1500HD Level Kit?? Help

GMC 1500HD Dude · September 7, 2003

Just purchased a 03" GMC 1500 HD 2WD Crew Cab and I am looking to 'level it out". I dont want to lower the rear, I want to raise the front approx 2". Does anyone other there know of a leveling kit that will solve my problem? I only need about 2". I have heard cranking up the torsion bars is not the best thing to do. Anyone with experience in this area.

Thanks in advance.

JimWilson · September 8, 2003

Do a search on the forum for "green keys" and you'll find what you're looking for regarding new torsion bar keys. I added them to my truck and definitely like what I got.

Since your truck is 2wd you should also think about a spindle lift. This is a different approach to lifting the front end of the truck, but since most of the factory suspension components retain their factory "angles" with this setup it's considered less of a risk then the green keys are.

GMC 1500HD Dude · September 9, 2003

Thanks for the reply. I did a search and found a couple people talking about them, but found nothing about where to buy? Any ideas?

Thanks again.

JimWilson · September 9, 2003

Yup, gmpartsdirect.com. Look for PN 15592573

SalvageZR2 · October 4, 2003

Will the same PN (15592573) work on a 1500HD 4x4? Also, does GMpartsdirect sell tools? I can't seem to pull up the torsion bar unloading tool using the PN (J-36202). I take it there is no difference between the $30 for stock GM parts and the $100 "kits" people are trying to sell on Ebay? Thanks!

wandell · October 4, 2003

Try cranking up your torsion bars first and see if you like the results. The aftermarket torsion bar keys just allow you to put more preload on your torsion bars than the stock keys. If you get the desired lift, and you probably will, with the stock keys there is no reason to waste money on the aftermarket keys. Don't forget to get your front end aligned after you lift it. Also, from what I understand, the suspension on the 1500HD's and 2500HD's is the same on the 4x2's and 4x4's. I have never seen lift spindle's for a 1500HD or 2500HD.

Shotgun · October 4, 2003

You don't need the keys to level your truck...see

Always_Working · October 9, 2003

I can't seem to pull up the torsion bar unloading tool using the PN (J-36202).

http://www.anythingcars.com/members/chane/...y%20Install.htm

JimWilson · October 9, 2003

Will the same PN (15592573) work on a 1500HD 4x4?

Hmm... that's a good question. 15592573 works for the 2500 and up series of trucks, not the 1500's. But, seeing as how the 1500HD is really a 2500 in disguise my guess would be that you should be able to use them.

Also, does GMpartsdirect sell tools?

No, just parts.

I take it there is no difference between the $30 for stock GM parts and the $100 "kits" people are trying to sell on Ebay?

For the 2500 and up series they're the same thing, only cheaper. For the 1500 series they're actually using keys from Ford. Yup, you read that right.

You don't need the keys to level your truck

This depends entirely on an individual truck. In my case, cranking the tbars alone would not get me the necessary height. And when I did come close to maxing them out the ride suffered, so I definitely needed them.

Don't forget to get your front end aligned after you lift it.

Yes, I second this thought.

But as mentioned by others... you should probably try cranking the stock keys to see if you can gain the desired results before spending any money.

Ideeho · October 20, 2003

What are the part numbers for a stock GMC Sierra half ton to get the proper keys?

JimWilson · October 20, 2003

If I'm not mistaken the keys you would use for the 1/2 tons are actually the ones made by Ford. And if that's the case their part number is XL325B328CA.