Help getting Torsion keys OFF

[skaffy03]

Hey guys,

I have had a problem trying to get my torsion keys off... I am doing everything I need to do to get them unloaded, but trying to get them to break free from the torsion BAR is another story.

There is a hole on the crossmember where i can insert some sort of punch/bar to pound the bar from the key, but the key is rusted in and will not budge! I have sprayed PB blaster on them for 3 days and let it sit, still nothing. I have done this job on my buddies '00 silverado and another's 2500 silverado. But how the hell do I do it on my hoe?

PS.. i cannot pound the driver's side key out because there is a welded plate right in front of the gas tank and the tank comes down too far to even start hammering it out.

Any suggestions?! I don't wanna take it to a local shop and pay $150-$200 for something I can do myself...

 

[Brad.r]

I found with the truck jacked up in the front and key fully decompressed It was difficult to get out. I actually took another jack and jacked the front arm just a little to relieve some pressure. Other than that you are just going to have to finagle it out of there... Rubber mallet was my best friend when I did my truck...

Ps. I wish I could post a picture of how rusted mine was, Took me about 30 minutes of playing with them on each side to break loose!!!

You could also try heat, Just watch the gas tank

 

[Donnie Yukonie]

x2 on a rubber hammer, with enough stress and movement they should break free

 

[skaffy03]

So what I'm hearing is that I need to jack the front up and unload them and ALSO jack the A arms up just a tad to relieve pressure? Correct?

 

[skaffy03]

Would this scenario be possible:

After unloading the keys/bars, can I then use a puller or C clamp to push the key back up against the top of the crossmember to keep the key & t-bar from bouncing back and forth inside the crossmember and then hammer it from the LCA side of the t-bar?

I am wondering because I can't hit it from the backside of the crossmember due to a metal plate/gas tank being in the way of swinging a hammer..

 

[custom99]

I had the same problem with my drivers side. I used the PB Blaster for a day and beat the crap out of the key for about an hour. It finally gave in and came loose. With the key hanging down after unloading it I was able the beat on the front and rear of it. I used a small sledge hammer since the rubber mallet ended up breaking apart from hitting so hard with it.

 

[skaffy03]

Good to know, I'll try that. I would rather do it myself because My local shop requoted me $350 for this job!

 

[skaffy03]

Alright guys, looks like I won't be doing keys any time soon...

Drunk driver hit me head on tonight. Officers guessed around $5,000 in damage... But those are cops... Sorry, no pictures

 

[01YukonXL]

Alright guys, looks like I won't be doing keys any time soon...

Drunk driver hit me head on tonight. Officers guessed around $5,000 in damage... But those are cops... Sorry, no pictures

Dang man! Hate to hear that. I'm guessing you're okay? I was about to share my trick then read this.

 

[skaffy03]

Yeah everyone was okay. She'll be fixed in a week or two. Unless he doesn't have insurance. But if he's driving a range rover, I'm sure he does! He got arrested on the spot for an OWI and let me on my merry way.

Share the trick anyhow! This isn't stopping me, just delayed =P