im about to replace the stock torsion bars with a used set of aftemarket rancho ones , anyone have any hints tips or tricks to doing this job ?

do i need to have the truck up with no pressure on suspension or on the ground ?

i bought the new bolts so that wont be a problem ?

any special order i need ot start removing nuts and bolts ?

any write ups for this job ?

airrikk17

 

You have to jack up the truck, and you will probably need new bolts, so it's good you have them... The bars have specific notches, so they only fit in one orientation (do NOT hammer them, they will fit easily.) Grease the ends of the bar before installing it too, to prevent squeaking and what not. It would probably be easiest with a friend to help guide the new bar in, but can be done alone I suppose. When adjusting them, you should jack up the truck, tighten, and then let it down. Don't tighten while on the ground, could lead to pain! (if the bolt breaks, it will send that torque arm through your floor, and drop the truck on you!)

 

umm...what he said.

Oh, the passenger's side is a PITA, so take your time. I had to unscrew a bracket (forgot which one) to maneuver the T-Bar in place. And...make sure you get the notch in the rear set up correctly before sliding the front end into the upper a-arm socket or that will be PITA #2.

Good Luck.

 

PB Blaster the bolts for a few days before you pull the old t-bars

 

I second having a new set of torsion bar bolts ready to replace the ones you'll snap off for sure. I made that mistake and was unable to drive the truck for several days while a new part was on order. Other thing is the splined end of the bar that sticks in the A-Arm is keyed. It's hard to get the keyway lined up properly unless you draw a mark on the bar further back as a reference point. Then it's easier to rotate the bar into the proper keyed position. Here are some links on replacment and adjustment.

http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/torsion/index.htm

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/torsion_bars/

 

i'll be doing this mod soon, too. already got my new bolts and nuts and a generous supply of PB blaster...

also have some new hubs coming, and i've already got new gaskets for those.

gotta pick up some grease and antiseize compound next time i'm out...anything else?

 

A service manual, if you don't already have one. Follow the steps in the book and you should be ok.

 

thanks for the links a huge help, hopfully ill get some time too do this project and a couple of others .

airrikk17