Abstract:
A system for enabling modification and adjustment of an automobile torsion bar suspension assembly housed in a tubular beam housing includes a plurality of torsion spring stiffener members, each comprising a tubular member dimensioned to be slidably received about the torsion leaf spring assembly within the beam housing. The tubular member includes opposed end portions provided with an inner peripheral surface formed complementary to the outer surface conformation of the leaves of the torsion bar assembly and adapted to engage the leaves assembly in nonrotating fashion. The stiffener member acts to rotationally immobilize a segment of the length of the torsion leaf assembly, thereby increasing the stiffness of the torsion spring. The invention also includes a socket tool having a recess in one end formed in complementary fashion to the outer surface conformation of the torsion leaf assembly and adapted to be engaged thereon. The other end of the socket tool is provided with a receptacle adapted to receive a standard drive lug of a torque wrench. A partial circumferential slot is provided in the beam housing adjacent to the internal block, and a pair of toothed locking plates are welded to the beam housing adjacent to the slot. A mounting screw secured to the internal block extends through the slot, and a top plate is secured to the screw. The top plate includes complementary teeth to enable rigid mounting of the internal block and torsion leaf assembly at variable angles with respect to the beam housing, thus selectively setting the height of the auto suspension.