Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Low Front Ride Height (Help detemining the problem.)
| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254270 is a reply to message #254134] |
Thu, 03 July 2014 10:31   |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Terry,
I will address all three of your emails regarding this subject.
1) I STAND BY WHAT I SAID! Read that manual and see that it says "NEVER ATTEMPT TO INCREASE THE RIDE HEIGHT OF THE MOTOR HOME USING
THE ADJUSTING BOLT WHILE THE VEHICLE IS ON THE GROUND." This is page 3a-20 and 21 in my manual from GM. Mentions NOTHING about using
the tool to change the adjustment.
It DOES say to raise the vehicle, just like I said! READ HERE:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/maintenance/p55078-page3a-20.html
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/maintenance/p55079-page3a-21.html
COMMENT: You are 100% correct, unfortunately, your manual is X-7425 and I was referencing X-7625 which GM issued AFTER the one you
are referencing.
It is reasonable to assume that the manual was revised because shop mechanics were adjusting the ride height without the tool and
stripping the bolts or nuts.
2) It's not my method, it's just what's in the GMC service manual that came with the coach. When replacing the torsion bar, I had to
do it a totally different way when the unloading tool refused to work the way Robs manual indicated. When I tried to do it with the
tool I almost lost a helper due to flying parts of the tool. The way I ultimately had to do mine was incredibly dangerous and I will
not recommend it to anybody no matter how qualified they are. And I kept both of my helpers standing 12 feet away to avoid the
danger. After it was installed, I had no problem turning the lubricated screw up with a standard size ratchet when the wheels were
hanging, just like the manual I have says to do. My manual was published in October 1973, and there are some procedures in there
that I cannot condone (Like putting the GMC on a 2 post lift!) even though I know they are possible.
COMMENT: Once again the manual you have was revised. As far as the tool not working goes could you please advise if your tool was
like the one pictured in manual X-7625 / Section 3A - Front Suspension / Page 3A-18 / Figure 20'-Removing Torsion Bar:
Note: Here's a link to the manual noted above: http://www.bdub.net/manuals/X7625/index.html
If your tool looked like the one pictured in the manual or my tool please advise what parts when flying so I can evaluate what
should be done to keep that from happening. I made a tool like that one a rear axle to spring "U" clamp that had 9/16" diameter legs
and a solid cross bar that was 1 1/2 inches square. The bolt that went into the pork chop was 3/4" diameter with fine threads. I
tapered and counter bored the end of that bolt and installed a 1/4" OD ball bearing in it to have a hardened contact point. I have
used this tool a number of times without any problem.
If your tool did not look like the one above did it look like this?
http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss221/bhookxen/96%20burban/suburban002.jpg
If yes what part went flying?
3) I hope you have a better tool than the one that I borrowed, Bob. I used it to remove the tension to remove the adjuster and all
was well. And then I too was amazed at the tension on that setup when putting it back together. However, I was not so amazed that I
didn't stop cranking on it to get the chop up far enough to get the adjuster back in and it broke before I got it up far enough. So
I had to pay the friend to replace his tool (which of course was not available for over a week) and figure out another way to get
that chop adjuster in place. I will not do it that way (the dangerous way I had to do it) again if I ever have to do that job again.
If there is a next time to replace the bars I will separate the lower ball joint, hopefully without using a pickle fork that would
damage the grease boot. Just adjusting the height up is a much easier thing, as all I need to do is take the coach weight off of the
wheels, let them drop, and since I already greased the bolt threads and the cups they go into on the chops, the bolt turns very
easily.
COMMENT: Once again which tool was it?
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254278 is a reply to message #254240] |
Thu, 03 July 2014 12:46 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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John,
Both of mine look just like that. Not much danger of one of those coming
apart. However, a few years back a group was using one of mine as I
watched (with an out-of-kilter back). Somehow the tool got cockeyed and
the first thing we knew the forcing screw had snapped in two! That's some
HARD brittle steel!
The neatest homemade TB tool I've seen was Larry Wills' Port-a-Power
attachment. But it was so tall it could only be used on a lift or pit.
I'm still waiting for Bob deK's Packard-style electrically adjustable
torsion bars to eliminate all that foolishness automatically. I'm gonna
hold my breath until then, so if I turn blue, it's Bob's fault. :-)
Ken H.
On Thu, Jul 3, 2014 at 9:36 AM, John Wright wrote:
> There are a number of people using homemade tools to work with the torsion
> bar unloading and ride height setting. Some may be robust and some may be
> less than. I am NOT saying that you should not use what you have, but if
> one comes apart on you it can be a disaster. The tool that I use is from
> Tony Lammi and ran about $80 when I bought it few years back and is the
> strongest I have seen of the newer tools. It is a very good copy of the KM
> J-22517-02 torsion tool. I have used it on a number of coaches both for
> disassembly and ride height setting. I always raise the coach up to unload
> coach weight when adjusting the ride height. Just how I do it. It looks
> like this:
>
>
> http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_O22rRx8tVMo/Rs7IOEFMuPI/AAAAAAAAAEE/crmo3RtpUc0/s1600-h/torson.jpg
>
> Tony can be reached at tslamm@acewb.com if he is still making them.
>
> Jim K also sells two version of torsion bar tools too.
>
> JR Wright
> GMC Great Laker MHC
> GMC Eastern States
> GMCMHI
> 78 GMC Buskirk 30’ Stretch
> 1975 GMC Avion (Under Reconstruction)
> Michigan
>
> On Jul 2, 2014, at 11:09 PM, Terry wrote:
>
>> I hope you have a better tool than the one that I borrowed, Bob. I used
> it to remove the tension to remove the adjuster and all was well. And then I
>> too was amazed at the tension on that setup when putting it back
> together. However, I was not so amazed that I didn't stop cranking on it to
> get the
>> chop up far enough to get the adjuster back in and it broke before I got
> it up far enough. So I had to pay the friend to replace his tool (which of
>> course was not available for over a week) and figure out another way to
> get that chop adjuster in place. I will not do it that way (the dangerous
> way
>> I had to do it) again if I ever have to do that job again. If there is a
> next time to replace the bars I will separate the lower ball joint,
> hopefully
>> without using a pickle fork that would damage the grease boot. Just
> adjusting the height up is a much easier thing, as all I need to do is take
> the
>> coach weight off of the wheels, let them drop, and since I already
> greased the bolt threads and the cups they go into on the chops, the bolt
> turns
>> very easily.
>> --
>> Terry Kelpien
>> 73 Glacier 260
>> Smithfield, Va.
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254281 is a reply to message #254270] |
Thu, 03 July 2014 13:22 |
Bullitthead
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Rob, I gave the tool back to the guy so he could try to get it replaced under warranty and then he later told me that he could not get it replaced free and was going to have to buy another one to do the bars on the late model GM trucks. It was not the ball joint press type that is in the picture you linked to. It was a large U-bolt that went over the crossmember and a 1 inch square cross block with a 9/16 pressing screw. The U-bolt broke. It did not look or feel like a homemade setup as the u-bolt was very hard, but he said that it was his grandad's tool and I did not see a brand name on it. I won't see him for at least another week when he comes back from vacation, but when I do I will see if he saved the parts and get a pic of them. Like I said, if there is a next time, I will disconnect the lower ball joint and shock absorber to replace a torsion bar. I did not download that manual you linked to but the tool you described sounds just like what I was using. It worked fine to unload the adjuster bolt but did not make it through the reassembly process. I ended up using a bottle jack to raise the chop up...VERY dangerous, don't do it...but it was what I had to do at the time on a Sunday with a storm coming up and no other options. I even tied a catch rope on the jack in case IT went flying so it wouldn't take out me or one of my helpers. Afterward, someone asked why I didn't just disconnect the lower control arm to make it really easy and my only answer to that is that I was working on gravel and dirt and the floor jack will not roll to keep itself properly aligned when raising the arm back up to the ball joint.
Terry Kelpien
ASE Master Technician
73 Glacier 260
Smithfield, Va.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254282 is a reply to message #254281] |
Thu, 03 July 2014 13:27 |
Bullitthead
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Just saw the one that John linked to and that is it, but the u bolt was longer. It broke where the little tit is to hold it in place.
Terry Kelpien
ASE Master Technician
73 Glacier 260
Smithfield, Va.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254284 is a reply to message #254278] |
Thu, 03 July 2014 14:06 |
Bob de Kruyff
Messages: 4260
Registered: January 2004
Location: Chandler, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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""I'm still waiting for Bob deK's Packard-style electrically adjustable
torsion bars to eliminate all that foolishness automatically. I'm gonna
hold my breath until then, so if I turn blue, it's Bob's fault. 
::
Wow--you have a great memory ! Now that my GM buddy has retired, maybe I can get him to assist me. (i.e. I watch and direct as he builds it)
Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
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| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254288 is a reply to message #254270] |
Thu, 03 July 2014 14:21 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Rob,
It is also was added to the same area and pages of the X7725 1977 & 1978 Supplement too. The original X-7525 manual I have also does not have the changes either which I found 2 years ago in Tucson. The reprints that Cinnabar was selling ( X-7525A & X-7525B ) were a copy of this manual. With all the manuals being available either online, CD, DVD or on thumb drives I keep my manuals in the office and print out what I need to do the job. That way I can alway have the correct manual for the year coach that I am working on or need information on.
JR Wright
GMC Great Laker MHC
GMC Eastern States
GMCMHI
78 GMC Buskirk 30’ Stretch
1975 GMC Avion (Under Reconstruction)
Michigan
On Jul 3, 2014, at 11:31 AM, Rob Mueller wrote:
> Terry,
>
> I will address all three of your emails regarding this subject.
>
> 1) I STAND BY WHAT I SAID! Read that manual and see that it says "NEVER ATTEMPT TO INCREASE THE RIDE HEIGHT OF THE MOTOR HOME USING
> THE ADJUSTING BOLT WHILE THE VEHICLE IS ON THE GROUND." This is page 3a-20 and 21 in my manual from GM. Mentions NOTHING about using
> the tool to change the adjustment.
> It DOES say to raise the vehicle, just like I said! READ HERE:
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/maintenance/p55078-page3a-20.html
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/maintenance/p55079-page3a-21.html
>
> COMMENT: You are 100% correct, unfortunately, your manual is X-7425 and I was referencing X-7625 which GM issued AFTER the one you
> are referencing.
>
> It is reasonable to assume that the manual was revised because shop mechanics were adjusting the ride height without the tool and
> stripping the bolts or nuts.
>
> 2) It's not my method, it's just what's in the GMC service manual that came with the coach. When replacing the torsion bar, I had to
> do it a totally different way when the unloading tool refused to work the way Robs manual indicated. When I tried to do it with the
> tool I almost lost a helper due to flying parts of the tool. The way I ultimately had to do mine was incredibly dangerous and I will
> not recommend it to anybody no matter how qualified they are. And I kept both of my helpers standing 12 feet away to avoid the
> danger. After it was installed, I had no problem turning the lubricated screw up with a standard size ratchet when the wheels were
> hanging, just like the manual I have says to do. My manual was published in October 1973, and there are some procedures in there
> that I cannot condone (Like putting the GMC on a 2 post lift!) even though I know they are possible.
>
> COMMENT: Once again the manual you have was revised. As far as the tool not working goes could you please advise if your tool was
> like the one pictured in manual X-7625 / Section 3A - Front Suspension / Page 3A-18 / Figure 20'-Removing Torsion Bar:
>
> Note: Here's a link to the manual noted above: http://www.bdub.net/manuals/X7625/index.html
>
> If your tool looked like the one pictured in the manual or my tool please advise what parts when flying so I can evaluate what
> should be done to keep that from happening. I made a tool like that one a rear axle to spring "U" clamp that had 9/16" diameter legs
> and a solid cross bar that was 1 1/2 inches square. The bolt that went into the pork chop was 3/4" diameter with fine threads. I
> tapered and counter bored the end of that bolt and installed a 1/4" OD ball bearing in it to have a hardened contact point. I have
> used this tool a number of times without any problem.
>
> If your tool did not look like the one above did it look like this?
>
> http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss221/bhookxen/96%20burban/suburban002.jpg
>
> If yes what part went flying?
>
> 3) I hope you have a better tool than the one that I borrowed, Bob. I used it to remove the tension to remove the adjuster and all
> was well. And then I too was amazed at the tension on that setup when putting it back together. However, I was not so amazed that I
> didn't stop cranking on it to get the chop up far enough to get the adjuster back in and it broke before I got it up far enough. So
> I had to pay the friend to replace his tool (which of course was not available for over a week) and figure out another way to get
> that chop adjuster in place. I will not do it that way (the dangerous way I had to do it) again if I ever have to do that job again.
> If there is a next time to replace the bars I will separate the lower ball joint, hopefully without using a pickle fork that would
> damage the grease boot. Just adjusting the height up is a much easier thing, as all I need to do is take the coach weight off of the
> wheels, let them drop, and since I already greased the bolt threads and the cups they go into on the chops, the bolt turns very
> easily.
>
> COMMENT: Once again which tool was it?
>
> Regards,
> Rob M.
> The Pedantic Mechanic
> USAussie - Downunder
> USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
> AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254301 is a reply to message #254286] |
Thu, 03 July 2014 19:01 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
|
Senior Member |
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Make, manufacturer and part number for tool??????
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
On Jul 3, 2014, at 3:12 PM, Wally Anderson wrote:
> Bullitthead wrote on Thu, 03 July 2014 13:22
>> Rob, I gave the tool back to the guy so he could try to get it replaced under warranty and then he later told me that he could not get it replaced
>> free and was going to have to buy another one to do the bars on the late model GM trucks. It was not the ball joint press type that is in the
>> picture you linked to. It was a large U-bolt that went over the crossmember and a 1 inch square cross block with a 9/16 pressing screw. The U-bolt
>> broke. It did not look or feel like a homemade setup as the u-bolt was very hard, but he said that it was his grandad's tool and I did not see a
>> brand name on it. I won't see him for at least another week when he comes back from vacation, but when I do I will see if he saved the parts and get
>> a pic of them. Like I said, if there is a next time, I will disconnect the lower ball joint and shock absorber to replace a torsion bar. I did not
>> download that manual you linked to but the tool you described sounds just like what I was using. It worked fine to unload the adjuster bolt but did
>> not make it through the reassembly process. I ended up using a bottle jack to raise the chop up...VERY dangerous, don't do it...but it was what I
>> had to do at the time on a Sunday with a storm coming up and no other options. I even tied a catch rope on the jack in case IT went flying so it
>> wouldn't take out me or one of my helpers. Afterward, someone asked why I didn't just disconnect the lower control arm to make it really easy and my
>> only answer to that is that I was working on gravel and dirt and the floor jack will not roll to keep itself properly aligned when raising the arm
>> back up to the ball joint.
>
> The C shaped tool for newer GM 4x4's will work for TZE's.
> http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHsqQBHQGq8/U3T9Mu4Aj3I/AAAAAAAACVw/fR5dW6SGCYQ/s1600/torsion+bar+3.JPG
> Just what I used.
> --
> Wally Anderson
> 1975 Glenbrook
> Megasquirt 455 port injection science project-On the road 16,468 miles
> Omaha Nebraska
> Greater Midwest Classics
> GMCES
> http://wallyandsue.blogspot.com/
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254302 is a reply to message #254301] |
Thu, 03 July 2014 19:15 |
powerjon
Messages: 2446
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Reply to Me! See the following.
http://www.amazon.com/OTC-7822A-torsion-Unloading-tool/dp/B0002SRGYI
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
On Jul 3, 2014, at 8:01 PM, John Wright wrote:
> Make, manufacturer and part number for tool??????
> JR Wright
> 78 Buskirk Stretch
> 75 Avion
> Michigan
>
> On Jul 3, 2014, at 3:12 PM, Wally Anderson wrote:
>
>> Bullitthead wrote on Thu, 03 July 2014 13:22
>>> Rob, I gave the tool back to the guy so he could try to get it replaced under warranty and then he later told me that he could not get it replaced
>>> free and was going to have to buy another one to do the bars on the late model GM trucks. It was not the ball joint press type that is in the
>>> picture you linked to. It was a large U-bolt that went over the crossmember and a 1 inch square cross block with a 9/16 pressing screw. The U-bolt
>>> broke. It did not look or feel like a homemade setup as the u-bolt was very hard, but he said that it was his grandad's tool and I did not see a
>>> brand name on it. I won't see him for at least another week when he comes back from vacation, but when I do I will see if he saved the parts and get
>>> a pic of them. Like I said, if there is a next time, I will disconnect the lower ball joint and shock absorber to replace a torsion bar. I did not
>>> download that manual you linked to but the tool you described sounds just like what I was using. It worked fine to unload the adjuster bolt but did
>>> not make it through the reassembly process. I ended up using a bottle jack to raise the chop up...VERY dangerous, don't do it...but it was what I
>>> had to do at the time on a Sunday with a storm coming up and no other options. I even tied a catch rope on the jack in case IT went flying so it
>>> wouldn't take out me or one of my helpers. Afterward, someone asked why I didn't just disconnect the lower control arm to make it really easy and my
>>> only answer to that is that I was working on gravel and dirt and the floor jack will not roll to keep itself properly aligned when raising the arm
>>> back up to the ball joint.
>>
>> The C shaped tool for newer GM 4x4's will work for TZE's.
>> http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHsqQBHQGq8/U3T9Mu4Aj3I/AAAAAAAACVw/fR5dW6SGCYQ/s1600/torsion+bar+3.JPG
>> Just what I used.
>> --
>> Wally Anderson
>> 1975 Glenbrook
>> Megasquirt 455 port injection science project-On the road 16,468 miles
>> Omaha Nebraska
>> Greater Midwest Classics
>> GMCES
>> http://wallyandsue.blogspot.com/
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLaker
GMC Eastern States
GMCMI
78 30' Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion Under Reconstruction
Michigan
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| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254314 is a reply to message #254302] |
Thu, 03 July 2014 22:40 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
That should be strong enough and would sure be a lot easier to install and
remove. If I didn't have a couple already, that's what I'd buy. Can't
beat OTC quality.
Ken H.
On Thu, Jul 3, 2014 at 8:15 PM, John Wright wrote:
> Reply to Me! See the following.
>
> http://www.amazon.com/OTC-7822A-torsion-Unloading-tool/dp/B0002SRGYI
>
>
> JR Wright
> 78 Buskirk Stretch
> 75 Avion
> Michigan
>
> On Jul 3, 2014, at 8:01 PM, John Wright wrote:
>
>> Make, manufacturer and part number for tool??????
>> JR Wright
>> 78 Buskirk Stretch
>> 75 Avion
>> Michigan
>>
>> On Jul 3, 2014, at 3:12 PM, Wally Anderson
> wrote:
>>
>>> Bullitthead wrote on Thu, 03 July 2014 13:22
>>>> Rob, I gave the tool back to the guy so he could try to get it
> replaced under warranty and then he later told me that he could not get it
> replaced
>>>> free and was going to have to buy another one to do the bars on the
> late model GM trucks. It was not the ball joint press type that is in the
>>>> picture you linked to. It was a large U-bolt that went over the
> crossmember and a 1 inch square cross block with a 9/16 pressing screw.
> The U-bolt
>>>> broke. It did not look or feel like a homemade setup as the u-bolt
> was very hard, but he said that it was his grandad's tool and I did not
> see a
>>>> brand name on it. I won't see him for at least another week when he
> comes back from vacation, but when I do I will see if he saved the parts
> and get
>>>> a pic of them. Like I said, if there is a next time, I will
> disconnect the lower ball joint and shock absorber to replace a torsion
> bar. I did not
>>>> download that manual you linked to but the tool you described sounds
> just like what I was using. It worked fine to unload the adjuster bolt but
> did
>>>> not make it through the reassembly process. I ended up using a bottle
> jack to raise the chop up...VERY dangerous, don't do it...but it was what
> I
>>>> had to do at the time on a Sunday with a storm coming up and no other
> options. I even tied a catch rope on the jack in case IT went flying so it
>>>> wouldn't take out me or one of my helpers. Afterward, someone asked
> why I didn't just disconnect the lower control arm to make it really easy
> and my
>>>> only answer to that is that I was working on gravel and dirt and the
> floor jack will not roll to keep itself properly aligned when raising the
> arm
>>>> back up to the ball joint.
>>>
>>> The C shaped tool for newer GM 4x4's will work for TZE's.
>>>
> http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHsqQBHQGq8/U3T9Mu4Aj3I/AAAAAAAACVw/fR5dW6SGCYQ/s1600/torsion+bar+3.JPG
>>> Just what I used.
>>> --
>>> Wally Anderson
>>> 1975 Glenbrook
>>> Megasquirt 455 port injection science project-On the road 16,468 miles
>>> Omaha Nebraska
>>> Greater Midwest Classics
>>> GMCES
>>> http://wallyandsue.blogspot.com/
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> GMCnet mailing list
>>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
>> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
>> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
> _______________________________________________
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254321 is a reply to message #254314] |
Fri, 04 July 2014 03:14 |
Adrien G.
Messages: 474
Registered: May 2008
Location: Burns Flat, OK 73624
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Thank you all,
I didn't mean to stir up all of this thread by my not mentioning that I did use the TB tool and the coach was off the ground on jack stands.
I'm thinking that maybe someone may have rebuilt the front (control arm bushings and ?), and upon assembly the relationship between the angle of the lower control arm (about 5 pm) and the pork chop (about 9 am) was missed. Maybe indexing the pork chop by one flat over might solve the problem.
Thanks again to all for your info.
Adrien & Jenny Genesoto
75 Glenbrook (26-3) Mods LS3.70 FD / Reaction Sys / 80mm Front&Intermidiate / Hydroboost / 16" Tires / Frame Rebuild / Interior Rebuild
Yuba City,Ca. Text 530-nine-3-three-3-nine-nine-6
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| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254325 is a reply to message #254302] |
Fri, 04 July 2014 08:15 |
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wally
Messages: 643
Registered: August 2004
Location: Omaha Nebraska
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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powerjon wrote on Thu, 03 July 2014 19:15Reply to Me! See the following.
http://www.amazon.com/OTC-7822A-torsion-Unloading-tool/dp/B0002SRGYI
JR Wright
78 Buskirk Stretch
75 Avion
Michigan
On Jul 3, 2014, at 8:01 PM, John Wright wrote:
> Make, manufacturer and part number for tool??????
> JR Wright
> 78 Buskirk Stretch
> 75 Avion
> Michigan
>
> On Jul 3, 2014, at 3:12 PM, Wally Anderson wrote:
>
>> Bullitthead wrote on Thu, 03 July 2014 13:22
>>> Rob, I gave the tool back to the guy so he could try to get it replaced under warranty and then he later told me that he could not get it replaced
>>> free and was going to have to buy another one to do the bars on the late model GM trucks. It was not the ball joint press type that is in the
>>> picture you linked to. It was a large U-bolt that went over the crossmember and a 1 inch square cross block with a 9/16 pressing screw. The U-bolt
>>> broke. It did not look or feel like a homemade setup as the u-bolt was very hard, but he said that it was his grandad's tool and I did not see a
>>> brand name on it. I won't see him for at least another week when he comes back from vacation, but when I do I will see if he saved the parts and get
>>> a pic of them. Like I said, if there is a next time, I will disconnect the lower ball joint and shock absorber to replace a torsion bar. I did not
>>> download that manual you linked to but the tool you described sounds just like what I was using. It worked fine to unload the adjuster bolt but did
>>> not make it through the reassembly process. I ended up using a bottle jack to raise the chop up...VERY dangerous, don't do it...but it was what I
>>> had to do at the time on a Sunday with a storm coming up and no other options. I even tied a catch rope on the jack in case IT went flying so it
>>> wouldn't take out me or one of my helpers. Afterward, someone asked why I didn't just disconnect the lower control arm to make it really easy and my
>>> only answer to that is that I was working on gravel and dirt and the floor jack will not roll to keep itself properly aligned when raising the arm
>>> back up to the ball joint.
>>
>> The C shaped tool for newer GM 4x4's will work for TZE's.
>> http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xHsqQBHQGq8/U3T9Mu4Aj3I/AAAAAAAACVw/fR5dW6SGCYQ/s1600/torsion+bar+3.JPG
>> Just what I used.
>> --
>> Wally Anderson
>> 1975 Glenbrook
>> Megasquirt 455 port injection science project-On the road 16,468 miles
>> Omaha Nebraska
>> Greater Midwest Classics
>> GMCES
>> http://wallyandsue.blogspot.com/
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
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Cast on the tool is Kent-Moore J42393. Amazon is where it came from in March and the link is the same one I bought, they ask me if I to buy it again haha. Interesting it describes an OTC 7822A tool but a Kent-Moore is what I got. It looks like this.
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/power-level-valve-fitting/p55171-torsion-bar-unloader.html
HTH
Wally Anderson
Omaha NE
75 Glenbrook
[Updated on: Fri, 04 July 2014 10:43] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254328 is a reply to message #254321] |
Fri, 04 July 2014 08:23 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Adrien,
The first time I took the control arms off The Blue Streak in Australia I did not have the tool. I wanted to remove the hubs and
knuckles as well so I VERY CAREFULLY:
1) Raised the front end and put it on jack stands
2) Removed the wheels
3) Put a floor jack under the lower control arm in such a way that it was supported as best possible
4) Removed the lower ball joint taper
5) Removed the shock absorber
6) Slowly lowered the lower control arm until it would not move any further
7) As I faced the GMC the left control arm hung at about 7:00 and the right at about 5:00
Since the torsion bar ends are hexagonal if you indexed them one flat more the lower control arm would rotate 60°. I believe that
would be too much.
If you've run out of adjustment there are three fixes:
1) GMC made pork chops with three different angles
2) You can use a longer adjustment bolt
3) An adjustable pork chop is available
Check JimK's website for those parts.
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Adrien Genesoto
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2014 3:14 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height
Thank you all,
I didn't mean to stir up all of this thread by my not mentioning that I did use the TB tool and the coach was off the ground on jack
stands.
I'm thinking that maybe someone may have rebuilt the front (control arm bushings and ?), and upon assembly the relationship between
the angle of the lower control arm (about 5 pm) and the pork chop (about 9 am) was missed. Maybe indexing the pork chop by one flat
over might solve the problem.
Thanks again to all for your info.
--
When we avoid the mistakes we might have made, we sometimes make the mistakes that we might have avoided.
Adrien & Jenny
75 Glenbrook
Yuba City,Ca.
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254339 is a reply to message #254281] |
Fri, 04 July 2014 09:21 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Terry,
Thanks for the description and it sounds like the welding screwed up the "U" bolt.
I did what you've noted below before I made the tools. I actually have two of them so I can adjust both sides at a time. A Mate of
mine he-arc'd the 3/8" OD teat on the "U" bolts and I am sure he did not weaken them.
Bottom line: the torsion bars have a TREMENDOUS amount of stored energy when installed and tensioned, whenever you're performing ANY
operation that effects them keep that in mind they are a possible source of SERIOUS injury!
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Terry
Sent: Thursday, July 03, 2014 1:23 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height
Rob, I gave the tool back to the guy so he could try to get it replaced under warranty and then he later told me that he could not
get it replaced free and was going to have to buy another one to do the bars on the late model GM trucks. It was not the ball joint
press type that is in the picture you linked to. It was a large U-bolt that went over the crossmember and a 1 inch square cross
block with a 9/16 pressing screw. The U-bolt broke. It did not look or feel like a homemade setup as the u-bolt was very hard, but
he said that it was his grandad's tool and I did not see a brand name on it. I won't see him for at least another week when he comes
back from vacation, but when I do I will see if he saved the parts and get a pic of them.
Like I said, if there is a next time, I will disconnect the lower ball joint and shock absorber to replace a torsion bar. I did not
download that manual you linked to but the tool you described sounds just like what I was using. It worked fine to unload the
adjuster bolt but did not make it through the reassembly process. I ended up using a bottle jack to raise the chop up...VERY
dangerous, don't do it...but it was what I had to do at the time on a Sunday with a storm coming up and no other options. I even
tied a catch rope on the jack in case IT went flying so it wouldn't take out me or one of my helpers. Afterward, someone asked why I
didn't just disconnect the lower control arm to make it really easy and my only answer to that is that I was working on gravel and
dirt and the floor jack will not roll to keep itself properly aligned when raising the arm back up to the ball joint.
--
Terry Kelpien
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: Low Front Ride Height [message #254340 is a reply to message #254050] |
Fri, 04 July 2014 09:43 |
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SeanKidd
Messages: 747
Registered: June 2012
Location: Northern Neck Virginia
Karma: 4
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Senior Member |
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I have the Kent Moore unloader, it works well enough...my only complaint is that the threaded shaft gets close to the adjuster bolt and makes it impossible to use a ratchet on the adjuster, you have to use a wrench.
Sean and Stephanie
73 Ex-CanyonLands 26' #317 "Oliver"
Hubler 1-Ton, Quad-Bags, Rear Disc, Reaction Arms, P.Huber TBs, 3.70:1 LSD Honda 6500 inverter gen.
Colonial Travelers
[Updated on: Fri, 04 July 2014 10:02] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254354 is a reply to message #254337] |
Fri, 04 July 2014 11:52 |
Bullitthead
Messages: 1411
Registered: November 2013
Karma: 5
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Senior Member |
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Ralph,
I'm with Rob on the Eldo springs...I would like to see some photos of that installation! If you can post any to the photo site I'll bet a lot of us would check them out.
I think some of my leaning to the right front has been corrected by putting Onan back in his hole on the left rear...been running around with that compartment empty for awhile, will know for sure after a test drive, maybe later today.
Terry Kelpien
ASE Master Technician
73 Glacier 260
Smithfield, Va.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254356 is a reply to message #254337] |
Fri, 04 July 2014 13:41 |
mrgmc3
Messages: 210
Registered: September 2013
Location: W Washington
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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Ralphydoodoo wrote on Fri, 04 July 2014 09:11I had a big problem with my 76 birchaven leaning on the rt front. My
brother who is a mechanic in Orlando went to the local salvage yard found a
pair of coil springs out of 76 Eldorado and somehow got them wedged in
between the control arms and the frame.
The Eldo coil springs must have come out of the rear suspension! Every Eldo prior to 1986 had torsion bars in the front
Chris Geils - Twin Cities / W Wa
1978 26' Kingsley w/ very few mods; PD9040, aux trans cooler, one repaint in stock colors, R134a, Al rad, Alcoas, 54k mi
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| Re: [GMCnet] Low Front Ride Height [message #254359 is a reply to message #254354] |
Fri, 04 July 2014 14:06 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Terry,
A lot of people are not aware that GMC specified a left to right imbalance of no more than 250 lb on the front end and 600 on rear
end, IIRC the Onan weighs somewhere around 400 lb so having it removed probably would make a difference in the way a GMC handled.
Regards,
Rob M.
The Pedantic Mechanic
USAussie - Downunder
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
-----Original Message-----
From: Terry
Ralph,
I'm with Rob on the Eldo springs...I would like to see some photos of that installation! If you can post any to the photo site I'll
bet a lot of us would check them out.
I think some of my leaning to the right front has been corrected by putting Onan back in his hole on the left rear...been running
around with that compartment empty for awhile, will know for sure after a test drive, maybe later today.
--
Terry
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Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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