Torsion Bar - (Rear) 72T

techguy · 11-20-2002, 09:55 AM

Hey Guys,

Now that my 72T is on the road, electrical problems behind me and a safety check all wrapped up it is time for some fine tuning.

My car as far as I am aware is mostly original, rust free, has a 2.7 with webbers in back and fresh paint with almost no plastic added. In other words mostly original!

Problem!

The rear end is way to low, does not seem to be a problem for handling but looks way out of balance in relation to the front end. Both left and right sides appear to be even and I would estimate aprox 2-2.5 inches lower in back v.s. front. I have read a lot of posts regarding adjustment on the board and I bought Wayne's book!

I do not plan to run the car hard on the track so she is mostly a sunny day/weekend toy.

Should I just take the plunge and buy new rear torsion bars or should I play around with a 30 year old configuration? She will be straight to the alignment shop at the end of the project regardless.

Pete

Randy Webb · 11-20-2002, 10:15 AM

Set the rear ride ht. and corner balance the car. Why buy new bars before you know what the problem is? Maybe the last owner just set the car wrong -- or do you know that it is drooping?

Also, you need to replace all the rubber bushings - front & bac - if it has not been done in the last few years. The rubber gets hard &/or compressed after many years.

Rot 911 · 11-20-2002, 10:16 AM

Have you measured the front and rear height? Most everyone goes with the Euro specs which are 25 inches to top of wheel well in the front and 24.5 inches to top of wheel well in back.

techguy · 11-20-2002, 11:38 AM

I totally agree the rubber bushings are most likely worn and should be replaced. As far as the last owner is concerned I have a strong feeling the adjustment was never touched, I assume it has simply sagged of the years.

If the bar was broken would the sides be even? I assume the car would handle very poorly? At the moment it appears tight, just low.

Does anyone have any pics of the rear adjustment mechanism? I am used to North American cars/trucks so my idea of how todays suspensions are adjusted is clear.....I just need to invision how it is done on the P-Cars. A picture speaks volumes.

Pete

tobluforu · tobluforu's Garage

So, the person before either pulled torsion bars and turned them, lowering car. You would have to do the same(oposite) to fix. Or you may me lucky and the person before installed later yr spring plates or after mkt ones. Look through wheel well at front of tire and see if you can see an allen bolt with head pointed toward ground. The other end will have part of the spring plate resting on it. If so, turn that allen nut until desired height is accomplised and have it aligned.

SweetE · 11-20-2002, 12:38 PM

You may want to check your torsion tube!!
Make sure it is not broken.

techguy · 11-20-2002, 02:13 PM

Here is what she looks like:

Height:

FL 24.5"
FR 24 3/4"
RL 22 2/16"
RR 22 2/16"