Converting to Torsion Spring Garage Door

[dmw16]

Right now I have an extension spring setup for my garage door and I would like to convert to a torsion spring. Primarily to get the noise down as the garage is under my 2 year old's room, but also to give me other opener options (like a jack screw).

I found a DIY conversion and it looks straight forward enough. But here's the problem...

My garage door sits in a recess that is only slightly wider than the track and I'm not sure I have enough clearance on the sides to install a torque tube (or jack shaft or whatever the term is for the thing the springs mount to) because I'd need to install one end then the other while sliding the installed end beyond the extent of the track (if that makes sense).

So do they make 2-piece shafts? I suppose I could build one, but if there's an off-the shelf solution I'd rather do that.

 

[jstroede]

Put all the springs, bearings, drums, etc on the shaft and set it all up in place together, then there is no need to slide anything on. If you don't have any side room though, it will be tough to install an 8500.

John

 

[dmw16]

Put all the springs, bearings, drums, etc on the shaft and set it all up in place together, then there is no need to slide anything on. If you don't have any side room though, it will be tough to install an 8500.

John

They make an alternate mounting kit of the 8500 that is basically a chain and 2 sprockets. I'll use that to mount it forward of the door on the larger section of wall.

 

[Trey T]

how tall is your ceiling?

 

[dmw16]

how tall is your ceiling?

I've never measured, but assuming a garage door is typically 8ft then it's 10ft ceilings. The interior of the home is all 10ft ceilings so I'd assume the garage is the same.

 

[Trey T]

Then I think the sprocket/chain setup to offset it will work.