VW TORSION BAR APPLICATION GUIDE : Sway-A-Way torsion bars are offered in a wide variety of lengths and diameters to allow selection of the right spring rate for any given application. These torsion bars are manufactured in two grades of high quality aircraft alloy steel and come with a tough powder coated finish. Standard torsion bars are recom- mended for recreational and high performance use. 300M Pre-Stressed bars are suggested where maximum wheel travel is a must. 300M torsion bars are not painted to allow for magna flux inspection. Suggested torsion bar preload angles are for VW bugs only. SPRING SELECTION. This work sheet will help you to select the correct springs for your vehicle. Please keep in mind that the formulas are approximations and are meant only to assist you in getting the cor- rect spring rate. Many factors affecting these calculations can change the end results. You may not get it right the first time, but when these formulas are followed, you should be close. Try to be as accurate as possible in getting your numbers. The old adage, "garbage in, garbage out" applies here. WHEEL RATE (WR) is the actual rate of the spring acting on the tire. This value often is not the same rate as the SPRING RATE (C) of the coil spring used. The spring rate depends on where the spring is mounted and the specific suspension geometry being used. WHEEL RATE (WR) and spring rate are measured in pounds per inch of travel. See step 1 to determine the WHEEL RATE (WR).