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Just installed ford t-bar keys

MountaineerTom

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MountaineerTom Senior Enthusiast

MountaineerTom

Posted
Posted

We put them on a friend's Silverado extended cab. Holy cow, what an easy job. Took us about an hour. The hardest part was getting the factory keys off the t-bars, just because they had some sand and other junk in there, and still that wasn't too hard. He ordered ford part number XL3Z5B328CA (received them the next day from the local dealer) at a total cost of $48 something for the two keys. His fender measurements before were 35 1/2 inches (measured from the ground to the bottom edge of the factory fender flare in line with the center of the wheel hub). After installing the ford keys and adjusting to where he wanted them, they measured 37 inches (same as the rear) and his truck now sits level. He's off this weekend to add some 285/75-16's.

AirForceAngler Enthusiast

AirForceAngler

Posted
Posted

Tom,

 

How much did 1.5 inches stiffen up the ride? Would you have to install the Ford keys to just go 1.5"? I've been thinking about raising the front of mine a little bit, but I'm afraid the ride will get too rough.

 

Thanks,

stlmaj Enthusiast

stlmaj

Posted
Posted

Tom,

Would your friend be interested in getting rid of his stock green keys? If so I would be interested.

 

Thanks,

Matt

Morgan Enthusiast

Morgan

Posted
Posted

:lol: What is involved in installing these? Is there a post somewhere with detailed instructions? :D

 

BTW, I just found this site, looks great too. Lots of good info I've seen so far. Thanks for letting me join in. My truck is '01 Sierra Ext cab, 2wd.

MountaineerTom Senior Enthusiast

MountaineerTom

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Well, I don't think he wants to get rid of his old one because he said he was going to hold on to the in case something happened and he needed to use them.

 

I don't know about the ride myself because I didn't ride in it, but he said it felt a little stiffer, but not real bad.

 

As far as cranking them, it only involves tightening them to lift it up, and loosening them to lower it. The bolt was either 18 or 19mm, can't remember which. His were not even, one side was in about half way, the other almost all the way.

 

As far as instructions, we didn't take any pics or anything, but I can explain it. I can also set-up a pic with my truck it any one needs one. First we sprayed the adjustment bolts and where the key and tbar meet with WD-40. We lifted the front of the truck and placed jackstands under the frame. This helped get the weight off the suspension. Then we removed the adjustment bolt. We used a heavy duty 2 jaw gear puller attached to the crossmember and cranked in the key in (there is a little dimple ont he key to put the screw of the gear puller in) untill we could pull the cam, pin, or whatever you call that thing the adjustment bolt goes into out of the crossmember. Then we backed off the gear puller until there was no more tension on the t-bar. Slid the t-bar towards the front of the truck until the key came off the back side of it. This was honestly the hardest part because of the sand, rust, dirt inbetween the two, but with a little wiggling it will come off. Then we put the new key on, which will be angled witht he adjustment point a little lower than the factory one. Cranked it back up witht he gear puller, installed the cam/pin thing in, reinstalled the adjustment bolt and only put them in about half way. He drove it around the block a time or two, which made the suspension settle about 1/2 inch. Then we lifted each side and made a few adjustments to get it where he wanted it and he drove it around again to make sure it was settled. He ended up with 1 1/2 inches of lift. He's getting new 285's this weekend, and I think an alignment sometime after that.

stlmaj Enthusiast

stlmaj

Posted
Posted
:lol: What is involved in installing these? Is there a post somewhere with detailed instructions? :lol:

 

BTW, I just found this site, looks great too. Lots of good info I've seen so far. Thanks for letting me join in. My truck is '01 Sierra Ext cab, 2wd.

If you need detailed instruction some one on another forum similar to this one has excellent directions with pictures! Here is a link Ford Keys & Torsion Bar Cranking Hope this helps.

 

Tom,

Thanks anyways on the keys. I guess I will just go buy me some green keys!!

 

Thanks,

Matt :D

1500HDCC Enthusiast

1500HDCC

Posted
Posted

Hey Stlmaj I just picked up a set of green keys from the local dealer today. Going to install this weekend if everything goes allright. I have the same truck as you, will let you know how it turns out.

Morgan Enthusiast

Morgan

Posted
Posted

Thanks for the info, and the link. :D That looks easy enough. But, I've said that before :lol:

 

I'll let you know how it goes. Or be back for help!!!

MountaineerTom Senior Enthusiast

MountaineerTom

Posted
  • Author
Posted
:flag: What is involved in installing these?  Is there a post somewhere with detailed instructions? :seeya:

 

BTW,  I just found this site, looks great too.  Lots of good info I've seen so far.  Thanks for letting me join in.  My truck is '01 Sierra Ext cab, 2wd.

If you need detailed instruction some one on another forum similar to this one has excellent directions with pictures! Here is a link Ford Keys & Torsion Bar Cranking Hope this helps.

 

Tom,

Thanks anyways on the keys. I guess I will just go buy me some green keys!!

 

Thanks,

Matt :smash:

Yep, that's pretty much how we did his. :thumbs:

stlmaj Enthusiast

stlmaj

Posted
Posted
Hey Stlmaj I just picked up a set of green keys from the local dealer today. Going to install this weekend if everything goes allright. I have the same truck as you, will let you know how it turns out.

Thanks, I am interested to hear what you think. :thumbs:

 

Matt

1500HDCC Enthusiast

1500HDCC

Posted
Posted

Stlmaj just got the green keys installed this afternoon. Measurements before and after showed a three inch lift with the adjusters set at the same location as the stock keys. truck is a quarter inch higher in the front, 38-1/4 inches versus 38 inches in the rear. ride is a little stiffer but I like it that way. Should clear 285's with no problem now. CV angles look fine, borrowed a tool from the local dealer to unload the tbars, didn't trust the looks of the 7ton pullers the other guyswere using, after doing the install I was glad I did cause it sure made some scary noises loading an unloading the bars. By the way my truck also has the GL bars from the factory. If you have anymore questions email me.

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