'03 4x4 XLT Torsion Bar Removal

[Draco713]

I cannot seem to get the torsion bar off mr Ranger. I am attempting to replace the entire front end including the LCA due to a serious rust problem and a busted boot on the axle (as I brush huge flakes of rust off my face). I have heard it slides towards the back, some say towards the front. I have tried both and the sucker just does not want to come loose. (Looking at my new LCA it seems to taper toward a rearward removal) Perhaps I am being overly conservative in the blows, but can anyone PLEASE tell me how to get this thing off before my neighbors report me, lol. Thanks!

 

[chudykGT]

It comes off the back... towards the rear end of the truck. Did u liberaly apply some sort of penetrating fluid?
Mine came off easy on my 08, but Ive heard of people having to use a puller

 

[Draco713]

I used PB Blaster and soaked the life out of the LCA end. I was just trying a puller to try and push it back, no luck. Hammering is not an option because EVERYTHING else is removed and I was 'hoping' for a siple pop-out.

 

[Draco713]

Update

I was unable to get the T-Bar off the LCA, so for about $200 I ordered one from the dealer along with the keeper and isolator. All said, it was probably just as well since when I checked the key before removing, it was almost 'bottomed-out' and the T-Bar was relatively loose with NO tension whatsoever. May explain why the guys had a hard time aligning it last year!

As I was taught young about fixing or dumping a vehicle: "It isn't about what it is worth in the market, it is about what it is worth to you."