Front end stiffness

[MRRAGPICKER]

When I get into my 72 Ghia, it sags (drops) up front, 2 or 3 inches. Is there a way to adjust the front beam to stiffen it up some?

[Marc]

There exist 15% stiffer-than-stock torsion bar leaves (from Sway-a-Way) or you can fit overload coil springs around the shocks (yecch!). KYB GR2 gas shocks provide a slight ride-height increase without a punishing ride; I would not recommend their much-stiffer Gas-A-Just shocks for street use, though. You could also weld in adjustable center anchor points for the torsion bars and crank them up to increase the ride height. Most all aftermarket beams sold with adjusters already installed have them situated to make lowering possible, with little if any adjustment range upwards.
But 2 or 3 inches? Just how big a guy are you?

[MRRAGPICKER]

Are torsion leaves hard to install? I'm bigger than when I bought it back in 88. 6'-2" 275 lbs.

[Marc]

I'm nearly that heavy m'self and there's no way my car drops that much when I get in it...if it did, I'd have to pile in sandbags to adjust the headlights
It could be that your front torsion leaves have just taken a set over time and some new (or healthy used) stock ones are all you need. Installation isn't particularly difficult, although some do find it a challenge the first time.

[MRRAGPICKER]

I suspect that the beam has to be removed? Can it be removed from a Ghia without lifting the body off (just got it all put back together).

[crocteau]

I suspect that the beam has to be removed?

IMHO it'd be an easier job with the beam off the car, but opinions vary.

Can it be removed from a Ghia without lifting the body off (just got it all put back together).

No need to lift the body to remove the front beam. I'd pull the gas tank first to make it easier for me to get at the steering connections.

[MRRAGPICKER]

Thanks, At least it's not the worst case scenario, I'd hate to have to take the body off agian.