Torsion Bar Adjustment Bolts Question (69 Charger)

[Tyron68]

Today I just finished getting all of the front suspension put back in the car (69 charger 383). I’m running into an issue with the height on the front drivers side. The short version is the adjustment bolt isn’t seeming to raise the car like it should. The passenger side is at the desired ride height and the adjustment bolt in the lower control arm is sticking out from the bottom of the control arm frame. The drivers side however I cant seem to get to raise up anymore and the lower control arm adjustment bolt has been turned to the point that it is up inside of the lower control arm frame. To clarify, the heights on the front are now essentially the same however on the drivers side the thing that the adjuster nut pushes on is almost hitting the frame (sorry don’t know what it’s called). Anything thoughts on what the issue could be?

 

[pnora]

Sounds like your bar is indexed wrong. Is it the correct bar and is it on the right side?

 

[j-c-c-62]

Not sure it really matters, as long as you obtain your ride height, and we knew why
The indexing sounds like the problem, but I thought it was foolproof that you would not be able assemble if it was wrong and all the parts are OEM spec and not bent, etc.

 

[RemCharger]

Today I just finished getting all of the front suspension put back in the car (69 charger 383). I’m running into an issue with the height on the front drivers side. The short version is the adjustment bolt isn’t seeming to raise the car like it should. The passenger side is at the desired ride height and the adjustment bolt in the lower control arm is sticking out from the bottom of the control arm frame. The drivers side however I cant seem to get to raise up anymore and the lower control arm adjustment bolt has been turned to the point that it is up inside of the lower control arm frame. To clarify, the heights on the front are now essentially the same however on the drivers side the thing that the adjuster nut pushes on is almost hitting the frame (sorry don’t know what it’s called). Anything thoughts on what the issue could be?

The LCA bushings are new?
The rear springs aren't mopar ss ?

 

[WileE]

You need to clock the torsion bar in the socket. The suspension must be at full drop with the bumper removed, at the very least.

 

[Tyron68]

The LCA bushings are new?
The rear springs aren't mopar ss ?

The lower control arms and torsion bars are original. Replaced everything else. Rear leaf springs are new (Hotchkis).

 

[Tyron68]

You need to clock the torsion bar in the socket. The suspension must be at full drop with the bumper removed, at the very least.

Can you clarify clock the torsion bar in the socket?

 

[hunt2elk]

Possible that the one torsion bar be getting weak and loosing its spring rate?

 

[WileE]

Can you clarify clock the torsion bar in the socket?

I did.

 

[Don Frelier]

When you slide in the torsion bar both arms should be dropped as low as possible with the adjustment bolt backed way out.
Some say to not have the upper bump stop bolted in but I've been able to do it.

 

[AR67GTX]

I have the exact same thing with my 66 Satellite. When I first noticed this I investigated and found the original bars were switched side for side so I bought new PST 1.03 bars and installed on the correct sides (left is driver side) and indexed them correctly. LCAs in full droop with upper a-arm bumpers removed. Bars slid right in - no drama. It will go up so far but at some point screwing in the bolt stops raising the L side and screwing it in further has no effect. The best I can do is get the L side to within 1/4” of the R side. Then if I try to lower the R side to level it, the L side lowers more than the R side. No evidence anywhere that the car has ever been hit. I’m wondering if it isn’t due to the HD rear leaf springs with the extra 1/2 leafs on the R side? And I’m just jacking the front L corner against the stiffer R side leaf springs in the rear. Either that or there is something wrong with the cam and adjusting screw on the L side. I would like trying to replace the cam and screw but not sure the cam is replaceable in the LCA (?).

Edit - fixed left description in 2nd paragraph

 

[dfrazz]

Maybe its the sleeve in your k-member?

 

[matthon]

Is the arm not above the adjuster?
I've seen it happen.

 

[Tyron68]

When you slide in the torsion bar both arms should be dropped as low as possible with the adjustment bolt backed way out.
Some say to not have the upper bump stop bolted in but I've been able to do it.
View attachment 1829537

I didn’t touch the torsion bars. I replaced the upper control arm, spindle, lower ball joint and all of the steering bushings. When I loosened the lower control arm nut to do all this it was at the same spot on both sides.

 

[Tyron68]

Is the arm not above the adjuster?
I've seen it happen.

View attachment 1829603

I’m gonna go out to shop here in a few and will check and follow up.

 

[Tyron68]

No you didn’t…..

 

[LowBikeMike]

I have the exact same thing with my 66 Satellite. When I first noticed this I investigated and found the original bars were switched side for side so I bought new PST 1.03 bars and installed on the correct sides (left is Pass) and indexed them correctly. LCAs in full droop with upper a-arm bumpers removed. Bars slid right in - no drama. It will go up so far but at some point screwing in the bolt stops raising the L side and screwing it in further has no effect. The best I can do is get the L side to within 1/4” of the R side. Then if I try to lower the R side to level it, the L side lowers more than the R side. No evidence anywhere that the car has ever been hit. I’m wondering if it isn’t due to the HD rear leaf springs with the extra 1/2 leafs on the R side? And I’m just jacking the front L corner against the stiffer R side leaf springs in the rear. Either that or there is something wrong with the cam and adjusting screw on the L side. I would like trying to replace the cam and screw but not sure the cam is replaceable in the LCA (?).

Left is generally the drivers side.

 

[Tyron68]

So looking at the service manual page 2-6, Installation sequence, 8 says to turn adjusting bolt clockwise to place load on torsion bar and 9 says lower vehicle to ground and adjust front suspension height. I was under the impression you could not turn adjusting bolt either way with load on car. So to adjust ride height it needs to be with load or am I misinterpreting that? Lastly when I am turning the adjustment nut the torsion bar is not turning at all….

 

[WileE]

When you slide in the torsion bar both arms should be dropped as low as possible with the adjustment bolt backed way out.
Some say to not have the upper bump stop bolted in but I've been able to do it.

Yes I did. And he said it^^^. The suspension must be at full drop with the bumper removed, although you may be able to get it, but it's easier to unbolt the bumper.

 

[khryslerkid]

So to adjust ride height it needs to be with load or am I misinterpreting that? Lastly when I am turning the adjustment nut the torsion bar is not turning at all….

It's hard to see the torsion bar turn. It's like a spring and turning the adjustment twist the bar to add more tension.

Anytime you make an adjustment you need to roll the car back about a full length and back again to settle the suspension. If the adjusters turn easily its okay to do it with weight on the suspension. Oiling the threads will help.