TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Apr 26, 2012 5:07 pm

i have a 68 bus with an adjustable front beam. the PO had it lowered a little and im going back to stock height. ive loosened the jamb nuts and studs/pins but cant get the wheels to drop, ie front end to raise.

i had it up on jack stands with everything loose and it wont move. a friend was able to pry the top one down a little and i have it clamped down. the bottom one wont budge. the bottom trailing arms are resting on the bump stops. the lower adjusting stud is bottomed out in the lowest position.

its a little rusty, but not that bad. can it be seized up in the adjusting slot?

how can i raise it up? i tried a pry bar between the trailing arms... nothing.

Thu Apr 26, 2012 6:18 pm

could you post a picture of the adjuster? iirc there are a few that people could use....

Thu Apr 26, 2012 6:25 pm

Thx.

Thu Apr 26, 2012 6:32 pm

I am pretty ignorant here, but maybe a big hammer and a brass punch might convince it to move. Maybe some pry bar work as well.

Thu Apr 26, 2012 6:49 pm

I just don't know where/how to beat/pry on it

Thu Apr 26, 2012 6:52 pm

loosen it then soak it in pb blaster. with bus securely lifted on stands and tires hanging, use a long thick 2x4 or 4x4 whatever, on both sides(may need help, and pry down on the tires or drums. its probably rusted inside that round metal thing the torsion bars run through. tapping the adjusters after soaking for a while will help work the oil in too.

Tue May 01, 2012 12:03 pm

<sigh> im struggling here. i cant believe its so frozen. i have been soaking it with PB, tapping on it, prying under the seat with a 2x6, nothing is working. i even took out the hold-down nuts and drove the thing all over town. wont budge!! someone suggested taking the shocks off too.

any other ideas? when i try and pry down with the 2x6 i can get the trailing arms to drop all the way to the bump stops.

Tue May 01, 2012 12:47 pm

How 'bout some heat by means of butane torch? and then try tappin it with a mallet to free it up.

Tue May 01, 2012 12:59 pm

I was wondering that, but I was apprehensive as the beam is full of grease. But at this point I don't care cuz otherwise the beam is coming out!

Tue May 01, 2012 1:21 pm

grease will burn a bit but should be fine...just have something to extinguish out anything that gets um...y'know.

Tue May 01, 2012 2:00 pm

Hmm, that nut doesn't seem loose enough to allow the jaws to release fully.

I would try putting a piece of wood against the clamp piece and jacking it up.
Also is it possible that the PO didn't notch the beam enough to allow the adjuster to travel up the full distance? The center set screw may be hitting the beam, thus no movement.

I would pull that top clamp off and have a look.

hth

Jeff