I have a '98 F250 4WD that I'm trying to drop a new transmission and engine in. I have to get the torsion bars off in order to remove the transfer case.

I've released the pressure on the keys and managed to use a 6" c-clamp with the pad popped off to compress the key enough to remove the nuts. So, there should be no more tension on the bars. I've also removed the 6 bolts holding the support brace, and the keys are not stuck to the brace. I've soaked the key side and lower arm side with penetrating oil. I then stuck a 3/4" x 48" steel pipe into the front side of the lower arm torsion bar receiver slot and pounded it as hard as I could with a 4 lb hammer. I even tried heating it up with a torch, but the damn thing won't budge.

Any recommendations?

-Steve
Kissimmee, FL

 

Found this hint about using a come-along to create tension pulling to the rear while you smack it with a BFH from the front. Sadly, the 4 lbs hammer is the largest I have. I'm gonna grab my come-along out of storage in the morning and give that a shot.

 

I've soaked where the torsion bars go into the lower arms with WD-40 Specialist Rust Release Penetrant Spray for a few days. I've whacked that same area with my 4 lbs hammer. I've tightened the come-along to the rear axle as much as I can ... and still hammering on the front side of the torsion bar with a steel pipe and my 4 lbs hammer doesn't seem to do a damn bit of good.

I'm getting frustrated with this and running out of ideas.

Might an air hammer be more productive?

-Steve

 

Air hammer is THE tool to use. Also, watch how he hits the key first, then the bar, that is also a key step.