Torsion bars work by the arm twisting the spring steel torsion bar. When the wheel, arm and bar are installed, there are splines on the bars end that lock into the mounting anchor location on the opposit side of the tank.. The arm is installed with the arm pointing almost down. As the tank is lowered, the arm/wheels are forced up into thier proper alignment. The torsion bar provides the spring action as
the wheels and arms want to twist down. The driver bow gunner hatches on the M-26-45-46-47 also use a torsion bar to open. The photo shows an M-26 hatch.....the bar running along in the slot is the torsion bar and the anchor is at the rear of the hatch. When the hatch is installed, it is open, and the torsion bar and anchor are fitted and bolted in place. As the hatch is closed, the torsion bar is twisted and takes most of the weight off the hatch for opening. With a broken bar, one man cannot open the heavy hatch alone. Suspension bars work the same way.