How To - adjust decklid torque rod tension (Page 4/4)
Eliredandblack NOV 09, 09:55 AM
Warning, I read every post and even purchased new ratcheting straps from HD. It only took about two minutes to mess up the tension bar. No one explained that when the tension bar is pulled (by the strap) toward the tail lights, it can drop down toward the ground and out of position. My car is like new with no rust and I will blame myself. After reading and re reading everything on the subject, I figured all I would do is break the rear glass trying to get the bar back I the bracket. I decided to remove the torsion bar and purchase the strut from Rodney Dickman. If you are brave, maybe have someone assist you with a board to keep the tension bar from falling. Good Luck

AndrewTHG NOV 19, 04:20 PM
Can someone help me out here? I've read so so many posts about getting the torsion bars out and am still thinking i'll have shattered glass. The way I see it:
-Wrap a ratchet strap at the u-bend at the bottom and pull toward trunk.
-Pull out pin, and slowly release tension by letting out ratchet strap.
-Unbolt safety screw at trunk lid?

The last step is where I am unsure. Is the tension gone enough from removing the pin, that you can just unbolt the safety screw at the trunk lid? You don't need to hold anything down?
Thanks,
Andrew
Eliredandblack NOV 20, 11:24 PM
Make sure that the straps are secured to the tension bar as you tighten the strap, go slow. As I stated on my 88 GT, the tension bar started to drop down to the ground and I was unable to get it back to the elevation needed to insert the pin a new hole. After the tension bar dropped down, I eventually let the strap loosen slowly. It would hurt to take a piece of plywood (cover with a blanket) at set it in front of the rear window for added safety. Once the tension barn is loose, I had to maneuver it so that it would come out of the car. BE SURE THAT you have a Broom Handle to Keep the TRUNK OPEN, one bar wont hold the lid open. Also the strap hook can harm the rubber trunk weather stripping, mine was already torn in two places.