The torsion bar on a Chevrolet K1500 supports the weight of the front end of the vehicle and acts similar to a coil spring. Over time, these torsion bars can lose some of their springy quality, causing the front suspension to sag and the truck to ride rough. To fix the problem, the torsion bars can either be readjusted for the weight, or can be removed and replaced with a new pair. To do this, you first have to remove the old torsion bars.
Park the Chevrolet K1500 on a level surface and step on the parking brake pedal to set the brake. Lift the front of the truck with the jack and put the jack stands below the front suspension, set high enough that the front wheels are off of the ground. Lower the jack so the weight of the truck is supported by the stands.
Locate the torsion bars, which run down the length of the vehicle and connect the lower control arms to the torsion bar crossmember. Install GM Tool J-36202 onto the torsion bar keys, which are located in the torsion bar crossmember that runs the width of the vehicle and is just below the cab of the vehicle. Tighten the tool down using the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket.
Remove the torsion bar bolt using the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Loosen GM Tool J-36202 slowly with the ratchet. Push the torsion bar through the lower control arm. Remove the other torsion bar in the same fashion as the first.
Take the torsion bar adjusting arms off of the torsion bars with your hands. Unbolt the torsion bar crossmember with the 1/2-inch ratchet and socket. Pull the crossmember off of the frame. Slide the torsion bars towards the rear of the vehicle and out of the lower control arm. Take them away from the vehicle.
