How Do You Identify Torsion Bars?

[Kamaaina]

Hello to all,
I planning on looking for some "beefier" torsion bars for my '96XLT 2wd. I have "F" rated bars now but will be looking for something between "B" and "D". It seems over time the front end gets lower and lower a little at a time and I have to keep cranking the adjusting bolts to keep it level (front fender lip to ground is 34-3/4" at spindle center). My question is: if someone "sells" me some B, C, or D bars how can I tell if it's actually the rated bar if the sticker is gone? Is there some other identifying marks on the bar to go by? There are some marks, impressions on the front of the bar but they're hard to read. I don't go off-roading.....I'm just an asphalt-pounder. Hoping that some beefier bars will support the weight better without constantly slowly sagging. Do other "X" owners have a problem like this? Thanks all.........Jim

 

[Doug]

There's a code on the end of the bar where it goes into the adjuster i beleive, I'm not sure what the code equates to as far as stiffness i've yet to find anything online that would really tell me. though i imagine if you went to ford they'd be able to tell you.

 

[Kamaaina]

I've got this list that has bars listed as "B, D, E, F, G, H, J, L" (from stiff to soft). I just want to be sure I don't get "ripped" when I buy bars that are suppose to be a certain rating and end up with bars that are weaker. Thanks for the reply.....

 

[GJarrett]

Originally posted by Kamaaina
There are some marks, impressions on the front of the bar but they're hard to read.

Brush/clean them off until you can read them. Those are the barcodes stamped into the bar in the front and will positively identify what they are. For example, if it's the left torsion bar and it is B rated you will find an L and a B stamped into the front.