Torsion Bars & Support: Removal

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 15 other vehicles, including the 1992 Oldsmobile Bravada, 1992 GMC Yukon, 1992 GMC Suburban, 1992 GMC Sonoma, and 1992 GMC Safari. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Unload torsion bar tension. See Figure . Mark adjusting bolt setting. Using Torsion Bar Unloading Tool (J-36202 ), increase tension on adjusting arm. Remove torsion bar adjusting bolt, counting number of turns for reassembly reference. Remove torsion bar adjusting nut. Slowly relieve torsion bar tension.
Remove unloading tool. Slide torsion bar forward. Remove torsion bar adjusting arm. Remove support mounting bolts, nuts and washers. Remove support retainer, spacer and rubber insulator. See Figure .
On Astro, "K" Series Blazer & Pickup, Safari, Sierra, Suburban and Yukon, slide torsion bar support rearward. Slide torsion bar rearward and pull down to remove from lower control arm. Mark right and left torsion bars for reassembly reference. Torsion bars must be reinstalled in same location and direction as removed.
On Bravada, Jimmy, Sonoma, Syclone, Typhoon and "T" Series Blazer & Pickup, disconnect muffler flange from catalytic converter. Loosen rear exhaust hanger and lower rear exhaust. Remove torsion bar support. Slide torsion bar rearward and remove from lower control arm.
On all models, inspect torsion bars, adjusting arms, retainers, rubber insulators and support for bend, cracks, deterioration or damage. Check adjusting bolt and nut for damage or stripped threads. Replace as necessary.