removing torsion bar to weld on new centre crossmember

[rumpelstiltkin]

Just ordered the end section of the centre crossmember that leads to the centre jacking point.After a quick look i notice the torsion bar end has to be removed.I take it this isnt going to be under tension and smack me in the face when i unbolt it?
Refitting i suppose will just need a gentle twisted lift with a jack to line up with new crossmember mounting holes?Thanks for any advice!

[panky]

It will be under tension. You need to get the car up on axle stands under the chassis rails, raise the lower steering arm with a jack, as close to the bottom trunnion as you can, so the damper arm is clear of the lower rebound stop, take out all the bolts and fastenings that hold it together and gently prise the two halves of the arm apart then lower the jack gently, the remaining half of the arm that's still attached will drop and will take the tension off the torsion bar. Be extremely careful with the positioning of the jack as it can slip as the arm drops.

[bmcecosse]

I was extremely disappointed in the quality of the 'end piece' I received - spent half an hour welding it together properly... I could have made a better/stronger one myself in about the same time.... You will need to remove the T bars - so pretty much as above - then get the T bar away from the eyebolt - undo at the rear and pull the bar forward. You may need new vernier plates if they are rotted....

[rumpelstiltkin]

Had a little bit of a disaster,had the nuts/bolts at the centre crossmember end soaking in releasing fluid for a day or two,decided just to slacken the nut at the end of the torsion bar and the bolt that goes through the end of the arm on the end of the torsion bar.
While i was slackening the large nut on the torsion bar there was a huge bang!!The end of the torsion bar snapped down right through the crossmember im going to replace!!!Gave me a bit of a fright!!
So problem is now i have the rear end of the torsion hanging down,i dont really want to mess about releasing the front of it.Im going to try putting the new crossmember plate on the end of the torsion bar,then jack plate and bar together up to the floor,then weld!A bit ham fisted but i wasnt expecting the crossmember to give way!

[bmcecosse]

Much much better and easier to remove the bar from the front arm. It's really not difficult and you will have enough problem aligning the Xmember without the T bar getting the way!