4x4 torsion beam ront suspension SAGGING to bumpstops?

[Max-RE]

Hi, I have recently unearthed a new truck project, a 88 4x4.

Currently, the front torsion beam suspension seems to be sitting on the bumpstops at rest.

So far I've lifted the front end up and inspected the components to find nothing visually wrong. The suspension cycles normally, however it almost feels like the torsion beams have lost their tension? How this is possible doesn't make sense to me, so I'm thinking it may be some other problem I may be overlooking.

I couldn't find anything from searching the web or the suspension forum, so I decided to make a post about this.

[geezer101]

Torsion bars can get tired like any other suspension component. If they haven't been meddled with and there is still no adjustment left in them, it's time to replace them. Adjusting them is super simple - I found this post on 4x4wire.com:

http://www.4x4wire.com/mitsubishi/tech/minutemods/torsion_bar/

Hopefully this will be useful to you :)

[Max-RE]

Thank you! I just picked up a Haynes manual for the truck so hopefully that helps as well. Are you aware of any place you can buy torsion bars? So far, I don't see any available online, and I'm assuming used will probably not be a good idea.

[Max-RE]

UPDATE: Just took a look at the adjustment, the adjustment on the truck seems to be maxed out. I'm curious if it's possible to re-clock the bars somehow to lift the front back up without buying new ones. I guess I'll have to try it and report back here. While I'm not against doing things right and using new parts, I am currently on a budget so if it's possible to delay replacement it would be nice.

[geezer101]

I have a feeling they're splined so... if they are, it is possible the ends of the shafts can be pulled out and re-clocked to regain (or maybe even add) lift. I'm not a 4x4 guy so hopefully someone will step in and verify that. If the torsion bars are a match for Monteros/Raiders you have options for finding used bars.

[Salteen]

If the track is the same, it should work. I tried this on my 82/87 (was gonna swap bars) bit ot didn't mount up, so find a second gen!

[Salteen]

I go to rock auto, they have almost everything. The 82/87 crossover will NOT work, they are like 107 for both (so pretty cheap) and they may actually bring ot back to factory. Mine have sagged so it just looks horrible. Taking the bed off made no difference lol.

[pennyman1]

Go here for new torsion bars they have Old Man emu (OME), and sway -a wey bars - the 84-87 Montero 4cylinder bars are the same as the trucks:
http://adventuredrivendesign.com/ocart/index.php?route=product%2Fsearch&tag=Siberian+Bushing . They also carry all the bushing for the suspension too.

[Salteen]

I got mine off today and they were completely wacky, one was turned all the way in the other all the way out. Definitely time for new ones!

[yamahlr]

The Sway-A-Way units are discontinued due to lack of sales. I spoke with Brian Skipper, the owner. If there was enough interest, he might consider a one time group buy. Cost obviously would be depending on how many people sign up. Need to place order and 1/2 upfront no exceptions. To have him do a one off custom set is about $800.00. They would be the same spec as the John Baker units. Note: Brian is a great off road enthusiast and likes vintage stuff, the real deal.

[pennyman1]

the link I posted had a couple of different brands they sell, including sway a way. the trick is to get them for 4 cylinder 1st gen Montero.

[jaqual]

I think they removed them

[pennyman1]

that is possible - they also have removed and reposted the OME bars as well from time to time...

[jamesmohare]

https://swayaway.com/product/torsion-bar-set-1982-1989-4wd-dodge-raider-4wd-mitsubishi-montero/

[camoit]

jamesmohare

Forget Sway-a-way. They have zero customer service now. Back in the early 90s it was a good company. You will never get the part. We have had other members order parts and it never happened.

[jamesmohare]

Yeah, found them at ironman4x4, shipped for free

https://ironman4x4america.com/mitsubishi-montero-pajero-front-torsion-bars-1278mm/

now I'm just chasing my tail on UCAs from a Montero. can't figure out the aftermarket PN... tried dorman 522595/6 and 522591/2 and they look the same, barely larger than the stock one.

[B-Line]

Just reclock them and tighten again. No need for Montero UCA. They will throw off your suspension geometry.

[geezer101]

I've had a theory about the different UCA's on Gen 1 trucks. There are 2 types of tail/drive shafts, front stabilisers and UCA's and I think it has to do with load/towing capacity. There are 1/2 and 1 ton rated trucks which might explain different part number listings...