lowering 62 with torsion bars - Page 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

fleetsidelarry · 07-01-2011, 11:50 AM

also, a word of caution: if the bolt breaks while you're trying to turn it, you can get hurt. there's a thread on the forum somewhere where someone cites his personal experience with this.

I plan on unloading the bars (moderately) on my '61 along with drop spindles after my '66 truck and '48 coupe are "finished"--possibly in the next century.

steve'62 · 07-03-2011, 05:38 PM

Looks like mine was lowered using the bars by the previous owner, also noticed my bolt is serverly bent, has anyone replaced a bolt on these? or know what size it is, or have any suggestions? I dont even know if I can get it out unless maybe I cut it...may be dangerous though

forestb · 07-03-2011, 07:04 PM

When I took my torsion bars out I just raised the front off the ground so the wheels were hanging and all the torsion was released from the bars so it was not dangerous at all. I would also suggest using drop spindles at the same time as lowering using the torsion bars. It worked grate for me and you don't have to worry as much about the bump stops but then you have to switch over to disks.

steve'62 · 07-03-2011, 08:00 PM

forest, thanks for the info, sounds like I will be raising it off the ground then, I plan on using drop spindles and discs, the thing is I wanted to raise to torsions back us some as the previous owner drop it as far as he could. but with that bent bolt it seems I will need to replace it. Where can I get a good grade bolt and what size will I need, anybody know?

mcfarlnd · 07-03-2011, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by **grumpy**

Heres my old 60 with lowered torsion bolts. sat nice but as was stated, the bolts hung low...

and my buddys 62 but he took his torsion bolts out and indexed them, so he got the drop, but the bolts dont hang nearly as low.
But this isnt a mod everyone is capable of..

Hey grumpy, does that red truck have dropped spindles as well and did you put different bump stops on the front to sit so low? Also, what length drop spring did you use in the back? love the stance on that red truck!

mcfarlnd · 07-04-2011, 11:57 PM

Grumpy?????
Posted via Mobile Device

**grumpy** · 07-05-2011, 12:08 PM

Sorry dude...

Been thrashing on current 66 short fleet to make Goodguys this weekend.

The red truck had the torsion bolts backed out until the last thread was even with upper blocks.
That make sense?

Once you feel up under the truck, you'll understand. The bumpstops were completely removed.
And I bought a pr of mini-truck Toxic Shocks from Summit that worked well.

The bolts drug on the ground much more often than the front bottomed out.

mcfarlnd · 07-07-2011, 03:09 AM

No problem. Thanks for the reply. What length spring was on the rear? Got the front done, although not as low as that truck, it has a nice "rake".
Posted via Mobile Device

1Bad62Pro/Street · 07-07-2011, 09:51 AM

Cut her off and use a Mustang II IFS Clip with Heidts Coil-Over Shock and Springs! Teehee

mcfarlnd · 07-07-2011, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Bad62Pro/Street

Cut her off and use a Mustang II IFS Clip with Heidts Coil-Over Shock and Springs! Teehee

just pay for it and ill gladly install that on my truck.

by the way.....nice ride.

1Bad62Pro/Street · 07-07-2011, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcfarlnd

just pay for it and ill gladly install that on my truck.

by the way.....nice ride.

Not just the cost.......
It's kinda labor intensive. But not to bad.
But I had to get rid of that front end!
I don't like torsion bars and self adjusting brakes!
She lost some weight during the transplant.
Now she is hunkered down low with a nice stance, soft smooth ride and the correct geometry.

One of the most common of all modifications to an early truck,
car, street or hot rod is the installation of a Mustang II independent front suspension.
http://www.customclassictrucks.com/t...#ixzz1RTRrHJCT
http://www.hotrodssuperstore.com/quesanabifsk.html

1Bad62Pro/Street · 07-07-2011, 10:05 PM

1960-62 Front Suspension Upgrade
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=366828

mcfarlnd · 07-10-2011, 12:39 PM

That is definitely in the near future with bags. For now I just wanted a lower stance until I get to California.
Posted via Mobile Device

LakeShow24 · 08-13-2011, 11:25 PM

does anybody have pics of where the bolts are?... i can't seem to find them... the PO lowered the truck already, but i want to go lower...

Blue Blood · 08-14-2011, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeShow24

does anybody have pics of where the bolts are?... i can't seem to find them... the PO lowered the truck already, but i want to go lower...

Follow the torsion bar coming out of the lower arm towards the back of the truck, the bar goes into a 'porkchop', there you'll see a bolt going up vertically, which pushes on the p-chop twisting the t-bars.
I'd suggest soaking the assembly with PB Blaster 1st..if you're doing it in your driveway,put something on the ground underneath, PB eats pavement.

markeb01 · 08-14-2011, 01:41 PM

Here are some photos from the 1960 Shop Manual that may be helpful. I’ve enlarged a couple for clarity:

Blue Blood · 08-14-2011, 04:39 PM

^Excellent^
I need to pickup a factory manual.

1Bad62Pro/Street · 08-15-2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markeb01

Here are some photos from the 1960 Shop Manual that may be helpful. I’ve enlarged a couple for clarity:

I saved this pictures Mark!
Thanks for posting!

61_FL_Apache · 08-15-2011, 05:18 PM

Subscribed again. Thanks for the info..

s11sean11 · 09-02-2011, 02:01 PM

this is how we ended up lowering it

61_FL_Apache · 09-02-2011, 02:45 PM

So are you still gonna use tortion bars or put bags in there?

**62 Longbed** · 09-02-2011, 02:51 PM

I lowered mine with just the adjusters .. Still rides nice , but was looking at the lowered spindles also ... But I've noticed around here my is low enough as it is , the drives at alot of the local business'es and man hole covers sometimes worry me if I go much lower .. It doesn't even look like my truck is that low ... Good Luck with the build , Keep the pictures coming !!!

s11sean11 · 09-02-2011, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 61_FL_Apache

So are you still gonna use tortion bars or put bags in there?

yes we are keeping them it took alot of cutting and fitting to make it work

s11sean11 · 09-02-2011, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 62 Longbed

I lowered mine with just the adjusters .. Still rides nice , but was looking at the lowered spindles also ... But I've noticed around here my is low enough as it is , the drives at alot of the local business'es and man hole covers sometimes worry me if I go much lower .. It doesn't even look like my truck is that low ... Good Luck with the build , Keep the pictures coming !!!

i know what you mean it will not be sitting very low because Winnipeg has the worst streets you can find any where and i want it to drive nice

Dustin07 · 11-03-2011, 03:01 PM

who sells drop spindles for the 60-62's?

07-01-2011, 11:50 AM	#26
fleetsidelarry Senior Car Nut Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: shellman bluff, GA Posts: 1,411	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars also, a word of caution: if the bolt breaks while you're trying to turn it, you can get hurt. there's a thread on the forum somewhere where someone cites his personal experience with this. I plan on unloading the bars (moderately) on my '61 along with drop spindles after my '66 truck and '48 coupe are "finished"--possibly in the next century. __________________ Larry

07-03-2011, 05:38 PM	#27
steve'62 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Goodyear,az Posts: 251	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars Looks like mine was lowered using the bars by the previous owner, also noticed my bolt is serverly bent, has anyone replaced a bolt on these? or know what size it is, or have any suggestions? I dont even know if I can get it out unless maybe I cut it...may be dangerous though

07-03-2011, 07:04 PM	#28
forestb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 3,607	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars When I took my torsion bars out I just raised the front off the ground so the wheels were hanging and all the torsion was released from the bars so it was not dangerous at all. I would also suggest using drop spindles at the same time as lowering using the torsion bars. It worked grate for me and you don't have to worry as much about the bump stops but then you have to switch over to disks.

07-03-2011, 08:00 PM	#29
steve'62 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Goodyear,az Posts: 251	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars forest, thanks for the info, sounds like I will be raising it off the ground then, I plan on using drop spindles and discs, the thing is I wanted to raise to torsions back us some as the previous owner drop it as far as he could. but with that bent bolt it seems I will need to replace it. Where can I get a good grade bolt and what size will I need, anybody know?

07-04-2011, 11:57 PM	#31
mcfarlnd Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Texan living in Point Mugu, CA Posts: 82	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars Grumpy????? Posted via Mobile Device

07-05-2011, 12:08 PM	#32
grumpy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 737	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars Sorry dude... Been thrashing on current 66 short fleet to make Goodguys this weekend. The red truck had the torsion bolts backed out until the last thread was even with upper blocks. That make sense? Once you feel up under the truck, you'll understand. The bumpstops were completely removed. And I bought a pr of mini-truck Toxic Shocks from Summit that worked well. The bolts drug on the ground much more often than the front bottomed out. __________________ Tim Road Hounds

07-07-2011, 03:09 AM	#33
mcfarlnd Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Texan living in Point Mugu, CA Posts: 82	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars No problem. Thanks for the reply. What length spring was on the rear? Got the front done, although not as low as that truck, it has a nice "rake". Posted via Mobile Device

07-07-2011, 09:51 AM	#34
1Bad62Pro/Street "Where were you in '62?" Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Cleveland County, North Cackalacky Posts: 5,013	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars Cut her off and use a Mustang II IFS Clip with Heidts Coil-Over Shock and Springs! Teehee __________________ PROJECT: "FULL METAL YELLOW JACKET" 1962 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed Nostalgia Pro/Street Pickup Truck PROJECT: "FULL METAL YELLOW JACKET Build Thread What Are You Workin' On? - 1Bad62ChevyPickup PROJECT: "TYRANNORAMBLER REX" 1969 AMC Rambler American Nostalgia Pro/Street Youtube Channel: Father Son Projects Youtube Channel: 2TIMOTHY2FITHTEEN "North and South Carolina Folks Click Here!" (((( ~ I have Parts For Sale & Miscellaneous Stuff ~ )))) "Well being as there's no other place around the place, I reckon this must be the place, I reckon...Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk" -Curly Howard Ph.D.

07-07-2011, 10:05 PM	#37
1Bad62Pro/Street "Where were you in '62?" Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Cleveland County, North Cackalacky Posts: 5,013	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars 1960-62 Front Suspension Upgrade http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=366828 __________________ PROJECT: "FULL METAL YELLOW JACKET" 1962 Chevy C-10 Stepside Shortbed Nostalgia Pro/Street Pickup Truck PROJECT: "FULL METAL YELLOW JACKET Build Thread What Are You Workin' On? - 1Bad62ChevyPickup PROJECT: "TYRANNORAMBLER REX" 1969 AMC Rambler American Nostalgia Pro/Street Youtube Channel: Father Son Projects Youtube Channel: 2TIMOTHY2FITHTEEN "North and South Carolina Folks Click Here!" (((( ~ I have Parts For Sale & Miscellaneous Stuff ~ )))) "Well being as there's no other place around the place, I reckon this must be the place, I reckon...Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk" -Curly Howard Ph.D.

07-10-2011, 12:39 PM	#38
mcfarlnd Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Texan living in Point Mugu, CA Posts: 82	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars That is definitely in the near future with bags. For now I just wanted a lower stance until I get to California. Posted via Mobile Device

08-13-2011, 11:25 PM	#39
LakeShow24 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Soul Cal Posts: 26	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars does anybody have pics of where the bolts are?... i can't seem to find them... the PO lowered the truck already, but i want to go lower...

08-14-2011, 01:41 PM	#41
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars Here are some photos from the 1960 Shop Manual that may be helpful. I’ve enlarged a couple for clarity:

08-14-2011, 04:39 PM	#42
Blue Blood Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: MV Ma. Posts: 114	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars ^Excellent^ I need to pickup a factory manual.

08-15-2011, 05:18 PM	#44
61_FL_Apache Who Me? Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Royal Palm Beach, FL Posts: 4,067	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars Subscribed again. Thanks for the info.. __________________ Steve 1997 Tahoe LT 4D 2WD (DD) 2001 Blazer 4D 2WD 1961 Apache 10 (sold) 1965 C10 Stepper (sold)

09-02-2011, 02:01 PM	#45
s11sean11 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: winnipeg Manitoba Posts: 167	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars this is how we ended up lowering it Attached Images



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09-02-2011, 02:45 PM	#46
61_FL_Apache Who Me? Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Royal Palm Beach, FL Posts: 4,067	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars So are you still gonna use tortion bars or put bags in there? __________________ Steve 1997 Tahoe LT 4D 2WD (DD) 2001 Blazer 4D 2WD 1961 Apache 10 (sold) 1965 C10 Stepper (sold)

09-02-2011, 02:51 PM	#47
62 Longbed Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Gresham , Oregon Posts: 588	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars I lowered mine with just the adjusters .. Still rides nice , but was looking at the lowered spindles also ... But I've noticed around here my is low enough as it is , the drives at alot of the local business'es and man hole covers sometimes worry me if I go much lower .. It doesn't even look like my truck is that low ... Good Luck with the build , Keep the pictures coming !!! Attached Images

11-03-2011, 03:01 PM	#50
Dustin07 Stirrer of the Pot Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: washington Posts: 477	Re: lowering 62 with torsion bars who sells drop spindles for the 60-62's?

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