trying to adjust torsion bars

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Old 10-21-2011, 08:04 AM
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trying to adjust torsion bars

how far off of the bump pads are is the frame supposed to be. and can you reindex the bars or just adjust them with the adjusting bolt? it's on my 67 valiant and everytime i hit a bump the drives side hits the bump stop and the pass side was riding on the bump stop. i did adjust but i'm not sure if i did it enough. thank you for yalls help in advance.
Old 10-21-2011, 08:51 AM
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You need to adjust them for you vehicle's ride height...I have no idea what your cars ride height is so that is the question you need to ask. It is usually measured from some front suspension point to the ground.
Old 10-21-2011, 03:42 PM
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on most cars your lower control arms should be level with the ground.
Old 10-21-2011, 06:13 PM
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Originally Posted by JS23
on most cars your lower control arms should be level with the ground.
Please tell me you are kidding. Since Mopar arms are curved, where do you measure "level?"

I've read the shop manual, and nowhere in there does it say this.
Old 10-21-2011, 08:05 PM
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i will try to pst some pics tomorrow of the front suspension and how it close it is to the bump stops. also where can i find new torsion bars if i have to replace them?
Old 10-21-2011, 08:46 PM
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Originally Posted by mikerp76
i will try to pst some pics tomorrow of the front suspension and how it close it is to the bump stops. also where can i find new torsion bars if i have to replace them?
I have the stock 318 ones out of my 68 Dart that were working fine at a cheap price since your in the same area. I can't tell you for sure until tomorrow but I think they are .890/.893.
Old 10-21-2011, 09:22 PM
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Originally Posted by bremereric
I have the stock 318 ones out of my 68 Dart that were working fine at a cheap price since your in the same area. I can't tell you for sure until tomorrow but I think they are .890/.893.
ok i will keep that in mind. i just sdjusted mine about 3 threads and got about 1/2" clearance. so if that holds they should be good if not then i will have to replace.

also every friday night there is a car meet off of eldridge and enclave free of charge so if you are interested or know someone that owns a classic car feel free to come and visit.
Old 10-26-2011, 01:13 PM
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By level, I meant that as a general rule in Short/Long Arm suspension the center of the pivot on the LCA would be level with the lower ball joint. This of course would only hold true if the original size tire was used and you wanted to keep the car at stock ride height for 1967.
Otherwords put it where it looks good. Trim the bumptops if needed.
Old 10-26-2011, 02:12 PM
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I measured from the top center of my front fender lip to the ground i have around 1 1/2 clearance on mine had it lower but bottomed out the bumpstop on everything. I have 25 1/4 from the ground to the top center of the wheel well lip center. On a 66 barracuda.
Old 10-26-2011, 08:43 PM
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thank you everyone for your replies between work and taking care of our 3 week old i really ahven't had much time to check out where it is sitting since i adjutsed the bars. but it still acts like it is still low as when i a turning and hit a bump the drivers side bottoms out.
Old 10-26-2011, 09:34 PM
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Originally Posted by mikerp76
thank you everyone for your replies between work and taking care of our 3 week old i really ahven't had much time to check out where it is sitting since i adjutsed the bars. but it still acts like it is still low as when i a turning and hit a bump the drivers side bottoms out.
It sounds like it is pretty low but, a good shock absorber may make the difference. I have a lowered Chev. pickup truck and the tops of the front tires would hit the bottoms of the inner fenderwells, if I hit a bump just right or I was on the brakes when I hit the bump....

I installed a good set of KYB shocks and haven't had the problem since and it's been a few years now.

Just a thought...
Old 10-27-2011, 07:04 AM
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My buddy put the next size larger torsion bar in his 67 barracuda and it transformed the ride. Sorry to suggest the more expensive option.
Old 10-27-2011, 12:01 PM
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Originally Posted by JS23
My buddy put the next size larger torsion bar in his 67 barracuda and it transformed the ride. Sorry to suggest the more expensive option.
true it may be the more expnsive option but we are talking about a car that is 45 years old. so i am sure they will need to be replace in the near future. along with the rear springs, con arm bushings, all tie rod ends and possibly the gear box. but that is what makes working on these cars fun is tearing them down and then rebuilding them.
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