1-3" lift torsion keys on Ebay for $40??

nstueve · June 16, 2017

hey guys,

I've asked a few questions on here before and have done plenty of reading and lurking for most of my answers so far... Truck is a 2002 GMC 2500hd 6.0L 4L80E 160K miles. About to do motor mounts, ac compressor, accumulator, orifice, lower transmission oil line, and the stuff below...

Bought the truck with lift blocks installed in the rear with the keys turned all the way up. PO had 20's on it but I sold those and put stock 16's on with 265/75R16's. I am commuting a couple days a week and doing weekend towing around 8-10K maybe 12k if i barrow the neighbors trailer to get gravel, rock, or dirt. I want to keep a little lift for occasional off road work.

1. Replacement keys and shock mounts... does it matter where they come from? $40 seems plenty reasonable and it looks like I can get leafs with a tool that will do keys and leafs. was also looking at $325 for a tuff country set up with sx8000 shocks, keys, and leafs.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tuff-Country-12924KN-Suspension-Lift-Kit-2001-10-GM-Silverado-Sierra-2500HD-4wd-/401298876123?_trksid=p2385738.m2548.l4275

2.) blocks vs leafs: knowing that I tow and commute is the ride quality better with leafs over blocks? Is there a specific reason not to use blocks over leafs when towing? pros/cons?

3.) shocks: I dont think mine are ready for replacement yet but how are the SX8000 compared to the Bilstein 5100's I see most guys like?

4.) lower A-arm rubber bumpers: Mine are about to fall off and can't seem to find the replacement part number. These are the rubber bumpers that are frame mounted right behind the lower shock mount.d

nstueve · June 16, 2017

5.) if I replace the blocks with leafs in the rear... Do I need to replace the longer U-bolts with stock length? Can I run a die down the u-bolt in order to tighten them down and cut the excess off?

Adrian17 · June 21, 2017

Im going to get the kit with blocks pretty soon from SDTruck Springs for about $303 (they also have the spring version) with shocks. Without it would be cheaper. Also I do tow often but a 1inch block is not to much, to big of a block and the springs will wrap around them if loaded to heavy. If you get the extra springs my thought it it would not hurt but help you out towing wise if anything. I dont see wjat can really go wrong with block and tortion keys lifts thats why my leaning towards the Tuff Country aswell. Also i think the Bilstein shocks would be way better thats the SX8000. Hope this helps.