decent torch for cutting?

[vipergtrdj]

So - as the title says, do you think this torch will work for cutting the torsion bars out of my truck? I have been trying to find a new torsion bar mount but can't find anything around me - even the junkyards are empty. Reason I need a torch is my bars are stuck - and I have tried heating them up and pounding them but they wont budge at all, so I will just cut them out. I have new lower control arms to go in, so I am just looking to save the torsion bar mount, my old control arms and bars can get damaged/ cut. Figured I could cut the bars up by the control arms, then try to cut the keys so I can pop the keys off and slide the bars out from the mount.

All I know about the torch set is its a Merriam-Graves setup with a cutting tip. The ad on CL says - One owner, bought brand new(Merriam-Graves), comes with tanks, torches, tips, tank valve gauges, tank pull cart, and approx. 20 ft of hose as seen in pictures. One of the torches is a cutting torch. Also comes with goggles and cutting/welding outfit guide.

the person is asking $200, think that's a fair price?

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*Sorry if its the wrong forum, I did not see a general tools discussion subforum.

 

[badazzbulldog]

yes thats a good price for the whole set up

 

[JollyGreen]

The torch should cut right through with some preheating. If the set comes with a rose bud, heat the hell out of it, then put the cutting tip on and go to town.

 

[vipergtrdj]

sweet - do you think it will cut the torsion bars and all fine?

 

[vipergtrdj]

The torch should cut right through with some preheating. If the set comes with a rose bud, heat the hell out of it, then put the cutting tip on and go to town.

ok - thanks, whats a rose bud? I only used a cutting torch once before ... so this will be a new experience for me ...

 

[badazzbulldog]

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this is a rosebud tip used for heating metal

 

[dirtridinz71]

Im not sure how it will cut the t-bars, never tried doing that before. Have cut the bottom of the keys out many times, from my experince the t-bars are a harder material as torch has never cut into the bars. Cutting the keys is a little slow, but still saves alot of pounding.

 

[vipergtrdj]

Im not sure how it will cut the t-bars, never tried doing that before. Have cut the bottom of the keys out many times, from my experince the t-bars are a harder material as torch has never cut into the bars. Cutting the keys is a little slow, but still saves alot of pounding.

Hmmmm do you think a grinder would work to cut the t-bars? The stock t-bars are shot ... its cranked all the ways and didnt even lift the front end maybe a 1/4" from zero crank.

I know to unload the t-bars and all that, I've already tried to swap them once with the pounding of the big ass sledge hammer with no luck.... even used a piece of black iron pipe as a punch and swung from outside the truck and nothing. Tried heating it up and pounding but nothing. so I am going with cutting this time. I already have new t-bars, and control arms, I am just trying to save the torsion bar mount that it slides in.

 

[dirtridinz71]

If replacing the lower control arms and the T-bars then there would be no need to cut the t-bars off. Just cut the bottom of the keys off, might have to hit the key a little to break it all away from the t-bar. Remove the bolts to the t-bar crossmember and pound it (and the keys) back of the bars. That way you can remove the LCA and bars as one, thats how I did my lift. The rust here is terrible and thats the best way we've found to do them.

 

[vipergtrdj]

If replacing the lower control arms and the T-bars then there would be no need to cut the t-bars off. Just cut the bottom of the keys off, might have to hit the key a little to break it all away from the t-bar. Remove the bolts to the t-bar crossmember and pound it (and the keys) back of the bars. That way you can remove the LCA and bars as one, thats how I did my lift. The rust here is terrible and thats the best way we've found to do them.

Ohh true. I didn't think of that. Would a grinder with a cut off wheel go faster then torching it you think? The torch is $200, and I have a grinder and cut off wheel already ..... just curious on the options. yes, I do have LCA, they are used but new ball joints, bushings, and sway bar links from summit will be here Friday . My ball joints are shot so figured getting another pair of LCA and putting new ball joints and bushings in would be faster. I also have new bolts for the LCA to bolt onto the truck with.