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Torsion bar sizes, which ones are right?
https://slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=35324		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Valiant John [ Wed May 13, 2009 4:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Torsion bar sizes, which ones are right?
Hey all,

I have heard/read many opinions regarding torsion bar sizes for a slant six Valiant and so far the only new bars sizes I can find are either .890, .920 or .810.

Are there any other sizes available out there?

For a daily driver would .890 be OK?


Thanks,

Valiant John

______________________________

1969 Valiant V100, 225 S6, Auto, 9" drums
MSD6A, Accel 8.8 Wires, MSD coil, MP Electronic dist,
Iridium plugs, Electric fan, K&N air, remote K&N oil
Edelbrock classic AIS shocks, New leafs
Author:  Joshie225 [ Wed May 13, 2009 6:19 pm ]
Post subject: 
I have 1.04" torsion bars in my '67 and it's fine on the street. Takes good shocks to control high rate springs though. With your AIS dampers I'd probably limit the diameter to .890"-.940".

Firm Feel in in the torsion bar business. http://firmfeel.com/torsionb_a.htm
Author:  Dart270 [ Thu May 14, 2009 7:43 am ]
Post subject: 
I would highly recommend the 0.890" or possibly 0.920" bars. I have used 0.830" - 0.920" on the street with various shocks.

The Edels are very nice for the street. You do not need monster tbars for excellent handling, and a front sway bar is another excellent add on for handling. Low profile tires (60 series or lower) are another great mod.

Lou
Author:  slantfin [ Thu May 14, 2009 7:46 am ]
Post subject: 
What are the stock diameter torsion bars on, for instance, a 67 A body /6 car?
Author:  Dart270 [ Thu May 14, 2009 8:23 am ]
Post subject: 
0.830" for base model car, 0.850" for AC or higher line car. Some got 0.870" bars, but maybe not that early of a car.

Lou
Author:  slantfin [ Thu May 14, 2009 10:30 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the info.
Author:  Valiant John [ Thu May 14, 2009 12:49 pm ]
Post subject: 
It sounds like the .890's are looking like the best bet for me.

I had some leafs made for me by Dendoff springs and they made them to factory specs, so a softer front would match the factory bounce of the rear.


http://www.dendoff.com/
Author:  Valiant John [ Thu May 14, 2009 12:50 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the info!
Author:  Aggressive Ted [ Mon Jul 20, 2009 6:32 pm ]
Post subject: 
Gents,

Philip Marvetz gave me a set of torsion bars for my Dart last weekend at the NHRA Nationals in Kent, WA. My front end is almost resting on the stops with them cranked almost all the way up. They just went flat in the last few years after getting the new rear leafs.

One bar is marked BBD/893L and the other is BBD/892R. The opposite end on both are marked 452.

I have never done a swap before. Does the 893L go in the drivers side? 892R in the passenger side?

They came out of a Duster Twister with a 360 V8.

Thanks! :)
Author:  wjajr [ Tue Jul 21, 2009 4:27 am ]
Post subject: 
Yup. "L", Left driver's side, "R", right passenger's side.

Don't forget to slather a bit of grease on the ends of the bars before inserting them into lower control arms, and pack rear torsion bar boxes with grease before installing the rubber dust covers.

Ted, I found that if the nut fastening the LCA to the K frame is backed off a bit the bar removal & installation goes a lot easer.
Author:  Fab64 [ Wed Aug 19, 2009 11:54 am ]
Post subject: 
I'm using .890 bars on my '67 Barracuda. These were standard on 383-equipped A-bodies. I also installed KYB gas-a-just shocks all the way around. I love the way it rides now. It firmed up the ride nicely, and got rid of the typical mushy bounce. I don't have a sway bar (yet).

Roger
Author:  Aggressive Ted [ Wed Aug 19, 2009 2:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Torsion bars
Got the .892/.893 bars installed and they are awesome! Not sure why they didn't come that way stock....... My shocks are old gas Gabriels and are worn out and leaking but the ride is still nice and not as firm as I thought it would be. I have a large Hellwig sway bar in the front so it is nice combination. I would recommend them.

Now the front and new rear 6 leaf springs balance out. Just need some Edelbrock IAS shocks to smooth it out. Running new Gabriel gas shocks in the rear and they are way too stiff.
Author:  Aggressive Ted [ Thu Aug 27, 2009 8:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
The Edels are very nice for the street. You do not need monster tbars for excellent handling, and a front sway bar is another excellent add on for handling. Low profile tires (60 series or lower) are another great mod.


Lou,

Have you tried the KYB's with the heavier bars and leafs?

What shocks have run besides the IAS?

I have 6 leaf rears, what would you recommend. My new gas Gabriels are way too stiff.
Author:  Slanted Opinion [ Fri Aug 28, 2009 5:01 am ]
Post subject: 
Ted,

I have the KYB's all the way around, with a stock (rebuilt) front end and 6 leaf rears on my '68 Dart.

The KYBs give me a very stiff, almost bone-jarring ride over anything but perfectly smooth pavement.

They're a great handling shock, but if I had it to do over again I would look for something softer.

- Mac
Author:  Dart270 [ Fri Aug 28, 2009 5:45 am ]
Post subject: 
I have run KYBs on every A body I've owned (post high school). They are OK with 0.890" and even 0.920" bars, but are rough, yes. Would not use with bigger bars.

I REALLY recommend the IAS shocks. Handling is at least as good, probably better, than KYBs and ride is 10X better. I know they cost more, but you know what they say... Save your pennies and do it right.

Lou
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