I need to know what the safest way to loosen the torsion bar adjusting bolts enough to slide the tosion bars forward to remove the cogs is without using a torsion bar clamp. The shop here on Ft. Bragg is cheap but they are lacking in the tool department. I have no experience with IFS but was told I needed a torsion bar clamp but that just isn't going to happen it would appear unless Auto Zone would be kind enough to loan me one for a few hours. I would appreciate any input you have.
:help:
2002 Crew Cab 2500HD Duramax 4x4 Westin Nerf Bars Galaxy CB (ORU leveling kit with bilstein 5100's in the works once I get an answer to this question it should be done rather quickly)

Are you changing to green keys?

Do you have a "c" clamp with a swiveling end on the screw? I removed the swiveling pad and found the end of the screw fits perfectly into the indentation on the key.

Also, I found when installing the green key, to unbolt the shock, this allows a little more travel in the control arm. Puts less stress on the tool when cranking the bars back up.

If you use a C-clamp be SURE it is a Heavy-Duty unit, those bars are under some pressure and if one came busting loose with you laying under the truck :eek:

Click here (http://www.gmdieseltech.com/store2/cart.php?target=product&action=view&product_id=16272&category_id=258) GMdieseltech has one that you can borrow, I don't know if you're on a tight time schedule for this or not but that looks like a good option for you. It would just suck to get injured because you don't use the right tool for the job.

Yeah, buy the right tool. I was very nervous changing mine with a gear puller. It popped off once and sparks wents flying. :eek: And wear safety glasses!!:ro)

I strongly advise just using a torsion bar tool. I tried the C-clamp route and snapped an 8" C-clamp while I was under there. Luck for me, the 2 pieces flew the other way. If not, I would have had a screwed up face. Then I tried bottle jacking the edge of the key. That was enough to get the lock in, but then the bottle jack popped out right after I got it in. On my third truck lift install, we bought a torsion tool and it was well worth the money. If Autozone has one, then borrow it, rent it or whatever, but just use the tool.

Ken

Thank you for all the input. Looks like I will be using the torsion bar clamp for this one. I am glad that I didn't have to find out the hard way that you really need the torsion bar clamp. I really didn't want to jeapordize my good looks.
:cool:

I sould have said to use a large c clamp. The one I use is almost 2 times as big as the tool. The important thing is that the end fits into the indentation.

I've cobbled one together out of 2 diffferent gear pullers and 1/4" x 2" flat steel. It bent the 1/4" steel and broke 2 gear puller bolts. Things get quite tense under the truck when you take the load off the TBars. Not worth the potential for injury IMO. I'll be buying my own tool, since I swap tires/rim combos during the year.