Help w/ Torsion Bars

KMT15 · September 1, 2003

Went to crank them up last weekend on my 99 Silverado Z71. The pass side had plenty of room to go up, however it seemed the driver side was althe way up? How can this be? The front end of the truck sits about an inch or 2 lower than the rear and I want it evened out

-KMT15

Chris97K1500 · September 1, 2003

My brother in laws 99 was the same way. Passenger side went up fine, plenty of threads, but the driver's side could only be turned a half turn then it bottomed out. He just lowered the passenger's side back down and bought a Bodylift. But you would probably benefit from the F*rd keys. Do a search for them, cheaper to buy online. Chris

chevy4x4trucks · September 1, 2003

Also you want to keep in mind that if you level the truck out when you carry a load or tow your rear end will squat and the front end will be pointing towards the sky.

dsmazz · September 1, 2003

Installing the F0rd keys is the key. Keep in mind that you will need to have the front end realigned as well. Otherwise, you'll be chewing up the front rubber. I put the F0rd keys on mine and cranked it up to level the truck. The ride is a little more firm, but not bad. The F0rd keys enable raising the front up without exhausting all the adjusment on the threads of the torsion bars. - Dave

KMT15 · September 1, 2003

How hard is it to install new keys? How long will it take and apporx. how much are they?

-KMT15

dsmazz · September 2, 2003

To install them, you need either a BIG C-Clamp or a special tool to take the tension off. You have to remove the torsion bars. Took about an hour. The F0rd keys cost me around $44 at the local F0rd Dealer. If you do some searching here and at other boards, you can find some specifics on the part numbers and the steps to get the job done. It helps to have the truck up on a hoist as opposed to jacked up in the driveway. - Dave