Torsion bar help

[Mich7920]

Good morning everyone,

I'm having a problem with my ride height.
I used the tool according to the Jaguar 17"13/16 ( 45.24 cm ) drawing to adjust my original 1965 torsion bars which are in the right side L R. The bushes of the lower and upper wishbone and the anti-roll bar were tightened once the car was on its wheels. I mounted a Rob Beere reaction plate to comfortably adjust the driver's side which was lower.
After adjustment I had 22cm on both sides on the A Fig:12 ( Service manual ).
I have done about 20 km and now the car is too low. 17cm instead of 22cm...!
I don't understand where my mistake is.
If I lift and put the car back, it is again at 22cm.

Regards
Mich

[neal herridge]

Hi Mich.
I have come across this problem before with original torsion bars, & as you say if you jack the car up & then let it back down its the correct height until you drive it. Mostly its when they have been off the car for some time.
I now always add about 1/2" ( 12.7 mm ) to the setting length as they always settle after driving ( only for the first time after setting )
It can be a bit of trial & error but with your Rob Beere plate if you start at 1/2" you should be near correct.
They do not keep settling its just adding a bit more pre load to the bars which I have put down to their age.
Hope this helps Neal.

[Mich7920]

Hi Neal,
They have been out of the car for nearly one year.
Your solution is the most logical.
I just bought a new pair but I'm going to set up the one I have.
Thanks!
Mich