Hey guys/gals,

I have a 2002 Dakota CC 3.9L V6 4x4 5speed. I need to remove my d/s torsion bar. Looking for some tips or tricks to make this as easy as possible, from what I've read its not a very fun job.

Thanks

 

1) Use lots of penetrating oil on the adjuster bolt if it's rusty. Sometimes it helps to do it for days beforehand if it's really bad.

2) Count the number of threads showing, so you can put it back in approximately the same spot.

3) Jack up the truck and support it on stands, so the torsion bars are not supporting any weight.

4) Remove the adjuster bolts. They should get loose before they come all the way out. Sometimes it helps to jack up the end of the key slightly to take some load off the bolt.

5) The bars can stick in the keys and/or control arms. Only solution I know is penetrating oil, heat, and a big hammer.

Installation is pretty much the reverse of removal.

 

Thanks Tom

I've been spraying it down with penetrating oil for a couple days now, plan on giving it a try tomorrow. Might see if i can find a mini torch for a decent price somewhere just in case.

 

Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

 

Finally got a day where its not -30c outside n took a stab at removing the torsion bar. it was more than seized in both the LCA and key. took the whole thing down to the shop i go to when i need a torch or air tools they ended up having to cut the torsion bar and use a hydraulic press to get the end out of the control arm, the key came off with some heat and an air hammer. torsion bar was bent so it was scrap anyways

 

Glad you got it handled. Doesn't sound like it was much fun.

 

It was a blast Tom. He got to play with torches and big fn hammers and shot.Anytime you can do that is fun.

I'm betting he had fun.

Glad you had a shop to do it man. Not fun layin on your back with the wrong tool.
Whoa. That sounds just so wrong. Lmfao

 

Shhh... don't tell my wife that.