Torsion Bar Replacement
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Medford, OR
Torsion Bar Replacement
I am tired of having to millitary press my tailgate shut anytime I open it. I had heard that it had something to do with the torsion bar. Do they just go bad? I remember hearing something about how to replace them a long time ago, but could not find the thread. I notice they have the bar on Bronco Graveyard. Anyone who knows of a link or could give any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: South Bend
On mine it wasn't the torsion bar, the hinges were just corroded. When I replaced the tailgate I soaked the hinges in good old Coca-Cola overnight and then used some rust inhibitor on them. When I put the new tailgate on it was like new. Since my Bronco is 5 years older than yours I can't see the bar wearing out.
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Elder User
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From: Medford, OR
This is not the hinges, it is dead weight. I have to support it as I open it for fear the tailgate is going to snap right off from the weight.
Last edited by Wakeboarder141; Jan 3, 2004 at 11:29 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: South Bend
Ouch, mine was just as hard to open as it was to close. That's what the torsion bar is for is to assist with opening and closing. Maybe all the rust and corrosion on mine took the strain off the torsion bar for all those years
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Yes, it's definitely the torsion bar. Mine had the same problem - they end up by rusting through and snapping off. It's not extremely hard to change, but most definitely a two man job. <BR>BASICS<BR>
Remove access covers, remove rear window (careful - it won't support it's own weight - see other posts or let me know if you need to know the process - I've done it many times!), remove old torsion bar. It may be a bit difficult to get the old one out/new one it with the tailgate attatched to the bronco - it can be done but is most annoying - I was replacing my tailgate at the same time so it was easier. The torsion bar fits into a catch on the inside of the tailgate - make sure that it's in fully, then bolt it down. The hardest part is hooking the torsion bar back up to the passenger side of the bronco, you need someone to hold the tailgate from the outside, and someone to pull the torsion bar to the proper position - watch your fingers, there's a lot of force! Once it's in place, reinstall window & covers.
<BR>
Fairly straight ahead, but a finicky job.
Hope this helps!
Remove access covers, remove rear window (careful - it won't support it's own weight - see other posts or let me know if you need to know the process - I've done it many times!), remove old torsion bar. It may be a bit difficult to get the old one out/new one it with the tailgate attatched to the bronco - it can be done but is most annoying - I was replacing my tailgate at the same time so it was easier. The torsion bar fits into a catch on the inside of the tailgate - make sure that it's in fully, then bolt it down. The hardest part is hooking the torsion bar back up to the passenger side of the bronco, you need someone to hold the tailgate from the outside, and someone to pull the torsion bar to the proper position - watch your fingers, there's a lot of force! Once it's in place, reinstall window & covers.
<BR>
Fairly straight ahead, but a finicky job.
Hope this helps!
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
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It's not that big a job - the weatherstripping comes out quite easily, and the window attached to two rails on the bottom - one on either side. It should be 4 bolts, but there may be a rivot or two that you have to drill out and replace with bolts. You will have to raise the window a couple of inches in order to access the bottom. It's a fairly easy process once you get started.
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