Have an 87 4runner, went to 4wheelparts to order suspension upgrade, torsion bars(303003)/shocks/leafs(60065), etc. Problem we’re having is the torsion bars. Torsion turned almost all the way up on drivers side but still not bringing truck up as high as passenger cranked maybe half way. Unless we didn’t line up the spline correctly, but as far as could see there was only one way to position. Not sure how to proceed. Could there be problems with the control arms (not bent or damaged that I could see) or did I get the wrong part or lining of the spline off? Is this normal? I heard the truck would be raked a little but there is almost 3” difference between front and back and can’t turn up the driver’s side much more. I've searched online and haven't found anything, please post links if this has already been addressed. Thanks,

 

If stock torsion bars can be reclocked, I don't see why an aftermarket one couldn't either. So yes, the first thing I'd look at is what splines ended up where.

 

Hello, I'm new.. I'm trying to install new front leaf springs on my 1983 Toyota pickup 4x4 base.Anyways I was having trouble getting the old leaf springs to separate from the axle housing (all bolts and shackles were removed) so just the pin was keeping it in place...up to this point I followed all instructions in the shop manual, but noticed the torsion bar looked as if it was keeping everything in place. I probably should have lubricated the thing, but instead I unbolted it, silly.. So shortly afterward the axle housing shifted and rotated a little towards the back of the truck. So now I've abandoned the leaf spring dilemma and am trying to get that bar to line up so I can get the bolt back through, its being very stubborn though and won't line up.. What should I do? and I forgot to mention that when I was trying to get the axle housing to drop lower than the leaf springs, I let most of the air out of the front tires (I have brand new 35 bd good mud terrain).. Making it nearly impossible to rotate the axle forward by rolling it

 

You should make a new thread, but I'll answer anyway.

Your '83 does not have torsion bars. It does have one traction bar that serves a completely different purpose, and it sounds like you unbolted it and now can't get it back on?

I had a hard time lining mine up when I changed its bushings. I did not remove the wheels or unbolt from the (stock) springs, but I did have to use two jacks to twist the axle. I think at one point I was jacking on the rear of the front diff to get the axle to pivot forward.

Another trick I could think of involves two people. One person holds the brakes down and the other uses a breaker bar and socket to turn the wheel lug nuts in the desired direction (do the other side if they start coming loose). I'd start with the jacks myself.

If all the U-bolts are undone, it's just rust holding the springs onto the axle. Hammer time! (Penetrating oil will help too)

 

Hi All,

Still having this problem. Installed new torsion bars hoping to get 2" lift up front. The drivers side tbar is cranked all the way and passengers is maybe half cranked. Measured between rim and fender and 13.3/4, that's maybe 1/4 inch lift from stock from what I've found online. Any more ideas? Why would I have to reindex only one side? And there's a master spline so it seems that it should only fit one way. Thanks for any help..

 

Did you install them on the correct side? IIRC they are L and R specific, which could very likely explain your uneven situation if installed on the wrong side.

Yes, the t-bars for these earlier trucks have a master-spline and will only go in one way unless you modify the splines and grind that spot out. They cannot be flipped F/R because one side is larger diameter.

 

Nope, both are marked L & R and installed that way. Unless I got the wrong part or there's damage I'm not seeing. Talked to a couple people about this now and no one has heard of. I would have lined the old/new torsion bars together to see if the lengths match. Will need to take apart again and inspect.