Where can I find the tool j36202 to unload/load the torsion bars? I am getting ready to lift my truck and it says it's required. Any thoughts?

http://www.gmdieseltech.com/

Click on the tools link. A loaner type deal, return the tool and get your money back. Even if you purchase it, it is worth the money. I have done several using different methods and I DO NOT advise it. It is very scary and dangerous!!:badidea:

Google search!

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=GM+torsion+bar+unloading+tool

I've always just used a 2-Jaw gear puller on my old truck and it wasn't scary at all. Just jack the truck up first so there's not as much tension of the t-bars.

I've always just used a 2-Jaw gear puller on my old truck and it wasn't scary at all. Just jack the truck up first so there's not as much tension of the t-bars.

If you do it this way be very careful, make sure you get the big puller (7 ton) the 5 ton has been known to break doing this.

I used a craftsman 7 ton 2 jaw puller, but if I was going to do it again I would use the GM tool. The 2 jaw puller grabs on to the thin flanges of the cross member, mine bent downward making it kinda scary (looked like it may slip off). However it never did break or slip off, and I got my keys swapped out. Make sure to keep your hands and face clear just in case, if one of those was to get away from you it would be movin fast. I also agree that however you do it, jack the front wheels off the ground first to relieve the tension.

use the tool. my driver side was a bear, i had to use BOTH the tool and the gear puller to complete the install. tool instills a lot more confidence

If you do it this way be very careful, make sure you get the big puller (7 ton) the 5 ton has been known to break doing this.

I used a craftsman 7 ton 2 jaw puller, but if I was going to do it again I would use the GM tool. The 2 jaw puller grabs on to the thin flanges of the cross member, mine bent downward making it kinda scary (looked like it may slip off). However it never did break or slip off, and I got my keys swapped out. Make sure to keep your hands and face clear just in case, if one of those was to get away from you it would be movin fast. I also agree that however you do it, jack the front wheels off the ground first to relieve the tension.

Your face and limbs are pretty important features....use the right tools for the job and don't risk it. Beside you can swap them out in about 20 min using the tool so it is much quicker and safer.

Get the tool, I fabbed one out of 1/4" x 2" bar stock and 2 disassembled jaw pullers. Under load it snapped a bolt from one of the jaw pullers, very scary, and bent the 1/4" stock.. tremendous load on those, I'm buying a tool.

Your face and limbs are pretty important features....use the right tools for the job and don't risk it. Beside you can swap them out in about 20 min using the tool so it is much quicker and safer.

100% agreed a cool truck is a cool truck, but tough to enjoy with a torsion bar adjuster key stuck in yer skull.

Sounds like I'm buyin the tool. Any other handy tools that would make the lift go easier.

part number OTC7822A

I bought mine about 3 weeks ago for $78. Googling it now, I can't find it for under $95. WOW!

With this tool, it literally took me 15 minutes to do both sides.

Please, for the love of God, don't use a gear puller!!!!!

Tom

Wow, I bought it for $78 also.
The Tool Warehouse (http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/OTC-7822A.html)

gm dieseltech has it for 90
But is that the only special tool I'll need?

Yup. 18mm socket needed. Maybe a small hammer to help tap the bars out of the keys (you don't have to completely remove the bars). Rattlegun would be a help, but no biggie. Use a breaker bar or big rachet if you don't have one.


Tom

I was talking about the entire job of lifting my truck, if there were any other tools that would make the job easier?

oh, my bad. well, i'm not the village idiot for nothing.

ahahah, I wasn't trying to call you an idiot, but that **** is funny.

Hoist is a plus in my book

can be done w/o hoist, but must haves is a sawsall and a welder. No matter which method you use to unload T bars, apply a bit of never seize to tip of tool working against key, reduces torque required to turn puller bolt

If you don't have a hoist, at least two GOOD floor jacks are a must. Depending on the kit, you may need a plasma cutter to trim some frame brackets but you can get by with a grinder with cutoff wheels. A tierod seperator would also be handy. I had to use a gear puller to seperate the center link from the pitman/idler arms. Other than that its really just nuts and bolts. "Measure Twice, Cut Once!!"