Stock keys, cranked keys, or aftermarket

[Jlaughtr]

IMO, if all you want to do is bring the front up a bit to make it match the rear, there is no need to buy ANY aftermarket keys, unless your torsion bars are worn out. The stock keys have enough room to be cranked up, nearly 2". If you do add keys to raise up over 2", then the rear end will be lower, unless you either add Z71 springs, rear coil spacers, or both.

So I have a 2006 Z71. Running 285/70/17. If i want to raise the front and use the aftermarket keys, then I should be good on the rear with the Z71 springs?

 

[BigDaddy13440]

So I have a 2006 Z71. Running 285/70/17. If i want to raise the front and use the aftermarket keys, then I should be good on the rear with the Z71 springs?

Depends on how high you crank the keys.

The aftermarket keys will still keep you at factory height, IF you don't crank them at all. What they do is get you to the stock height, without the bolts being turned halfway (or more) in. The factory keys might max out at 1" over the factory setting, or at 2", just depends on how worn your t-bars are. Most of the aftermarket keys will get you a 3" net lift, but at the expense of a stiffer ride, and more wear and tear on your front end parts.

Z-71 springs will net you between a 3/4" and a 2" lift in the rear, depends on if your stock rear springs are worn and sagging. Mine weren't that beat, I got about 1" on mine, and added 2" spacers, for about 3" total.

With my Ford lift keys (also had them on my older '00 Suburban), I could conceivably get almost 5" of lift, but at the expense of ZERO travel, and horrible angles on EVERYTHING up front. I only know this because I did crank up the keys on the Suburban before it was dragged off to the junkyard after being totaled.

 

[Jlaughtr]

Depends on how high you crank the keys.

The aftermarket keys will still keep you at factory height, IF you don't crank them at all. What they do is get you to the stock height, without the bolts being turned halfway (or more) in. The factory keys might max out at 1" over the factory setting, or at 2", just depends on how worn your t-bars are. Most of the aftermarket keys will get you a 3" net lift, but at the expense of a stiffer ride, and more wear and tear on your front end parts.

Z-71 springs will net you between a 3/4" and a 2" lift in the rear, depends on if your stock rear springs are worn and sagging. Mine weren't that beat, I got about 1" on mine, and added 2" spacers, for about 3" total.

So realistically if I'm just trying to raise and level good enough for the 285/70/17 to stop rubbing, I would only need about 1.5-2" I feel like. I would try to get the Ford keys and use the Z71 springs I have. Not trying to go crazy just want to keep it simple. I don't feel like spending all that money on a kit from a suspension company.

Thanks for the info!

 

[BigDaddy13440]

Before you spend anything.... measure your existing fender heights, directly through the center of the wheels. If your front fenders are about 1" or so lower than your rears, simply jack up the front end, and turn the torsion keys in 4 turns - from experience, it's roughly 1/4" in ride height per full turn. Lower the truck back to the ground, and take it for a ride - even 1/4 mile is enough. Make sure you turn left and right a few times, get everything to settle in. Park it on a flat, level surface, and remeasure the fender heights. Adjust the driver's and passenger's side independently as needed, and drive it again. Repeat until you get it dialed in. You may find that your stock keys have sufficient room to lift the front end. Do NOT max them out, if you still aren't level, THEN get the aftermarket keys.

Why spend $$$$ if you don't have to?

 

[Toomanyhobbies]

So if the torsion bars are "worn out" which mine are, and I add lift keys to get to say 1.5-2" will the bars fail (break) eventually or does it affect anything negatively (I get the CV issues and such I mean with respect to the bars themselves)?

 

[BigDaddy13440]

I've never heard of one actually breaking.