Torsion bar adjustment (pics/videos?)

[Gypsymobile]

Hey fellas

My 03' MVW will be getting its much needed height adjustment (lift) here in the next week or two.

Attempting a DIY (hit the gong).

Much has been said to get GWs adjustment tool, so I'll be waiting for that to ship.

Any other tips or tricks to make this process easy as possible?

Pics or video would be a bonus and much appreciated.

Cheers!

[Joshwa]

I see the yellow 12 point torsion bar adjustment tool on GoWesty. I adjusted my torsion bars a little bit and just used an adjustable wrench, because the nuts were just 6 point and wasn't moving them too far. I can see the depth of the socket would make it easier.

http://www.gowesty.com/product-details.php?v=&id=23304

Also, don't try and make them perfectly even from the bottom of the threaded rod or you could end up with an uneven front end lift. Maybe that only applies to campers though. Just something to be conscious about.

_________________
93 Weekender TDI conversion (AHU)
93 MV TDI conversion (1Z)
Weekender rear cot
Late model cabin air filter on 93
Euro spec bumper install on 93

[jjvincent]

Google: 1-1/8 deep well socket.

Use that, a 3" extension and a breaker bar.

[Gypsymobile]

Really appreciate the advice fellas - and pic!

I'll post before and after when it's all said and done.

[gakali]

Start hosing down those adjustors with penetrating fluid asap. I managed to free up one side but the other side had to be replaced completely. I'm in rust-belt south-western Ontario though hopefully you have better luck.
_________________
Why do it? Because you can.

1999 Eurovan
2003 A4 Avant 1.8T Quattro
1992 W201 190e 2.3 Mercedes
2006 W220 S600 V12 Twin Turbo 5.5 Mercedes

[d-9]

It is essential that you support the van on a jack stand while adjusting the ride height, otherwise the adjuster thread can twist off the bar and the van can drop on you.

Otherwise it's textbook stuff, spray the thread with penetrating oil (plus gas is my favourite, don't know if that's available over there), give the thread a quick clean with a wire brush, spray with oil again to clean, then adjust. I just used a regular combination wrench, think it's 27mm.

[Gypsymobile]

[jjvincent]

Pick whatever you want. I personally would use a 6 point.

[Snowshoer]

Do the wheels need to be off the ground while turning the nuts? I've tried and one of mine won't budge. It seems like the whole unit is twisting.

Thanks,
Neil.

[gakali]

[57 Zwitter?]

I went to adjust my torsion bars last night, tugged on ratchet, no movement. Got back and pushed with my 2 feet and bang! The top of the threaded T bolt popped out of the frame and the van dropped. Luckily I had a jack stand under it! Now what? I thought I would try vice grips on T end, heat up the nut with torch and try removing with air gun. Any ideas?

[marshy11]

[57 Zwitter?]

I wire brushed the threads clean, clamped the T top with vice grips .Put a pc of sheet metal between Fuel tank and adj nut. Heated up nut with oxy/acetylene torch, put 6pt 1 1/16 socket on it with air gun and it came loos ! Took it off, cleaned it and reassembled. Tried the other side with air gun and it adjusted fine. Maybe if I help top part of T bolt with vice grips to begin with it would of worked as it should have??

[marshy11]

[Masta Shake]

My right side torsion bar nut was totally seized. No amount of fire, leverage, etc could get it loose. Ended up taking it off with the angle grinder and putting in a new one. The only way to get access was to turn it with the socket so it dropped out of the slot in the frame.

My van lived it's first 13 years in MA so I see stuck fasteners a lot.

On a side note did the Cave Van 1.5" lift while I was at it. Along with just about every joint in the front, brakes, and a wheel bearing.
_________________
As a good friend told me when I got the Syncro: "Welcome to the an intense love/hate relationship".

[Masta Shake]

The cut off torsion bar bolt is in there with the other dead parts that I replaced this month. Took about 5 minutes with a fairly dull angle grinder blade. Being that close to the fuel plastic fuel tank with an angle grinder was a little nervous for me. BTW I twisted the bolt out of the frame to get it to drop down to where I could get to it to cut it. This was the right side so it's between the tank and the rear heater.

_________________
As a good friend told me when I got the Syncro: "Welcome to the an intense love/hate relationship".

[TChilds]

Why adjust the torsion bar? Do shops normally do this as part of an alignment?

[Joshwa]

Aesthetics.
_________________
93 Weekender TDI conversion (AHU)
93 MV TDI conversion (1Z)
Weekender rear cot
Late model cabin air filter on 93
Euro spec bumper install on 93

[Masta Shake]

Also, per the GW article which I feel is fairly accurate, the torsion bars take a set in the first year or so and the front end sags a bit. This should be addressed or the van will bounce off it's stops over bumps.
_________________
As a good friend told me when I got the Syncro: "Welcome to the an intense love/hate relationship".