Torsion Bar unloading

[sandy wilson]

I found the suggestion of unloading the bar by lowering the a-frame to
be interesting, and agree if an adjustment has to be made then the
proper tool would still be required.
Instead of using the tool to unload the torsion bar, could a bottle jack
be placed under the pork chop and be raised to unload the bar? Or would
this simply want to raise the coach?
Just looking for a solution to get around the special tool, which I
don't have
Regards, Gil.

 

[ron keener]

I have no problem using a floor jack or a bottle jack to unload the
torsion bar - just put jack as far out on the lower 'A' arm as possible
- - jack up until tire is off ground - place jack stand under a solid
point - remove tire - loosen ball joint - slowly lower jack until frame
carries load - keep going down slowly on jack until ball joint seperates
- - may need some persuasion to do this part with ball joint tool -
reverse process to reinstall

the key is a jack that you can very SLOWLY control the pressure from the
torsion bar

this is the way it is done at most repair shops

- --

ron keener near Austin, Texas http://MidAmericaBreedingTech.com
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* proud owner of classic 1978 GMC Birchaven motorhome
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[steven d. ferguson]

Instead of using the tool to unload the torsion bar, could a bottle jack

be placed under the pork chop and be raised to unload the bar? Or would
this simply want to raise the coach?

I don't think so! Even if this method worked, resetting your front
height level would be nearly impossible. The correct tool wasn't that
expensive & works soooo well.
Steve Ferguson
San Diego