Ford Keys

fennsz · May 11, 2003

You guys that have installed the Ford keys yourself, what tool will I need to do the job. I am assuming I have to compress the keys that are in there to get them out?

Worktruck · May 12, 2003

I used a 6" 2 jaw gear puller. Get the most rugged one you can find cause it takes alot of pressure to put the new ones in. Also a c-clamp will come in handy to hold the puller in place in case it slips, and it will.......

Good Luck

rtbrick · May 12, 2003

I went to the local auto parts store and got a medium sized two jaw gear puller. Sears has a nice one, but I was not near the store. Also on the puller, make sure that the ends that "hook" or grab are well made. You don't want it to slip due to a poorly made tool. Pay an extra $10 or $15 bucks and get a good one. I did not use a C-clamp and my puller did not slip, but that is not a bad idea.

duck slayer · May 12, 2003

Alright guys one more quick question about this. For those of you that have added the Ford keys, how difficult is it and how long does it take to complete the job? On a scale of 1-10 I am about a 6 as far as mechanical ability but I have never dealt with torsion bars before. Any input is appreciated

rtbrick · May 12, 2003

duck slayer,

At a 6 out of 10 I am extremely confident you can do this job. I would rate the job at a conservative 3. In the simplest of terms, you are using a two jaw gear puller to release tension on the key/bolt, sliding the torsion bar forward so you can slip the old key off, slip the new key on, slide the torsion bar back in place and apply the tension again so you can put the bolt back in place. It is no more complicated than changing disc brake pads. It took me about 2 hours by the time I worked a little, talked a little and played around with the adjustments to get the sides evenly leveled. I also had access to a lift, so it was a tad bit easier.

Worktruck · May 12, 2003

When I did my truck it was about 6 months old so it only took me 45 inutes to complete. I just did a friends 99 and it took about 2 1/2 hrs due to the bars being rusted into the keys. #### New England winters. I would say this is about a 6 or 7, mostly muscle and hammer swingin to get the old keys off.