61 torsion bar truck, can the little block under the bolt serve a purpose?

[rustic]

Does the little block that is located between the head of the bolt and the cast torsion arm have a purpose? I am considering removing it and replacing it with a heavy washer this will gain about a half inch of ground clearance and add more thread to the top threaded blocks. What are the pros and cons?

[dthela]

why would you need more thread? I don't think you would ever need more adjustment up or down on the torsion bars than there is now. Unless you want no suspension or solid suspension

[markeb01]

Looking at photos 17 & 18 in the 1960 Chevy Truck Shop Manual, it appears the square block(s) you are talking about both on the bottom by the head of the bolt, and the square nut/plate on top, have anti-rotation properties designed into them, keyed by the half round block to the adjuster arm itself.

Replacing the lower plate with a flat washer may cause the bolt to unscrew over time. This could risk losing adjustment, or the bolt itself if it unscrews far enough. This might be prevented if the bolt is long enough with the lower plate removed to double nut the top of the bolt which would in effect lock the bolt in place. This is assuming you can even find an extra nut the correct size.

[rustic]

thanks for the info markebo1 i thought that might be some sort of locking set up for the bolt, but was not sure. you have been a help to me and from what i see everyone on this site. you should be proud of your wealth of knowlege about these trucks.

[doobiebro]

Originally Posted by rustic

thanks for the info markebo1 i thought that might be some sort of locking set up for the bolt, but was not sure. you have been a help to me and from what i see everyone on this site. you should be proud of your wealth of knowlege about these trucks.

I second that...