Lowered Ghia and torsion bar cap won't go back on after preload

[koozy]

I have a problem and need some advise.

I lowered the rear of a late model Ghia and also have adjustable plates. I set the preload and now the cap doesn't line up to get the screws to start.

The way I did it was... I had the car in the air, set the arm where it needed to be and used the weight of the car to apply the pressure needed to get the arm up enough to tap (smack) the plate into place. I did it once before and the ride height wasn't quite high enough so I took it apart and gave it some more preload. With more preload the plate no longer lines up properly. I have new (not rubber, the harder red ones) bushings and they are lubed and seem to be in properly. What am I missing? I tried everything except to remove it all and do it again

Thanks,

Mike

[volksaddict]

Put the bolts in part way before you preload it.

[koozy]

Somehow I knew that was the solution but didn't want to take it apart again. Ok, ok.... I'll do that. Thanks for the push over the edge.

Mike

[rbsurfguy]

And get rid of the red bushings if they are other than rubber...those things are notorious for going bad and squeaking like hell over time. So I have been told.
Jeff
_________________
1971 Ghia convertible (Body off rebuild)
2019 VW Atlas 4Motion
2012 Passat-Sold


See my build on The Samba at:
Jeff's 71 Vert Restoration/Reassembly http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6...highlight=