Torsion Bar problem
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Joined: Jun 2003
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Torsion Bar problem
One of the guys who I work with has a 97 Expy 4X4. He just got back from the dealership with his truck and a $300 bill. He said that he was turning into a parking lot the other day and the right side of his truck dipped down in the front. He was barely able to driven it to the dealership. They repaired it, but this shouldn't really happen, correct? They said the torsion bar broke, which is the front suspension, right? He goes minor off-roading with me once in a while, so I don't think that would do it. Anyone ever heard of something like this?
Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,028
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From: Annapolis, Maryland
It has happened before - I remember hearing about this issue several times.
It just sort of happens - no real precipitating factors, just POP! and you're done.
You are correct; it is the front suspension. Instead of having coil springs up there, they use these long bars that attach from the midframe to the front. There are adjusting bolts on there that let you adjust the tension of the bars.
Replacing these is extremely dangerous - even with the proprietary Ford tool for unloading torsion bars. If it lets loose, you're in for some serious trouble. To me, $300 for replacing one is pretty reasonable, given the amount of material (those bars are pretty thick) and the danger factor involved.
FWIW, I wouldn't give it too much thought. It just sort of happened.
XXL
It just sort of happens - no real precipitating factors, just POP! and you're done.
You are correct; it is the front suspension. Instead of having coil springs up there, they use these long bars that attach from the midframe to the front. There are adjusting bolts on there that let you adjust the tension of the bars.
Replacing these is extremely dangerous - even with the proprietary Ford tool for unloading torsion bars. If it lets loose, you're in for some serious trouble. To me, $300 for replacing one is pretty reasonable, given the amount of material (those bars are pretty thick) and the danger factor involved.
FWIW, I wouldn't give it too much thought. It just sort of happened.
XXL
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bdee
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
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Dec 28, 2004 09:05 PM
