Torsion Bar adjustment

boybach

boybach

Well-known member
Dec 9, 2020
1,033
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Speaking with an Olds Toronado buff over coffee this morning, asked him if he had a torsion bar unloading tool I could borrow.

He didn't have one, but suggested if I was slackening (lowering the front end) seemed reasonable to him that as the tension would be decreasing so I
wouldn't need the unload tool.

Any thoughts on this?

Larry

--
Larry - Victoria BC -

1977 Palm Beach VIN TZE167V101295 - 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. New wiper blades, New SS exhaust system,
operational Onan genset
 
I'd unload it.

bdub
http://www.bdub.net/torsionbarunloader/

> Speaking with an Olds Toronado buff over coffee this morning, asked him if
> he had a torsion bar unloading tool I could borrow.
>
> He didn't have one, but suggested if I was slackening (lowering the front
> end) seemed reasonable to him that as the tension would be decreasing so I
> wouldn't need the unload tool.
>
> Any thoughts on this?
>
> Larry
>
>
 
Unloading tool allows you to keep your adjustments fairly close. Saves
time.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Oregon

> I'd unload it.
>
> bdub
> http://www.bdub.net/torsionbarunloader/
>

>
> > Speaking with an Olds Toronado buff over coffee this morning, asked him
> if
> > he had a torsion bar unloading tool I could borrow.
> >
> > He didn't have one, but suggested if I was slackening (lowering the front
> > end) seemed reasonable to him that as the tension would be decreasing so
> I
> > wouldn't need the unload tool.
> >
> > Any thoughts on this?
> >
> > Larry
> >
> >
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
 
The GMC torsion bars have a little bit less than twice the load on them compared to a Toronado. You can get a GM torsion bar unloading tool on eBay
for ~$25 delivered. That's the C-clamp style tool, and it's not real GM, but it'll work.

Richard
--
'77 Birchaven TZE...777;
'76 Palm Beach with 18,477 verified miles;
‘76 Edgemonte
 
There are literally Tons of force on the torsion bars when the coach is on
the tires. A bit less when on jack stands, but still plenty enough to hurt
you. Use caution when working on these things.
Jim Hupy
Salem,Oregon

> The GMC torsion bars have a little bit less than twice the load on them
> compared to a Toronado. You can get a GM torsion bar unloading tool on eBay
> for ~$25 delivered. That's the C-clamp style tool, and it's not real GM,
> but it'll work.
>
> Richard
> --
> '77 Birchaven TZE...777;
> '76 Palm Beach with 18,477 verified miles;
> ‘76 Edgemonte
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>
 
You can also borrow a GM unloader tool from auto zone or o’riles for free
--
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
 
> You can also borrow a GM unloader tool from auto zone or o’riles for free

We have neither of those stores here in Canada.
Canadian Tire and it's subsidiary, Partsource have the "loan-a-tool" program here, but I have no idea if they have an unloading tool or not.
--
Burl Vibert
Kingston, Ontario
1976 GMC 26 foot, Sheridan reno, don't know original model
 
> We have neither of those stores here in Canada.
> Canadian Tire and it's subsidiary, Partsource have the "loan-a-tool" program here, but I have no idea if they have an unloading tool or not.

I'll check Canadian Tire to see if I can get one there, otherwise I'll have to buy one. Pricey shipping BS from states as usual.

Larry
--
Larry - Victoria BC -

1977 Palm Beach VIN TZE167V101295 - 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. New wiper blades, New SS exhaust system,
operational Onan genset
 
Ebay Canada - kent moore J-22517 free shipping from US.
--
Bill Van Vlack
'76 Royale; Guemes Island, Washington; Twin bed, full (DS) side bath, Brazilian Redwood counter and settee tops,455, 6KW generator; new owner a/o mid
November 2015.
 
Appreciate the link Bill but clicking it from Canada you don't get free shipping, the thing costs C$115.25 and shipping is C$34.09 so basically a ton
and a half plus estimated delivery 9-24 business days -

I think I'll give that one a pass ..

Larry
--
Larry - Victoria BC -

1977 Palm Beach VIN TZE167V101295 - 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. New wiper blades, New SS exhaust system,
operational Onan genset
 
> There are literally Tons of force on the torsion bars when the coach is on
> the tires. A bit less when on jack stands, but still plenty enough to hurt
> you. Use caution when working on these things.
> Jim Hupy
> Salem,Oregon
>

>
> > The GMC torsion bars have a little bit less than twice the load on them
> > compared to a Toronado. You can get a GM torsion bar unloading tool on eBay
> > for ~$25 delivered. That's the C-clamp style tool, and it's not real GM,
> > but it'll work.
> >
> > Richard

If you release the lower control arms from the knuckles, you won't need to use a unloading tool to get the torsion bars out. You will however have to
use a unloading tool to get the front suspension back together and up to ride height.

It works best to have 2 unloading tools to adjust ride height. The guy who did mine over 25 years ago only used 1 and messed things up. I only
discovered that a few weeks ago.

--
Richard
76 Palm Beach
SE Michigan
www.PalmBeachGMC.com


Coop Roller Cam 455, Howell TBI + EBL, 3.42 FD, Quadra Bag, Macerator, Lenzi stuff, Manny Tranny etc.
 
> Canadian Tire and it's subsidiary, Partsource have the "loan-a-tool" program here, but I have no idea if they have an unloading tool or not.

Hi Burl I just checked Canadian Tire, they don't loan these out, but do sell them ~$160 or so.

Larry

--
Larry - Victoria BC -

1977 Palm Beach VIN TZE167V101295 - 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. New wiper blades, New SS exhaust system,
operational Onan genset
 
Larry,

When I got our coach many years ago, I noticed an odd rebound when crossing railway tracks. The front ride height was off so I had to correct it. I
couldn't find an unloader tool so I made one It is a "U" bolt, a thick piece of steel with three holes in it, a centre bolt, and a small piece of
metal welded on to fit in the hole that prevents slipping. Everything is Grade 8. I'd put some photos on if I knew how !!
The coincidence is I got all the pieces in Victoria. I'm 2700 miles away now so not much help. I couldn't get enough adjustment to correct the ride
height so I had a longer bolt made. That corrected the ride height but not the odd rebounding. Eventually I found the real problem. Two right hand
torsion bars installed. Getting a good left one solved the problem.

I can email you some photos if you want.
--
Al Hamilton,
76 Eleganza II,
Heart of the 1000 Islands, Ontario
 
> Larry,
>
> When I got our coach many years ago, I noticed an odd rebound when crossing railway tracks. The front ride height was off so I had to correct
> it. I couldn't find an unloader tool so I made one It is a "U" bolt, a thick piece of steel with three holes in it, a centre bolt, and a small piece
> of metal welded on to fit in the hole that prevents slipping. Everything is Grade 8. I'd put some photos on if I knew how !!
> The coincidence is I got all the pieces in Victoria. I'm 2700 miles away now so not much help. I couldn't get enough adjustment to correct the
> ride height so I had a longer bolt made. That corrected the ride height but not the odd rebounding. Eventually I found the real problem. Two right
> hand torsion bars installed. Getting a good left one solved the problem.
>
> I can email you some photos if you want.

Hi Al, I'm going to ask around this morning with my mates, see if anyone has one, also maybe fleamarket tomorrow might be 1 chance in a 1000 but you
never know, right? Anyhoo, I might end up doing the same as you - I'd like to see the pics if poss --- send them to twlldeenATgmailDOTcom and I'll
pick them up on my phone

thanks mate

Larry
Larry

--
Larry - Victoria BC -

1977 Palm Beach VIN TZE167V101295 - 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. New wiper blades, New SS exhaust system,
operational Onan genset, R134A A/C, New fuel lines
 
Larry,

Photos are on the way. One is of the homemade unloader next to a correct unloader. The other shows the fourth nut that is not visible in the first
photo. Hope your lucky at the Flea Market.
--
Al Hamilton,
76 Eleganza II,
Heart of the 1000 Islands, Ontario
 
I would NEVER turn the adjusting bolt in EITHER direction with a load on it. Bite the bullet, get or make an unloading tool, and go after it.
DOS Tip: Every time you move the adjustment, take the coach out for a mile or three and drive it back to the measuring place in your yard in a
straight line as far as possible.

--johnny
--
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
 
Well as fate would have it a guy on the forum knew a guy a few thousand miles away from him but near me who might have a GMC tool - or maybe know
someone who might ...so I got hold of the guy and yes he used to have one but he gave all his GMC stuff away to this other guy - gave me the name of
the guy but didn't have a phone number or any contact info ...couldn't find anything at first but I did find a phone number for (maybe) his wife.
Turns out it was his wife and he was home and yes he has the tool and no problem me borrowing it. Bit of a drive to his place but that's OK. Correct
tool acquired!

Larry
--
Larry - Victoria BC -

1977 Palm Beach VIN TZE167V101295 - 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. New wiper blades, New SS exhaust system,
operational Onan genset, R134A A/C, New fuel lines
 
Some one near Victoria?

This is the tool I had mentioned to you a few months ago - I watched
them for a bit on Amazon.ca, but never actually ordered one. It sounds
like two tools would make the job faster/easier.

Mine handles fine - but the last time I checked, my front height is low.
I figured someday I'd think about correcting that - but spare time is
always at a premium...

Rob
Victoria, BC
76 Royale - Rear Twins/Dry Bath

> Well as fate would have it a guy on the forum knew a guy a few thousand miles away from him but near me who might have a GMC tool - or maybe know
> someone who might ...so I got hold of the guy and yes he used to have one but he gave all his GMC stuff away to this other guy - gave me the name of
> the guy but didn't have a phone number or any contact info ...couldn't find anything at first but I did find a phone number for (maybe) his wife.
> Turns out it was his wife and he was home and yes he has the tool and no problem me borrowing it. Bit of a drive to his place but that's OK. Correct
> tool acquired!
>
> Larry
 
Up island Rob. Gotta figure out how to go get it since picking up this thing may not be deemed "Essential Travel" :(

Larry
--
Larry - Victoria BC -

1977 Palm Beach VIN TZE167V101295 - 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. New wiper blades, New SS exhaust system,
operational Onan genset, R134A A/C, New fuel lines
 
Ok, today was the day I brought the coach down from the clouds. She's at about 13" now, both sides equal.

Larry
--
Larry - Victoria BC -

1977 Palm Beach VIN TZE167V101295 - 40,000 miles, PO said everything working but forgot the word NOT. New wiper blades, New SS exhaust system,
operational Onan genset, R134A A/C, New fuel lines
 
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