Torsion bar Warning

Guys, I built, and helped build, a few altered wheelbase cars in the past, and removing and relocating the torsion bar sockets was part of the job. Back when we couldn't get 10-over bars, some of us would pull bars from a C-body car (5-over) and simply remove and "reverse" the t bar sockets, which put them in a perfect location to use the C body bars.

Of course, it did require 'boxing' to maintain proper indexing.

Of note, however, was just how much of the T-bar sockets that were NOT "finish welded" (by Ma Mopar) from inside, and I think it would surprise many to see just how small some of the weld seams are that locate these sockets. If you road race your Mopar, you should consider some kind of reinforcement for the sockets.

I also notice that the sheetmetal is torn adjacent to the hole that your e-brake adjusting rod is running through, and the 'tear' appears to be counter-clockwise, which tells me the torsion bar was probably not the culprit.

Think about it; the T-bar damage you've shown is on the drivers side; when a "load" is exerted on the bar (as you view the photo), the loading would force the socket in a clockwise direction (i.e. body comes down, bars rotate clock-wise as viewed from the rear). If the sheet metal didn't tear under a positive load, I seriously doubt a rebounding negative load could do such damage - unless other factors were present...

The other thing I'd investigate is whether or not the floor pan has any cracks. I've seen a lot of Mopars, after being thrashed over the years - without frame connectors or other frame support, experience cracking around the areas where factory torque boxes would have been mounted, and the stressed areas around the torsion bar mounts and panel seams. The combination of a cracked pan, improperly welded sockets from the factory, and the condition of the e-brake hole adjacent to the socket appear to be contributors here. That's just my opinion.

I've had no issues with JS, or anyone eles's bars, and I've heard that Firm Feel makes bars for most every other supplier out there these days, though I can't confirm that. Let us know what you find out.

Also, though I'm sure there are many that like the Alterkation stuff; it ain't cheap. I like the simplicity/adjustability of the factory suspension and you can repair your car for a fraction of a complete front end replacement. Again, just my opinion.

Good luck with it and let us know what you find.

Southernman