Bad torsion bars? Should I replace them?

[peppy]

I recently purchased a 1991 AWD Astro Van, and have read in different places that the torsion bar can abruptly fail. Is this true? I have also heard that later years, I think 93-95 have better designed torsion bars. I was thinking of searching the local junkyard for the newer torsion bars...taking an affirmative step to make sure I dont end up with failed torsion bars.

Thanks all!

Peppy!

[snapple]

I believe you'll want bars from a '96 or newer.Maybe '95 or newer.I have a '94 and they had the old style bars! You can tell by looking at them,the newer style are shorter and don't extend out of the crossmember.Mine went while it was sitting in the driveway luckily!

[peter]

My understanding is that even the 95's had the older bars. Anyone know fer sure?

[snapple]

I bought mine from Overland Vans, http://www.overlandvans.com/0104_torsion.html
Dan's site has some good info and a pic for reference.
Also something to look at on our older vans is the rear composite leaf springs. [-X
They start to fray,GM upgraded them to steel starting mid '95-96.I'm replacing mine this weekend when I do my lift!

[peppy]

How difficult is it to swap the torsion bars?

Thank you!

Peppy!

[mdmead]

My understanding is that even the 95's had the older bars. Anyone know fer sure?

It must have been a running change in '96 as my '96 still has the old style bars.

(But thanks to Dean, I'll be running newer bars when I put this van back on the road.)

[snapple]

How difficult is it to swap the torsion bars?

Thank you!

Peppy!

Getting them out may be a challenge.In my case ,the broken one slid right out.Then I had to cut the other one and remove the crossmember and have the ends pressed out of the old torsion keys!But mine were seized in there pretty good! Putting new set in was a breeze.

[peter]

My understanding is that even the 95's had the older bars. Anyone know fer sure?

It must have been a running change in '96 as my '96 still has the old style bars.

But thanks to Dean, I'll be running newer bars when I put this van back on the road.

Almighty, I ask you for strength during this particularly trying period in my life. Lucifer insists on presenting me with temptation after temptation. Use of the above quote is a prime example.
Please help me, Oh Great One. [-o< [-o<

[peppy]

Anyone have pictures to make it easier to understand what is involved in the process?

Thank you everyone!

Peppy!

[mdmead]

[quote="peter Lucifer insists on presenting me with temptation after temptation. Use of the above quote is a prime example.[-o< [-o<[/quote]

Lucifer my @ss!

I was just checking to see if you were still awake!

[peppy]

Ok, today I replaced my torsion bars. Now, the torsion bars dont stick out past the cross member that supports the transfer case and tranny, but the torsion bars, because the torsion bar adjusters are smaller on the new torsion bars, are not centered. I used 1998 torsion bars on my 1991.

Do you think its ok that the '98 torsion bars are not centered in the crossmember?

Thanks!

[peter]

Whaddaya mean, "not centered? If the ass end of the bars is more or less in the middle of the porkchop, you're good to go!

[quote="peter Lucifer insists on presenting me with temptation after temptation. Use of the above quote is a prime example.[-o< [-o<

Lucifer my @ss!

I was just checking to see if you were still awake![/quote]

My god, but you annoy me. Time to talk to the boss. Does your wifey have a minute?

[loopie]

An old thread...but backing up what mdmead said...you gotta stick your head under a '96...it may have the long T-bars.