Has anyone made a torsion key tool?

[custom99]

I am putting a suspension lift on my 2001 Yukon XL. None of the auto parts stores have the torsion key tool for loan or rental. Anyone have any pics of a tool that you made or an idea what I can do? If this is the wrong area to post this please move to the right one.

 

[mharders]

Just go to your local auto parts store and rent a 2 jaw gear puller. Most places will rent them out for free just have to put down a refundable deposit.

 

[Wake]

Just go to your local auto parts store and rent a 2 jaw gear puller. Most places will rent them out for free just have to put down a refundable deposit.

I don't think that's what he's looking for. I think he's looking for something that looks like a very large, heavy duty C-clamp to compress the torsion bar to allow removal of the key.

I plan on leveling my Escalade in the spring when I rebuild the suspension and saw where you might be able to use a ball joint removal tool to compress the torsion bar. I have one but it's from harbor freight which makes me a little nervous. If it were to break while popping a ball joint out it would be inconvenient, if it were to break while compressing the torsion bar though, it would be dangerous.

 

[mharders]

Yes there is a specific tool designed for this however, I'm personally not spending $100 for a tool I'd use once. Here it is http://store.4wheelingplus.com/proddetail.asp?prod=66-7822A

I and several others on here used the gear puller with zero problems and it's free Just make sure to take the load of the front tires and be careful, you'll be fine. But if you wanted the safest way just buy the tool :thumbup:

 

[custom99]

Yes it is like a big c-clamp. I ended up not needing the tool. Every thing I read had me worried about the pressure on the torsion bar. I just backed the adjusting bolt out all the way. The pins both slipped right out without having to use any type of clamp.

 

[TXST8tj]

I have been using the tool from Rough Country for some time now. I do these installs frequently enough to justify buy/owning a tool. I prefer this style of tool over the actual GM 'c-clamp' style tool. The way it loops over the crossmember will not allow it to come flying at you if it slips off the adjuster key.