Re-connecting torsion bars to trunk lid - help needed

[basil]

The right side hinge on my Gen3 (96) Camry's trunk has become disconnected from the torsion rod. (Looks like someone tried to slam the trunk with too much stuff in it, bending some stuff. I fixed all that, and used a hardware store bolt to replace the riveted bolt on the hinge originally).

I'm having difficulty bending the u-shaped part of the rod down far enough to get the hinge on it. The Toyota manual says to use a special service tool (pg BO-55, see attachment), but I was wondering if anyone had used anything else. Clearly, some leverage is needed, as that torsion rod is pretty hefty, especially when you're upside down and twisted around in the trunk.

Any help is appreciated.

[eddie926]

If you haven't, you might try unhooking the other end of the torsion bar from the slot in the trunk sidewall. That should eliminate the tension, allowing you to more easily reconnect it to the trunk lid. After you have it reconnected to the trunk lid, then re-insert the other end back into the appropriate slot in the side wall.

[basil]

Thanks! That tip got it done for me.