Need some advice on torsion keys

[Jetfumes]

I want to lift my 2000 Yukon XL 4x4 front end about 2-3 inches and already have Bilstein 5100's on the rear along with Z71 springs.

My rear end height is currently 37.5" and front end is 34.5".

I also have Bilstein 5100's for the front end ready to install.

My question is if I buy keys, something like the ones here on Ebay, which says 1-3 inches or 2" and crank them up all the way to get the 3 inches is that bad for ride and more importantly front end e.g cv joint angle? Should I buy something like 2" to 4" keys?

Need your advice or give me some links on what I should be looking for in keys. I know it's pretty simple but I think I have read too much on keys and making this more difficult than it needs to be. Thanks

 

[osiris94ej]

To be honest most lift keys are the same thing. I have some eBay keys in mine, currently still running stock shocks and extenders. Lifted to level with rear on my z71. Left me about a 1/4" between the upper control arm droop stops and the arms. Sits at 37" on all except the left rear which is 1/2" lower on a 31" tall tire.

The keys I ordered.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271816730105


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[06_2WD_Z71]

I got my keys for $35.99 shipped from PE-Moterwerks off of Ebay. They say 1" to 3" lift keys, and best I can tell they are just reproduction Ford keys. I got the tool for $24 delivered off of Ebay from seller "square2box". Both worked fine.

It is kind of hard to say exactly how much lift you can get from keys without issues. These trucks are getting older so are probably sitting lower than when new. As far as the ride, the main issue there is that you lose down travel in the suspension. Not a big deal if you are just going 2-3" higher on an older stock truck that may have some sag in the t-bars.

The keys and tool are cheap, I would just install the keys, get the truck raised up a few inches, make sure there is still some available drop in the suspension when at rest, see how it rides and go from there. Some guys install a spacer to raise the compression bump stop, although I didn't find that necessary.

I don't have 4wd, but If you keep the stock shocks and don't modify the down stops, I don't think you'll have any CV issues, as the suspension can't extend any further than the factory design.

 

[06_2WD_Z71]

Oh and as far as which keys, I think any of the lift keys will allow more crank than you could ever use (without getting a really crappy ride). So getting a 4" lift key, even if there is any difference, is really of no benefit. The limit to how high you can go on keys is the suspension and CV joints.

 

[Jetfumes]

Thanks for the help, I'm going to get some keys off Ebay now. I had read way too much and wasn't helping.

Any lift above the sag front end will be an improvement.