Free torsion bars, worth it???

[CaseyCuda]

Hey guys I got a friend that says he has big block torsion bars for a ebody he got in a swap a long time ago that he'd be willing to give me. I don't like to look a gift horse in the mouth but I also don't like parts I'm not 100% on. Is there any measurements or markings that will tell me for sure that these are correct big block and for and perfect for my 70 cuda.

 

[Tirekickertoo]

CaseyCuda,

Here is a list of torsion bar specs that I found a while back on another web page. All I did was copy it to this form. Mopar muscle magazine had an article on how to identify torsion bars. The article refered to pg46? for decoding the torsion bar end numbers I'm not sure if they were refering to the mechanics/shop manual or what?

Good luck, I hope this helps

Tirekickertoo


Torsion bars

This is a list of the available torsion bars for the Challenger. Which bar you got depended on engine and if the car came with heavy duty suspension or not.
All E-body cars came with a 41 inch long bar (same as B-Body).

Diameter of the bar is listed in inches.

225 six =0.86

318 1970 = 0.88
1971- 1974 = 0.86
HD 1970-1974 = 0.90

340 1970-71 = 0.90
1972-1973 = 0.86
HD 1970 - 1973 = 0.90

360 1974 = 0.86
HD 1974 = 0.90

383-2bbl 1970-1971 = 0.86
HD 1970-1971 = 0.90
383-4bbl = 0.90

440 1970 = 0.92
1971 = 0.90

426 Hemi 1970-1971 = 0.92

 

[moparleo]

Check the torsion bars for deep scratches or any thing irregular on the outside of the bars before installing. Torsion bars work by twisting to raise and lower the car. Any external flaws like deep scratches, like from vice grips or pipe wrench will cause the bars to be just junk. They eventually crack/break. Not fun at any speed.:icon_frown:

 

[CaseyCuda]

Hey thanks guys I wouldn't chance it but the price of free is well too tempting and since I changed my mind to a 440 I only have the 318 torsion bars.

 

[moparleo]

Not free if they break and you crash your car. Inspect first.

 

[Chryco Psycho]

778 / 779 or 780/781 are the large bars the number will be cast on one or both ends

 

[CaseyCuda]

I go this weekend to see about the bars. Thanks for the info and moparleo I will check them I promise.

 

[challenger6pak]

I broke a torsion bar on a 4 speed car and it came up through the drivers floor. They are dangerous when they break.