how to get torsion keys out?

[TJsierra1500]

ive taken the torsion off the ajuster bolt and pin but i cant seem to get the torsion bar to free up from the lower control arm and cant get the keys off of the bars either?
enyone have this problem b4 and figure out a way to free them up
ive sprayed them down with pb blaster and let the sit for the night but still no luck(tried driving the bar out with a pipe and a sledge hammer, didnt work)

[Molson02536]

Originally Posted by TJsierra1500

ive taken the torsion off the ajuster bolt and pin but i cant seem to get the torsion bar to free up from the lower control arm and cant get the keys off of the bars either?
enyone have this problem b4 and figure out a way to free them up
ive sprayed them down with pb blaster and let the sit for the night but still no luck(tried driving the bar out with a pipe and a sledge hammer, didnt work)

* Tool Required:
* J 36202 Torsion Bar Unloading Tool
* Or Equivalent

REMOVAL

NOTE: Raise the vehicle and support it with suitable safety stands.

Remove or disconnect the following:

Adjustment assemblies on both torsion bars.
1. Mark the adjustment bolt setting.
2. Increase the tension on the adjustment arm using J 36202.
3. Remove the adjustment bolt and retaining plate.
4. Move the tool aside.
5. Slide the torsion bars forward.
6. Remove the adjustment arms. Nuts and bolts from the torsion bar support cross-member. Slide the support cross-member rearward. Torsion bars.

Note the location and the front ends of the torsion bars. There are different bars for the left and right sides.
1. Support cross-member.
2. Retainer spacer and insulator from the support cross-member.

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: Always use the correct fastener in the proper location. When you replace a fastener, use ONLY the exact part number for that application. The manufacturer will call out those fasteners that require a replacement after removal. The manufacturer will also call out the fasteners that require thread lockers or thread sealant. UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, do not use supplemental coatings (paints, greases, or other corrosion Inhibitors) on threaded fasteners or fastener joint interfaces. Generally, such coatings adversely affect the fastener torque and joint clamping force, and may damage the fastener. When you install fasteners, use the correct tightening sequence and specifications. Following these instructions can help you avoid damage to parts and systems.

Install or connect the following:
1. Insulator spacer and retainer on the support cross-member.
2. Support cross-member assembly on the frame, rearward of the mounting holes.
3. Torsion bars, Make sure the bars are on their respective sides. Slide the support cross-member forward until the torsion bars are supported.
1. Adjustment arms on the torsion bars.
2. Bolts and nuts into the torsion bar support cross-member.
Tighten center nut to 24 Nm (18 ft. lbs.) .
Tighten edge nuts to 62 Nm (46 ft. lbs.) .

Adjustment retainer plate and bolt on both torsion bars.
1. Increase the tension on the torsion bar, using J 36202.
2. Install the retaining plate and the adjustment bolt.
3. Set the adjustment bolt to the marked setting.
4. Release the tension on the torsion bar until the load is taken up by the adjustment bolt.
5. Remove J 36202.

Lower the vehicle and check the "Z" height.

Good luck and hope this helps.

[TJsierra1500]

ive done all of that it just seems like the torsion bars are stuck in the lower control arms and i sems lke the keys are also rusted to the bars does anyone know how to get these off

[Molson02536]

Originally Posted by TJsierra1500

ive done all of that it just seems like the torsion bars are stuck in the lower control arms and i sems lke the keys are also rusted to the bars does anyone know how to get these off

If your not going to reuse the torsion bars, your going to have to use a torch to heat up the area and a good sledge 20 pound hammer or hydraulic press to get it out once everything has been disassembled.

If your going to reuse the torsion bars, try not to use the torch to heat it up the two parts. The heat will weaken the torsion bars capability of working at there 100% rating.

This is how I helped a friend replace his torsion bars from his Blazer, make a 50/50 mix of transmission fluid and brake fluid (Don't get it on any paint that you want saved) to lubricate the two parts that need to come apart (Torsion bar and lower control arm). Let it sit for an hour, there is a large dimple in the butt end of the torsion bars. Inside of the lower control arms. Insert a long piece of rigid pipe into the dimple and hammer the torsion bar backwards to get it moving inside the control arm. Usually the torsion bar cross member would prevent this idea from working, so make sure it disconnected, then it should float freely.

The passenger side may be a bit more difficult. I think that the exhaust system will be in the way. The torsion bar cross member has a hole in it, so that you can push out the torsion bar with a punch. The conventional method is to push the torsion bar forward through the control arm, drop the end out of the cross member and then back through the control arm. That method may not work for you if here is way too much corrosion.

Disconnected the torsion bar cross member and pushed them back out of the lower control arm (once I get that exhaust out of the way). Then you should be able to push the torsion bars with the cross member out and be able to work on separating them on the garage floor, or in a vice. I am pretty sure that you will get separate them once I get them out.

Good luck and wear ear plugs.

[TJsierra1500]

okay ill try that thanks alot
i hope it works