I have an 86 4runner with a 3 inch suspension lift. I broke my torsion bar on the driver side (which were stock). The frame was hit on the driver side before and straightened, however not 100% perfect. In replacing the broken bar i noticed that when i put the new one in and tighten the bracket to the upper control arm, the rear of the torsion bar adjuster sits 2 inches off of the cradle. I have to force it into position which creates a slight arc in the bar.

Should i just put the bar in? or do they have to be perfectly straight? any help would be great. I have OME replacements ready to go in, but for now i have stock ones in there till i figure out what to do.

 

torsion bars are designed to take torsional force, I wouldnt be comfortable with any sort of significant arc on them, personally. I feel like the bar itself might (emphasis on the might) be okay, but over time, the splines holding the bar in place might become damaged due to the force not being even all around them. then again, i might be totally wrong, and I have no actual experience with a situation like this.

 

if one bar already broke then there must be a problem with it being out of alignment. i would take it to a frame shop and have then check it out.

 

Also check the bushings in the UCA.