Level keys

[vansdonk]

OK, so I'll just watch and learn.

 

[THEPRODJECT01]

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.....

when i had my stock ones maxed out it didnt come no where near the drop-stops, the aftermarket ones actally brought it down that low though, with the different keys, i got way more clearence and im happier with the looks, im very good with workin on stuff so whenever my cv axles give, in gettin either a diff drop, or aftermarket cv axles

but heres pics

 

[Matt_]

OK, so I'll just watch and learn.

No, you were right. More cranking = more stress... whether its .5", 1" or 3".

However, we've (the GM crowd) has found that as long as you stay at or below 1.5" you're relatively safe from any major issues and ride quality doesn't change a drastic amount. When you get to 2" you're at the "acceptable" limit.. and in GMT800 trucks with torsion bars you'll notice a definitive ride quality change (ride quality in the GMT900 isn't effected as much as long as you're not preloading the coil spring for the lift)

But it is amazing at how many people still fall for the "leveling keys retain stock ride and dont cause wear and tear" BS that these companies sell.

 

[Matt_]

when i had my stock ones maxed out it didnt come no where near the drop-stops

I was talking about the OP's truck which is a 1998 GM, not a Ford. In 1999 even GM changed their key indexing so that maxing out the stock keys won't get you up to the droop stops.

But as far as the 88-98 GM trucks are concerned, if the stock keys don't get you touching the droop stops, it means the torsion bars are worn out

 

[Bigredmariner]

Any deviation from stock geometry is gonna wear parts faster. It's the old "Pay to Play" motto, stock suspension geometry is setup for the maximum lifetime on parts. Well at least 3 years, 36000 miles.

 

[PenguinLTZ]

I have the keys.

I did it because Matt told me not to.

 

[THEPRODJECT01]

when i had my stock ones maxed out it didnt come no where near the drop-stops

I was talking about the OP's truck which is a 1998 GM, not a Ford. In 1999 even GM changed their key indexing so that maxing out the stock keys won't get you up to the droop stops.

But as far as the 88-98 GM trucks are concerned, if the stock keys don't get you touching the droop stops, it means the torsion bars are worn out

my bad , i was talking keys in ford trucks , just giveing an example, to help
but i see what your sayin
but hell- you learn somethin new everyday

 

[PenguinLTZ]

 

[Bigredmariner]

I have the keys.

I did it because Matt told me not to.

Me too, lowering keys here.

 

[Matt_]

I have the keys.

I did it because Matt told me not to.

Whatever you do... DONT GET BMF REHAB wheels.