1974-77 H.D. Torsion Bar Replacement

Matt Gallant

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Location
Campbellton, New Brunswick
Looking for advice,

The factory torsion bars on my 74 Monaco let go, and wish to upgrade from stock to H.D., however I'm unsure of the parts necessary for this, so for my sake, let's just assume I need every last piece necessary for replacing/installing the setup:

- Would anybody be willing to help compile a list of said parts?
- Does anybody know of any shops/sites (preferably Canadian, bonus if they're local to New Brunswick, but am willing to shop outside of the country if the prices are competitive).

Thanks in advance guys, cheers in advance!

- Matt
 
All 74-78 C-body t-bars are interchangeable.
Try and find Imperial, NYB, or T&C t-bars. They are the largest diameter.
All you need for them is new boots. Boots to fit the largest T-bar are unavailable. All the available boots tear when you try to use them on the larger t-bars. I have seen guys use universal boots from McPherson front ends. You will also need a T-bar removal tool. A lot of guys make homemade ones but I suggest buying a real one.
 
Last edited:
Cammando is correct. The only parts you need are the torsion bars themselves, boots & some wheel bearing grease. Maybe you should call around in your area to find a shop that can do the work?

If you end up buying a used torsion bar(s), then remember they have a left/right & a front/back....so make sure you get the correct bar & install it in the correct direction or it will break almost immediately. Most shops will use a pair of vise grips instead of the special tool for removal. If you have a lift, it's a pretty easy job.
 
(Wondering why the bar(s) broke?)

Always a good idea to put new boots and grease into the mix, but perhaps the existing boots can be finessed out intact, then reused?

With the bars removed, might be a good time to consider replacing the LCA pivot rubber bushings, too??

As mentioned, best to use the correct torsion bar removal tool rather than to use something else.

When re-setting the preload on the bar and levelling the body, remember that the rocker panel should be parallel to the road surface, front to back and then verify the side-to-side level. Bouncing the front end a few times before and after each adjustment. When you get it close, then drive it a few days and recheck/re-adjust.

A quick front end alignment check would finalize things after a few days of driving, too.

Enjoy!'
CBODY67
 
Thanks for the input, lads!
I knew of firm feel already but I worry about what the cost of shipping would be for me, considering the exchange rate amongst other things..
Is it common for metal fab shops to make torsion bars on site?
 
(Wondering why the bar(s) broke?)

Always a good idea to put new boots and grease into the mix, but perhaps the existing boots can be finessed out intact, then reused?

With the bars removed, might be a good time to consider replacing the LCA pivot rubber bushings, too??

As mentioned, best to use the correct torsion bar removal tool rather than to use something else.

When re-setting the preload on the bar and levelling the body, remember that the rocker panel should be parallel to the road surface, front to back and then verify the side-to-side level. Bouncing the front end a few times before and after each adjustment. When you get it close, then drive it a few days and recheck/re-adjust.

A quick front end alignment check would finalize things after a few days of driving, too.

Enjoy!'
CBODY67

The torsion bars were originally intended for a Monaco with a 360, however the previous owner swapped in a 440 and didn't make changes to suspension (that's 1 of the 2 factors)
The other reason they broke was due to it being parked while I was away from home and snow built up on it, the extra weight of the snow on the front is what seemed to be the demise of my passenger side bar
 
I've never heard of a shop making torsion bars to order, so maybe a single used one? Or a used set? I had a torsion bar break once while I was driving the car on a very steep hill....BANG! & the car dropped. Good thing I was only going 5mph. I replaced just that one side.
 
I remember “Firm Feel” selling a set for $895.. or was it $495 or so if I recall.. shipping is a whole other matter.
 
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