I just completed the "
Torsion Bar" install:
1 ) Sorry no pics
2 ) Yes, I agree with "_gadget_" that you need to cut off approx 3/4 of inch from "A" side of bar.
3 ) You do not need to drill through the second wall. I did drill through both, but then I realized the "A" side of the torsion bar must lay vertical and if were to pass through second wall you could not get it to vertical. So I have the bar in between the two walls.
4 ) I would recommend treating the drilled hole with some kind of paint to prevent corrosion.
5 ) I have a cladded avalanche, and scraped my cladding on the passenger side hinge area as I took the tailgate on/off so many times trying to get the torsion bar to stick into the tailgate. I recommend you protect this area in advance. I was trying to be careful and still scratched in may places.
6 ) This is not difficult, but is a two person job once you go to install the torsion bar. You can drill the holes, trim the a-side of the bar, then you just need someone to help you wield the tailgate around.
7 ) I could not install side A then B. When side "A" was in, the angle/tension to get side "B" into tailgate was too great. I ended up inserting side "B" into the end of tailgate, and then inserting side "A". Side "A" hole was already prestreched/bent to allow the torsion to lay vertical.
8 ) Yes, as "_gadget_" states, you have to bend/wiggle side "A" initially to get it to fit between the two walls.
9 ) I would recommend drilling the hole above the hinge a little to the outside versus inside. The inside edge is a spot welded seam and I ended up in that area, and I believe is an area that now exposed would be more prone to corrosion. If you move the L/R centering of the hole to the outside (or left of center) you will clear the seam area.
10 ) I would recommend cleaning and re-greasing the hinge cups prior to install, as once you have the torsion bar in place you are less likely to remove the tailgate so often.
11 ) If you only drill through the first panel, I think this is a very minimally invasive mod. The hole at the tailgate is into composite and no fear of corrosion there.
12 ) I have the "Rod Mod" Remote tailgate kit, and I am not sure if the torsion bar is going to interfere with the internal actuator, time will tell, but the bar does enter the same cavity area as where the actuator is located. (If you do not have a "Rod Mod" Remote tailgate actuator, or you do not know what the Rod Mod is, then don't worry, it will not apply to you).
13 ) Once installed, you can barely even see, and no one will notice the torsion bar.
14 ) Man does the bar make a difference in the effort to lower and raise the tailgate. This was a great and cheap mod. I highly recommend this mod. Those on the fence - just do it! Thanks "_gadget_"!
