No Ford Keys!!!

jlh0799 · May 23, 2003

I have read about the torsion bar adjustments and replacing the stock keys with Ford Keys, but I have also read/heard that after a year or so that the truck begins to settle back down. I have recently added a front end bumber replacement to my truck and it lowered my front end by about 1" or so. I would like to level it out without doing anything to the back end. Is there a 1 or 2 inch lift that I can install on the front only? Suggestions please....!!

Thanks in advance.

kenhilton · May 23, 2003

nothing yet that i have seen. I've had my keys on for a little over a year with no problems. same height as the day I put them on. I think this would be a problem regardless if you have the keys on. My opinion is that the torsion bar is whats causing the front to sag back down not the ford keys. Might try 3/4 ton torsion bars, that might help but personally don't have experience with 1/2 ton trucks with 3/4 ton bars.

jlh0799 · May 23, 2003

Does anyone know if the 3/4 ton bars will fit on a 1/2?

BadBowtie · May 23, 2003

Ever see the 2500 that had 6-lug wheels and a 12 bolt rear? Thats basically a 1/2 ton with 3/4 ton torsion bars... Basically, Yes They will fit, I was going to do the same mod, but I found a set of Timbrens. They suit me much better for less work than swapping torsion bars.

chvythndr · May 23, 2003

The GK tbars are for the 3/4 tons I think. They are rated much more than the 1/2 ton bars I have on my Z. I'm gonna replace mine w/ the highest 1 ton (XG) bars next time I do an alignment. All the bars are interchangeable. Since the 3/4 & 1 ton bars are stiffer, they yeild more lift per crank than the 1/2 ton bars do. Downside is a little stiffer ride, but thats to be expected.

jlh0799 · May 23, 2003

How much do the T-bars go for? ... where did you find the Timbrens?

BadBowtie · May 23, 2003

AW Direct Sells the Timbrens for about $146.99

-John

chevy4x4trucks · May 27, 2003

I've got the T-Bar codes, Torque rating and part #'s on my site:

http://www.chevy4x4trucks.com/silverado/gm...torsionbar.html

This should help you out.

As for price just look up the #'s at one of our supporting GM parts dealers.

BadBowtie · May 28, 2003

I assume those are arranged in order of increasing capacity....?

Say · May 30, 2003

So basically does that mean if you get like 1 ton torsion bars with Ford keys, you can raise the front end and it won't sag like if you had the 1/2 ton tb's? I'd like level out my front end, but I heard the torsion bars start to give out after about a year of riding around with them cranked up.