Nuyota

This is a 87 4runner sr5. All new suspension and bushings and KYB GR2 shocks. Was driving thru a dip heard a bang and front right suspension was sitting on bump stops. I thought I had blown a ball joint but structurally everything looks fine. Torsion bar looks fine but even if the shock was totally blown wouldn't bar still hold up truck some so it's not sitting on bumps?

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

If the Torsion bar lost tension the suspension would come down.

take the shock off it will still stay up

Teuf

Something broke? The torsion bar mount / adjust point?

Nuyota

From what I can see the torsion bar appears intact, it's not loose when I grab on it either. I'm not really familiar with torsion bars so I don't know what to look for.

Nuyota

Would I be fine with just buying a used torsion bar or should I get a new set. Either oem or sway a way would be over $400.

MrJaron93

If you broke a torsion bar your a arms would most likely be sitting on the bump stops.
If it was a shock it wouldn't be that low.
You can take them in and out with out the front moving much

If you bought one new torsion bar it would sit up a lot higher on that side and the suspension would act a lot different.
A new set would be the way to go.

MrJaron93

Or at least buy used torsion bars that came off the same truck

HighLux

Jack the truck up and look around. Cant diagnose it at the computer. Jack it up and take a wheel off. Put the jack under the lower arm and raise it up.....noises? looseness?

Get to work.

MrJaron93

Yeah highlux has a good point. Get the suspension unloaded and start wiggling everything and inspecting it.

Nuyota

SO I got to looking around and it looks like the big bolt at the rear of the bar backed out and the bar popped out losing tension. Does that sound right, like I said I dunno how the bars work. What is the best way to put the bar back to tension and tighten that right. Is there anything else I should check?

MrJaron93

Yeah I'd say that would do it.
I would try to just putting a wrench it and tightening it up. It should tension up.

Nuyota

Do I need to do anything special to tighten it. Should suspension be fully decompressed and bar in place and then just tighten?

MrJaron93

No you don't need anything special. As long as the bolt decent spin on the torsion key, just put a socket and breaker bar and crank on it. When I was messing with them I would pick a spot on the front of the frame and measure each side until they measured the same.
Then you know they are cranked about the same

ginger.yota

I'd suggest measuring from center cap of the wheel to fender for best ride hight check

Nuyota

OK so the more I crank on it the higher that side will sit? I'll give it a shot.

ginger.yota

Tighter is higher looser is lower. I'd suggest lifting the front off the ground makes it easier to tighten

Nuyota

Well problem found, the torsion bar was sheared off inside the rear carrier. So obviously need new ones. I think my best best is the 25mm sway a way bars for around $200, the oem are twice that.

Teuf

Torsion bars / sway away bars? There different. did I miss something?

JonnyBoy

Sway away is a brand that makes torsion bars Teuf.

They're the thickest available, I believe, so not sure I'd suggest them to the op for comfort, but they could be the cheapest new option. Other options are to check out your local Craigslist. I see used OEM on the SoCal Craigslists for $40-50 fairly often. 4x4connection.com also has the Old Man Emu torsion bars for $200+shipping! and they're 23 mm, I believe. Slightly thicker than stock, so just slightly stiffer.

Greg_Canada

Go for the OME bars.
SAW bars are only good if you have a heavy bumper and winch / v8 swap.