torsion bar suspension

[jwtdvm]

I am new to the forum and new to Mopars. Getting into a rotisserie resto on a 67 charger. I need peace of mind on these frontends---The lower control arm has a pivot shaft and bushing that I pressed out. I believe I have the poly replacement bushing so I left outer shell in place. So I guess I press the shaft and bushing back into arm then the front of torsion bar goes into other side of control arm. When I removed torsion bar the small spring on the body cross member was easily removed by hand---not a tight fit snug against torsion bar---What keeps the pivot shaft from conceivably moving a slight amount?? If the PRESS FIT gets loose?? I realize it cant move enough for the control arm to fall off but seems scary that the press fit is all that keeps it in place and the torsion bar only held in by that flimsy spring?? someone set my mind at rest thanks

 

[GTXKen]

Yup, thats all that holds it together and its lasted on many a car for many a thousnd miles so don't worry yourself to death about it. If you want more info and good suspension parts check out these guys. http://firmfeel.com/b.htm

 

[Cranky]

Actually, that torsion bar clip really doesn't do much at all once the bar has tension cranked up on it...if you don't believe that, try and get the bar out once you're done and the strut rod isn't going to let things move very much either.

 

[green1]

Yeah, I think the clip is there, just for assembly. Just pulled apart a 69 Charger, one clip, about 1/3 of that rusty thing left. No rear movement. Bar was not even pushing on it.

 

[WileE]

Actually, that torsion bar clip really doesn't do much at all once the bar has tension cranked up on it...if you don't believe that, try and get the bar out once you're done and the strut rod isn't going to let things move very much either.

Spot on. The clip acts as a cotter pin. The torsional force holds it in place. They don't move. The weight of the front of the car is holding them in place.

 

[Meep-Meep]

But Murphy says if the clips were never part of the design the bars would weasel out in short order!

 

[WileE]

But Murphy says if the clips were never part of the design the bars would weasel out in short order!

Funny, that's probably the only time Murphy didn't get me. Had a bar snap on a Dart I had years ago. But a Satellite I had was missing one, for who knows how long. After that, I checked customers cars back then whenever I was under, only one other time I saw one missing it.