Is there another name for a "torsion bar"?

Question

I keep looking on all these different websites that have "parts locators", but "torsion bar" is never in their lists of items and I was just wondering if there is a different search term I could use, like "suspension" or "knuckle"...I don't know what these things are or do so... Help! Please! Also, if you could point me to a place where I can find the specific part I need that would be Excellent Great! I need a driver's side 41 inch torsion bar for a '95 Chevy Astro Van AWD. I do NOT want a 36 inch bar w/ an extension, because I'm afraid if I put that on and still have my original 41 inch on my passenger's side, it will mess something up.

Answer 1

Torsion bars are like springs except they are bars that 'twist'. Stick with an exact replacement (length, thickness, etc). Your local salvage yard should be able to get you one.

Here is an exert from link below:

Torsion bars - Torsion bars use the twisting properties of a steel bar to provide coil-spring-like performance. This is how they work: One end of a bar is anchored to the vehicle frame. The other end is attached to a wishbone, which acts like a lever that moves perpendicular to the torsion bar. When the wheel hits a bump, vertical motion is transferred to the wishbone and then, through the levering action, to the torsion bar. The torsion bar then twists along its axis to provide the spring force. European carmakers used this system extensively, as did Packard and Chrysler in the United States, through the 1950s and 1960s.

Answer 2

Some parts just don't come up on the internet search software because they are rarely changed or purchased from parts stores.
You might try the Chevy dealer (sometimes the dealer actually DOESN'T rip you off) or a local junkyard. Torsion bar isn't something you would normally have to change, did you have an accident?
Normally, a torsion bar is used to replace the coil spring as a suspension supporting device. (Instead of the upper wishbone compressing a spring, the lower wishbone twists the torsion bar)

Answer 3

There's no other name for it.

Answer 4

A torsion bar is not a sway bar. A torsion bar replaces a strut or leaf spring. One on each side. Sway bars are connected accros the front to keep the body from rolling from side to side.

Answer 5

You might want to try a junk yard. Those vans haven't changed much(at all) over the past decade or two. You can probably find a used one on a relatively low mileage van a lot cheaper than you could buy new.

Perhaps you're referring to the stabilizer bar?

Answer 6

I know exactly what you need, my friend has a 95 AWD astro van that he wrecked last year in my back yard, and yes, its called a torsion bar. drop me a line so I can help you out. [ [e-mail] ]

Answer 7

sway bar

Answer 8

Might try JC Whitney (google it).

Answer 9

try--anti-sway bar