Torsion rod loading device and assembly

A torsion rod preload device, comprising:

• a body having at least one stop and a base adapted to be connected to a vehicle;
• a driver carried by the body for movement relative to the body, the driver adapted to engage a torsion rod so that movement of the driver relative to the body increases a torsion force within the torsion rod, and
• a retainer carried by one or both of the body and the driver, the retainer being movable by the driver as the driver moves relative to the body and the retainer being engageable with the stop to inhibit or prevent movement of the driver when the retainer is engaged with the stop to maintain a desired magnitude of stored energy in the torsion rod, wherein the driver includes a slot and the retainer extends into the slot so that the retainer moves relative to the body as the driver moves, and wherein a portion of the stop may displace the retainer within the slot and relative to the driver.