What is the best way to lower a torsion bar suspension.

[rs74]

What does everyone do to lower these type of front suspensions. I have never messed with one of these. I wouldn't want it low enough for a c-notch. Is it easier to replace/update with newer suspension?

Anybody have any links to previous threads for this.

[m455sx]

I would grease the 2 bolts few days prior and turn them counter clock wise turning each bolt the same to desired height. Thats how mine was doie but not recommended. But ive never had a problem!

[slepysal]

I soaked mine with penerating oil the night before.Jacked it up set the frame on jackstands and started loosening the bolts. I turned one a couple of turns then turned the other bolt the same amount. Came out fine.
I will be adding drop spindles soon so I will wind them back up.

[rs74]

I am going out on a limb here but would it be easier to just change out the front cross member with one from and 80's truck? I have read a few threads since posting this and it seems like the torsion bar bolts can hang down and cause issues with hitting the road.

[61_FL_Apache]

Turn the big bolts on it and let it down.. I bagged the rear of mine without a notch to get that lower too.

If I was to do it again, I would have used drop spindles on the front. Crossmember swap is a lot of work for a weekend lowering project.

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by rs74

I am going out on a limb here but would it be easier to just change out the front cross member with one from and 80's truck? I have read a few threads since posting this and it seems like the torsion bar bolts can hang down and cause issues with hitting the road.

That is true. You do have to watch where you go. You learn the high spots on the road in your area. It has not been that big a deal for me. Mine sit about 4 inches off the road.

[markeb01]

The following thread may prove helpful, along with the link in post #2, which has factory photos of the suspension parts:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...r+torsion+bars

[rs74]

Thanks, I think it will be best for me to look for a newer coil spring suspension and bolt it in instead of messing with the torsion bars. That was the way I was leaning anyway. Just wanted for information before making that decision.

[62 Barnfind]

I also have torsion bar setup and I want to go lower. My neighbor has a 86 torn apart next door and he told me that I can have anything I want off of it before he scraps it. The only problem is that he is in Afghanistan right now. I was reading marke01 tread on switching the torsion bar to IFS. So I guess i will do it sometimes when he gets back. Until then I will loosen the bolts and get new springs for the rear. My only question is the rear springs the same as 63-66? I think they are but classic chevy parts says it is 63-66.

[Brad54]

I just cranked the t-bars on my '61 Suburban, and installed lowering springs in the rear. It's not REAL low, but it's got a nice stance to it.

The RIGHT way would be to put drop spindles up front, but they didn't have '60-62 drop spindles when I did it a few years ago.

Just cranking down the T-bars has been hard on shocks--they end up dying within 10-15K miles, and the suspension bottoms-out on hard bumps--fortunately, the rubber bump stops are VERY soft and spongy, so it's not breaking or bending anything.
The T-bars ride GREAT on the road. That's why I want to keep them.
Drop spindles and disk brakes are coming, and then I'm going to be manufacturing sway bars for the '60-'62 trucks as well.

-Brad