Torsion bars removal problem

philinjax · 01-22-2002, 12:23 PM

I have removed & replaced several sets of torsion bars, in the past but, this time I am stumped.

I separated the bar adjusters and crossmember from the A-arms.
After putting the first A-arm in a vise, I pulled and pried on the torsion bar with a couple of big screw drivers. Nothing. Then I clamped my big vise grips on the spined area and used pry bars on the vise grips. No deal, all it did was mar up the splines. Now I'm at the point of driving the bar back into the A-arm so that I pop the cap off the front of the A-arm tube, thus removing the torsion bar from the front. Should I proceed with this method, or what?
TIA,
phil

Jim Smolka · 01-23-2002, 08:48 AM

Removing the end cap and then punching the Tbars out is an ok method. I have done this, just drill a small hole and use a punch to remove the cap. Just be sure to cover the hole with RTV

flying9142_2 · 01-23-2002, 11:36 PM

Being from the east coast.....alot of penetrating oil and a bit of oxy acetylene never hurt......could not believe when i moved to nevada and bought my 1st 914 here........no rust...all bolts came off with out needing the torch !!

While we are on the subject of T bars..anyone run 23 mm bars on the street ? I had a set in my last 914 with 180lb springs on the rear with Koni adj all around....ride was a tad stiff but for daily driving and AUTOCROSS it handled perfect for my driving style ( the Hossier autocrossers helped too ! ).

Thinkng of putting a set of 22mm in my 73 2.0 , just for street...I no longer autocross......

Let me tell you with 23mm bars in the front..you can put alot of landscape bricks in the front....can not remember how many i had in there but i filled it til the hood would just barely close.....ride didnt feel that much different with all that weight