Level keys

[KTMracer]

Alright guys, i know i've asked about this too much... but my friend who was a gm certified mechanic said if i didn't use keys and just cranked the torsion bars that my truck (98 gmc 1500) would eat up front ends. Anyone had the problem?

 

[junior3815]

As long as you don't OVER crank the torsion bars you'll be fine. your just looking to keep the a-arms and cv joints safe

 

[RebelThunder]

Whether you crank the t-bars 2" with the stock keys or aftermarket keys, the amount of wear will be exactly the same.

 

[DV2000NJ]

Whether you crank the stock keys, or use aftermarket, they both do the exact same thing to your front end.

Aftermarket keys just let you crank further, which is what will wear out parts faster. Both methods just increase the preload on the torsion bar, which is where the "lift" comes from.

 

[RebelThunder]

I don't understand how this isn't common knowledge yet.

 

[Bigredmariner]

Whether you crank the keys or change them, have it aligned afterward and you won't eat up your tires.

 

[Matt_]

Whether you crank the t-bars 2" with the stock keys or aftermarket keys, the amount of wear will be exactly the same.

x2


If your "certified gm mechanic" buddy is telling you that if you get leveling keys then there wont be any wear & tear as opposed to cranking the stock keys, then he's the worst mechanic i've ever heard of and doesn't know how the suspension works

For your truck, keys are worthless. You should be able to crank the stock keys until the control arms bottom out on the droop stops.

For GMT800+ trucks, the only reason for "leveling keys" is to get more than the .75-1" that the stock keys allow.


EDIT: damn... either you all are typing really fast or this Advil-PM + Yuengling combo is starting to kick in.....

 

[THEPRODJECT01]

i had my stock keys cranked forever, i got aftermarket keys now, i compleately redid everything in my frontend with lifetime warranty on all parts, suck as upper and lower ball joints, pitman arm, idler arm, bearings, upper control arms, and im sure whatever you do, if you max out the stock ones or get aftermarket ones, wear will vary upon driveing conditions

 

[vansdonk]

Well, I'm the last one to ask about US trucks, but the way I see it is the more CRANKING (whether with stock or aftermarket) = more STRESS. Just my HO.

 

[DV2000NJ]

Well, I'm the last one to ask about US trucks, but the way I see it is the more CRANKING (whether with stock or aftermarket) = more STRESS. Just my HO.

On the GM trucks, as long as you stay around 1.5" or less, you should be fine.