E Type Torsion Bars

[SteveC]

Anybody out there with torsion bar experience?

I need to adjust the ride height on both front torsion bars on my 1969 E Type Series II, and can't recall how I did it when the engine was out. I have a British Haynes manual but am wondering if there's a shortcut to doing this?

I guess the adjustable reaction plate from XK's Unlimited is one route, but how difficult is the removal of the stock plate: is it just as much work as disassembling the front suspension?

Also, can anyone confirm the direction the torsion bars have to be driven out of their mounts? I seem to recall they were driven out to the rear.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Steve

 

[homebeforedark]

I just reset the torsion bars on a 1971 2+2. There is a specification in the factory manual as to the setting dimension from the top shock bolt to the bottom shock bolt. I made the tools to do these from steel shelf bracing. There is a spec for 3.8 E-Type and then 4.2 with P/S and A/C . Set that dimension after driving the bars to the rear. Then keep spinning the bars until they line up with the splines. It took me about three hours to set both bars.


Alan

 

[SteveC]

Alan,

Thanks. I saw the reference to the fixture in my Haynes but it's use seemed somewhat unclear.

I re-read the manual and they advise to detatch the upper ball joint, steering joint, sway bar, and what we currently refer to as the reaction plate, all while leaving the front splines of the torsion bar in place unless the rear splines won't align with the reaction plate.

Did you remove the reaction plate? If you had to spin the torsion bars then I assume you might have corrected the problem without removing the reaction plate?

Steve