Re: '56 Suspension

Posted by Ross On 2010/7/11 21:55:03

There is no need to unwind your torsion bars to reconnect the rear stirrup. You will need to get that missing cup first though.

Fortunately, the rear of the torsion bars only unwind so far when they come unhooked as they are captured in the frame. If not, that thing would have unwound about 180 degrees! After you get that missing cup, all you have to do is unhook the rear shocks and the stabilizer linkage at the rear. Let the axle drop far enough that you can pry the stirrup under the load arm, then jack the axle back up enough to rehook your shocks etc. Sweatless, and only vaguely nerve-wracking.

Of course, while everything is disconnected back there is a good time to replace the the rubber bushings at the rear axle and at the forward end of the suspension arm. At this age, they usually need it.