torsion bars question

[toms89]

OK since there are many lifted expy's here I know this has come up.

I need to replace my upper control arms and lower arm bushings. In order to do so I need to relieve the tension on my torsion bars. The factory service manual specifys special tool number xyz to do so. Is it needed? Is there a work around or backyard mechanic method. The rest looks straight forward. Just have not dealt with torsion bars before.

 

[RedDragon777]

i have seen shops use a large C-clamps to loosen the torsion keys but i do not recommend it at all. There are a lot of companies that make tools to loosen the keys and i would recommend those over the C-clamp.

 

[toms89]

So I assume there is still a good amount of tension on the bar with the suspension in full down position.

Not worth risking life and limb...

Will this work??

OTC 7826 Torsion Bar Tool for Ford Truck : Amazon.com : Automotive

 

[Canadian Expy]

Yeah that should work,
I used a bottle neck jack to lift the key up then lossen the bolt off, then lowered the jack.
C-clamps didn't work for me.
Again be carefull.

Also the bars didn't want to come out in mine, PB Blaster, heat and hammer.

 

[RedDragon777]

we used something like that on my F-250LD and believe me even with the suspension unloaded it still had tension. If you read around there are horror stories of people using C-Clamps and other things and getting hurt or having really close calls.

 

[diablood5]

if you have a autozone around they rent the tool for next to nothing, alot of auto parts rent the tool some times you can also find the tool on craigslist or ebay for cheep,,,most people only need to use the tool once and then it just sits in the tool box., when doing it just take your time and be careful.