Torsion bar keys

Mighty HD · March 20, 2004

I see that quite a few people are installing the keys for the t-bars....

What about the added stress on the front end: cv joint angles, etc.

I know that was a big issue with ZR2's...crank the t-bars and your cv joints/ball joints go to hell in a handbasket in no time at all..

What's the results with the 2500hd's?

BDZ71 · March 20, 2004

the same.

Flat is where the least stress is placed on the parts. The more you crank the faster things will wear out. Its not a overnight thing usually it will take some time but things will wear faster than they would flat.

But some cranking isnt bad for the truck, it is really when you get crazy with it IMO.

Dusterman · April 1, 2004

I just cranked my torsion bars up using the stock keys.....Anyone think that will cause some undue stress on my front end? My front end is nearly level with the back now.

Thanks

Dustin

Mighty HD · April 2, 2004

how do you knwo when too much is too much?

With the factory keys will the ride get like crap?

Can it fit 285's with no cranking?

If I swap in the green keys will the ride be better/or the same with them cranked?

BDZ71 · April 26, 2004

I dont know if there is a clear "to much" its all a matter of personal opinion.

And not everybody that gets Fo*d keys do not get them to max everything out (some do but not all) for example

My stock T-bars are sagging and I can crank them up to get it back to where it use to be, but eventually it will sag down again. I have Keys (not installed) b/c I know one day after I get the lift on there will be a point where I will need them just to crank up to the point I am sitting at now. (if they keep sagging)

Get what Im saying

Others get them just so they can crank further than they can currently.

But it is all a personal perferace to how high is to high and what not.

Worktruck · April 26, 2004

I put F**d keys in about ayear and a half ago. Cranked em up pretty good too. Have driven abot 35000 miles with no noticable wear to any front end parts. Just got an inspection sticker and had the front end checked out real close. I have never seen torsion bars "sag" noicable either. Have had several trucks with t-bars before and have several friends with em and no ones have ever sagged, sept maybe a quarter inch or so.

Stryker · April 26, 2004

I cranked my t-bars about an inch. Many people say that 2" is the absolute max you want to crank them....even 1 1/2" is pushing it. I have a 95 Z71 and have 285's on right now, no rubbing, nothing. What changes is the ride comfort and cv angle. Ride comfort is personal preference.... you like a hard ride, then start crankin' ! As for the CV angle, I have heard that 25 deg is the max angle you want to go, any more and wear starts accelerating. Again, 25 deg is something I just heard. Good luck.

Mighty HD · April 26, 2004

Well I got the green keys in the mail today, I may wait to put them in. I'm gonna try to find a set of cheap chrome h2 wheels, or a set of nice wheels & buy some (either one) goodyear mt/r / BFG MT...and see how it goes. I may be able to get away with turning them down a bit.

I cranked the stock keys to 1/4" before the screw is all the way in, and it looks pretty level. I even thought about lowering the rear some to level it out.