Tailgate torsion bar ? (1 Viewer)

[zornff]

We've removed the tailgate on the pig getting it ready for paint. There's a torsion bar that helps the tailgate lift @ the hinge. I need to take the cover off of the threshold that covers it, is there any thing to watch for ?, and how do you re-attach it back on the tailgate ? That thing if fricken burly. Thanks in advance for any help. Mike

 

[CruiserMax]

I tried to do this when I painted my piggie a few years back. The torsion bar was rusty and the screws that held it into place were a mess as well. In the end I gaave up and cut the end off and just left it there. I was sure that I could not get it out and put back together again. You really don't need it to use the gate. I don't miss it that much.

Max

 

[zornff]

You're right, the tailgate works w/out it. But all the screws are out but 2, and i really want to put it back on as its in very good shape and supposed to be there. So i guess i'll figure it out and hope for the best.

 

[CruiserMax]

Go for it! It may work out great and you can clean inside and paint the cover and keep using the torsion bar.

On the other hand, don't be surprised that it is a rusty mess under there. Once you lift that cover you may not be able to get it back into place and use the bar the way you once were able to. Not big deal, I really don't miss mine: its good exercise lifting that gate back into place...

 

[scottryana]

I recently did the same thing... The torsion bar is pretty stout. Taking it off, wasn't to difficult. I had a scare when I unbolted it from the tailgate, the last bolt on from the passenger side and the bracket snapped back.

When I put it back together. I dropped the torsion bar in the hole and screwed the cover back on. I then bolted the driver side bracket on the body and both brackets on the tailgate. When you lift the tailgate to install it just slide the driver side tailgate bracket on to the body bracket and then have a helper in the truck with a prybar pushing the spring loaded bracket out to the tailgate and put the bolt in. It is tough but pretty easy with 2 people.

Hope this make sense,
Ryan.

 

[fj55mike]

I told you not to take it off, but did you listen?

 

[zornff]

I told you not to take it off, but did you listen?

Yeah, i know, but just had to see what was under there. Found some surface rust, but thats it. Come hell or high water its going back on. Getting painted monday or tuesday. Will post pics. Mike

 

[HeathRJ]

I removed my torsion bar as well when painting. Definately need 2 people, but it still proved quite difficult when you are trying to not scratch the paint.

 

[PabloCruise]

I am currently searching for clues on the torsion bar magic - is there a way to remove all tension while it is still mounted?

 

[cruiser_guy]

I am currently searching for clues on the torsion bar magic - is there a way to remove all tension while it is still mounted?

Have you looked at the OEM shop manual procedure? There is an access panel in the tailgate sill but it's under the truck and probably full of dirt and rust.

 

[PabloCruise]

I found access panel, not too bad on the dirt.

FSM says brace the torsion bar with a wood block - that sounds easy!

 

[cruiser_guy]

I found access panel, not too bad on the dirt.

FSM says brace the torsion bar with a wood block - that sounds easy!

I think the wood block is just to keep you from snapping your fingers between the floor and the hinge. I'd try and have an extra pair of hands nearby.

I know we got the whole tailgate off the '55 back when we restored it.

 

[Trollhole]

I've done this and I can say it does suck. That bar is not under just a little pressure. The sdjuster under the gate will help some but not alot. If it's new pain add a lot of tape around the tailgate hinge areas. A wooden block would have made everything a lot easier. As you have to pry that arm far enough back to get one bolt in. I ended up using a socket as my spacer it worked well.

Just be warned it's on there.

 

[CandyPants]

I took mine off and it was under a lot of tension, but the wood block thing worked fine for me. Getting it back on was a bit of a chore, but I am glad I did it. I ended up replacing the bar itsef as well as all the little screws and the tailgate hinge screws. Now it works like a dream (or it would if I could get the glass down. I gotta find the electrical malfunction here soon, it's getting annoying).

 

[PabloCruise]

Thanks.

Did you just place the wood block, unscrew the cover and then remove the rod?

Does the rod try to go flying when you remove the cover?

 

[cruiser_guy]

Does the rod try to go flying when you remove the cover?

You can remove the cover without affecting the torsion bar at all.

 

[PabloCruise]

True to my need to take pictures of everything, I took a few pictures so future searchers can know what these mechanisms look like!

 

[PabloCruise]

BTW, I was able to get every Phillips screw to unscrew w/o rounding out the heads by placing the screwdriver and then giving it a whack with a hammer to "seat" the screwdriver!

I felt lucky based on how much surface rust was in there...