Removal Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Use care when handling the torsion bars in order to avoid chipping or scratching the coating. Damage to the coating will result in premature failure of the torsion bars.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to LIFTING AND JACKING THE VEHICLE in General Information.
Mark the adjuster bolt.
Install J 36202 to the adjustment arm and the crossmember.
Increase the tension on the adjustment arm until the load is removed from the adjuster bolt.

Fig 1: Installing SST To Adjustment Arm & Crossmember
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: To aid in assembly, record the number of turns the tool makes when removing the adjuster bolt.
Remove the adjuster bolt and adjuster nut.
Remove J 36202 from the adjustment arm, allowing the torsion bar to unload.
Remove the adjustment arm by sliding the torsion bar forward until the torsion bar clears the adjustment arm.
Remove the torsion bar support link upper mounting nuts.
Remove the torsion bar support link upper mounting bolts.
Remove the torsion bar support from the frame.

Fig 2: Removing Torsion Bar Support From Frame
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the torsion bars. Note the exact direction of the forward end and the side of the torsion bar that is being removed.

Fig 3: Torsion Bars
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Remove the torsion bar links lower retaining nuts.
Remove the torsion bar links from the torsion bar support.

Fig 4: Removing Torsion Bar Links From Torsion Bar Support
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.