Torsion bar switch

[gtxdude]

Switched out my /6 torsion bars to P-S-T 1.03 (has had 318 for quite awhile). When done, set adjusters to original settings set car down and front end was 3" higher (looked kind of cool actually). Was concerned but had enough adjustment to bring front down to where it was. Do I still need an alignment or is it ok since I'm at same height? Took a pic of bars side by side quite a difference in diameter of bars

 

[MrJLR]

You always need an alignment after setting ride height.

 

[72bluNblu]

You always need an alignment after setting ride height.

Actually, if the car is at the same height the alignment should be the same. An alignment is only needed if the ride height changes from where the previous alignment was set.

That said, unless the ride height is EXACTLY the same, there may be changes in the specs. When changing the torsion bars you can't use the same torsion bar adjuster settings because of the change in spring rate, which makes setting the ride height in the same place more difficult. It would be wise to at least check the alignment.

 

[limegreen70]

The real question here is. How much better is the Handling now with the new Bars?

 

[gtxdude]

Hoping to get car out today and see (rainy)

 

[TrailBeast]

Hoping to get car out today and see (rainy)

If you are ok with a bit stiffer of a ride you are going to love em.
One of the best suspension mods I ever did was the 1.03 bars in a v8 car.
And if your ride height is the same then you should be good on the tow as is.

I use a tape measure and set/check it for 1/16-1/8 positive toe with poly bushings.
Rubber bushings use 1/8-3/16 Poly gives less, so it requires less toe in.

This isn't just an internet opinion, as my tires wear straight and flat.

 

[abodyjoe]

i agree. if ride height is exactly the same then alignment should be ok.. did you get it exactly where it was?

you'll love the larger bars.. you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner.

 

[gtxdude]

It's same height right now will see if it settles after taking it for a spin, then can adjust again. I went through the entire front end two winters ago but didn't do t-bars at that time while they were out (save a nickel duh) the car did seem to roll a little on curvy roads. I've thought about lowering the back a inch or so, wondering best way to go Leaf Spring Hangers from firm feel or spacers in leaf spring, any suggestions.

 

[abodyjoe]

what rear springs are on it now? may be better with new springs all together..

what shocks ya running.. a good shock can make a world of difference in the end too.

 

[gtxdude]

Put new springs in also two years ago from ESPO, not SS springs didn't want it that high. Trying to get car a little more level. Put in new Monroe matic-plus all around, I see a lot about KYB would they be that much better? Or am I throwing money away for a small improvement? thanks for feed back

 

[abodyjoe]

kyb are not what you want.. something like a bilstien,fox or maybe a qa1.

are the espo springs stock height or higher then stock.. you can put a small lowering block in but make sure you check pinion angle after you do.

 

[gtxdude]

There stock height I believe, there are a lot of threads on the bilstien and qa1, I'll look at them again.

 

[72bluNblu]

You shouldn't have any issues with running a small spacer to lower the rear. If you keep the spacer at 1" or less there aren't too many downsides. I think the leaf spring hangers are a cleaner way to lower the car, but for 1" it really doesn't matter.

Don't bother with KYB's, they will not give you the ride quality you want. The bilstein shocks are probably the best bang for the buck when you're running large torsion bars. The Hotchkis Fox shocks are better, but it's a small difference and more noticeable on torsion bars that are 1.06" or larger.