Ford keys over time

03 GMC · November 21, 2003

I've been checking out the threads involving the options to level out my truck. Has anyone had the Ford keys on their truck for more than a year or two? I want to raise the front but I am worried about the long term effects the keys will have on the front end. Thanks.

DSZ71 · November 21, 2003

I dont see where you should have any problems in particular with them over a long period of time. The actual key is made of the same materials as the stock one. Maybe you may have a problem if you were to overcrank them and have steep CV angles, then over time, you would need to replace your CVs. Also,if you never get the truck re-aligned after getting them installed, then you will have problems. But as far as just using them to level out the truck and get everything handled properly (alignment and such) then I dont forsee any problems, ever!

BTW, I have had mine for over a year now and no probs! Go for it, you'll love the results!

03 GMC · November 23, 2003

My concern is that the 2-2.5" I need will put the cv joints at an extreme angle. The local 4x4 shop recommends a 4" inch suspension lift with only 2" on the rear because the keys will increase the load on the cv joints. Maybe I'm worrying too much but this is my first GM and the low front end is a new issue for me. Thanks

Shaners · November 23, 2003

There is no doubt that if you crank 2-2.5 inches into your front suspension, that you will put some strain on the driveline up front.

1-1.5" is the max that you should crank your T-bars... IMO

Worktruck · November 23, 2003

I installed F**D keys about 20K miles ago along with a helper spring in the rear. Total lift in front just over 3" and 1.5 at the rear. As of today no signifigant wear on any of the 4wd componants. Also the front has only settled about 1/4". Quite happy with the keys.

tom f · November 23, 2003

tell me how the helper spring in the back works.that sounds like a good idea.

DSZ71 · November 23, 2003

Hellwig makes rear helper springs. They just add on by some brackets to the rear leaf spring packs and help take some of the compression. Kind of like an "add a leaf" kit, but much easier to install and remove.

DSZ71 · November 23, 2003

Here ya go, a few pics on how they work:

lrymal · November 23, 2003

I installed F**D keys about 20K miles ago along with a helper spring in the rear. Total lift in front just over 3" and 1.5 at the rear. As of today no signifigant wear on any of the 4wd componants. Also the front has only settled about 1/4". Quite happy with the keys.

Did you change out your front shocks? Seems such an extreme adjustment would require different length shocks. And did your ride stiffen up in the front? Wonder how this would be for a daily driver on a choppy road?

Worktruck · November 24, 2003

The ride did stiffen quite a bit but I like a stiff ride. I did not change the shocks but am looking to soon. Not that they are ready to be changed but am bored and thought that would be a good mod. I don't take the truck off road at all. Mostly highway driving so I haven't tested the limits of the shocks. When I first put the keys on I thought it was "topping out" the shocks but lately I haven't noticed this. I do use the truck as a daily driver. I am a building contractor and it is mostly used to haul tools not material. Just bought a new enclosed trailer to haul the tools so now I get to see how it tows heavy loads regularly. Tows my snowmobiles and boat quite nice. (Ya I'm a toy collector) You know he who dies with the most toys still dies.

lrymal · November 24, 2003

The ride did stiffen quite a bit but I like a stiff ride. I did not change the shocks but am looking to soon. Not that they are ready to be changed but am bored and thought that would be a good mod. I don't take the truck off road at all. Mostly highway driving so I haven't tested the limits of the shocks. ...

Good reply and thanks!!!!! My '03 has a wide variety of road surfaces to go on, including interstate and some really terrible pasture trails which may include very deep ruts. In my case, I'd be concerned about the stock shocks with a modified suspension.

I don't like stiffness, though, and of course, this is a question for for all the varying modifications. This truck is very comfortable for me and maybe because of the REVO A/T tires I have, it corners amazinly well. I just don't want to lose that soft ride.