Question about reinstalling torsion bars
 

How do you know how far to pound them in?

I installed what I thought was correct, but when I installed the sway away spring plates, the splines aren't engaging so it must be in too far.

Ideas?

What year is your car?

I left the interior splines out some - not all the way in. Then put the spring plate on and pushed them both in. That way seemed to help make indexing the torsion easier too.

You should remove the slug/plug on the end of the spring plate. That way you can see how much of the splines are engaged.
Also, if you push one side in too far, you can adjust it by pounding the opposite bar in to get them both equally seated.
New plastic protector caps are available from Elephant or Tarret. Or, you can make one from a length of two inch rubber hose.
Bill K

If you're having that much trouble, you need to clean the splines and grease them. Shouldn't be that deep.

If I remember correctly there shouldn't be any play once both sides are in.