Page 1 of 1

How to adjust torque suspension 1980 Silver Eagle?

Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2022 1:26 pm
by SOULISTICA
Hello All! 
Does anyone know how to adjust the torque suspension? At least I think this is what needs to happen. Over the years the rear driver side of the bus has started sagging. So the driver side wheel is almost touching the wheel well and the passenger side has about 3" from tire to wheel well. Essentially its tilted to the driver side. We loosened up the drive side nut thats on the threaded post and it give us about a 1/2" which is not good enough. We are at the end of the post and can not loosen anymore.  Any ideas of how to fix this? 

Re: How to adjust torque suspension 1980 Silver Eagle?

Posted: Tue Aug 09, 2022 4:10 pm
by Jim H
Hello Jonathon,  it appears that the spring in question has failed and replacement is in order.  Post a few photos of the adjusting rods(2) for us to look at.  As for the adjustment procedure, several articles are listed on this forum.  

Jim H.

Re: How to adjust torque suspension 1980 Silver Eagle?

Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2022 7:33 pm
by DoubleEagle
If indeed the torsilastic tube has failed it will not respond to further adjustment, or "indexing", or use of a longer adjustment rod. New tubes are available from Sulastic Corporation in Texas, but they are over $2000, plus shipping, plus somebody's labor to put it on. Some people resort to adding airbags to boost the suspension, but that can cost a lot too. Pictures would help everybody size up your situation. The drivers side rear is usually the first one to go.

Re: How to adjust torque suspension 1980 Silver Eagle?

Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2022 1:43 pm
by SOULISTICA
Here's a picture of the drivers side rear suspension. We've already removed the fender from the wheel well so the tires do not rub when the suspension bottoms out (they were hitting the edge of the fender before we removed it). It's not quite to the point of riding on the bump stops, but it definitely feels like it's bouncing off a stopper when we hit a medium or larger bump in the road. I haven't located or inspected the bump stops. I assume there are some? We have an upcoming trip planned to Black Rock City desert from the bay area, which will be a bit over 800 miles round trip. What's the worst that could happen if we are unable to fix the sagging suspension?

Re: How to adjust torque suspension 1980 Silver Eagle?

Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2022 3:01 pm
by DoubleEagle
How does the adjusting rod on the other end of that torsilastic tube look? They should be evenly adjusted. As far as damage goes, if you go on a 800 mile trip, you will find out. Something might decide to break when you hit a bump, the tire might get chewed, body panels might get pushed out, weak frame members might buckle, etc. There is no quick fix for this. The cheapest solution would be to get a used one from a salvage bus, and do the labor yourself.

Re: How to adjust torque suspension 1980 Silver Eagle?

Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2022 8:37 am
by rusty
When the bus gets that low the drive shaft will hit the rear axle housing and cause damage to both components. 
Wayne