-saw it in place. That should be enough to break it loose.

Failing that, grab the tbar with a set of big vise grips. The will give you something to push on.

This will work, just keep working it.

[john walker's workshop]

pop out the soft plug on the end of the spring plate housing and use a drift to knock it out. requires taking out the round body plug and rocker.