Rear Spring Plate install and Torsion bar install

I am replacing my rear swing arms, spring plate, bushings and torsion bar and need some insight into the process. I have read all the manuals but can't quite figure out the correct angle of the spring plate in relation to the chassis and once you achieve the correct angle what is the procedure to get the spring plate onto the lower step? I have tried several times but it seems like the new rubber bushings in the housing prevent the torsion bar from from seating totally and this prevents the spring plate from resting on the lower stop. Anyone have an idea what I am doing wrong? I have been setting the angle at 15 degrees off of the chassis, then tightening the 4 bolts on the housing then trying to raise the spring plate onto the shelf before attaching the spring plate to the swing arm (trailing arm)

Hello Bob

First off you'll need a tool that can be purschased in the back of any hot vw mag. It is about 18" long with a 2" shoulder at the top that rests on the shock tower to body mount and has another shoulder / lip at the bottom that the edge of the spring plate falls into.
The bottom has about 12" of thread and a big wing nut to raise the spring plate with.

Before I go any further please understand fingers and eyes can be lost in this process..., so be warned that taking extra safty when installing the plates the first time.

Now, you'll probly have to put this together and take it apart a few times to get it right for your vehicles weight.

Also understand a big hammer can sometimes be used.

Take the torsion bars out and use a wire wheel on them, and grease the ends up and hammer them in with a board covering the threads all the way through. Now holding onto the bar pull it back until the threads catch and go to the other side of the vehicle and using a 2"x2" or a rod a couple of feet long pound it back through.

You've now got fairly clean threads at the center spline section so as to install your torision bars with little ease.

Good luck. David

Thanks David, I will check on that tool and pull the torsion bars out and follow your instructions. I might be giving you a few more questions as this process goes on. Thanks again.