I attempted to adjust my torsion bars this morning; my driver's side has 1/2 inch extra clearance between the rim and fender well, which is what I was going to get rid of. But that didn't work out, read on...

I figured out why the passenger side had less clearance: they were cranked really far off from each other.

Compare the Driver's side (left photo) to the Passenger's (right photo):


But when I went to un-crank the driver's side, the top main nut turned with the bolt. I tried holding it with a wrench on top, but couldn't turn the bolt.

So, my questions are:
a) When making adjustments, the top nut is not supposed to turn, right?
b) Do these bolts/nuts strip or break easily? in other words, should I get spares before I try to crank it further?

And yes, I did have that side soaked with penetrant, and I had sprayed it for the past couple of days.

 

the top nut should NOT turn.

and yes when they are rusted bad enough, (usually when they arnt wanting to turn) you will often end up breaking one. (least that was the case for me)

then your left with a rusted chunk of bolt still in the "nut" (although if i remember right its not like any normal nut you've seen) and youll likely have to get the nut "thingie" also

if its your dailer driver you may not want to risk it without haveing the back up parts.

some heat might do the trick...