Ford keys, and torsion lift question...

Matt99Z71 · September 30, 2004

Okay, so whats the difference in "turning" the torsion bars as

opposed to installing the keys? Or are they part of the same procedure? Also, how do you do it? Will it make the front higher than the rear? I know every turn gives you more lift, but is it possible to raise it much higher than the rear? Thanks guys..

asilverblazer · September 30, 2004

The keys are used when cranking the factory ones up doesn't give you enough lift. Installing the key allows the torsion bars to be raised more in relation to the original keys. I imagine with the keys installed you could raise the front higher than the rear, not sure though. Turning the original bars up is easy, take the weight off the front wheels (makes it easier) and tighten the bolts at the end of the torsion bar under the cross member they attach to. Tighten to the desired height, when you are done it'll need aligned. I'm sure some one with more experience on swapping in the ford keys will chime in.

grasshopper · October 2, 2004

Well here goes on the Key and T Bar stuff.

I used the F**d keys to get an additional 2.5" for the ProComps. Now the truck sits level and loopks good. The front end was realigned, no problem. The ride is a "bit" harsher. Not sure whether that is the tires or the T Bar mod . I've kept a close eye on the front end components and the CV boots since the mod. No problems so far, 2500 miles, and half way through hunting season. If you are looking for a GREAT off road tire, check out the XTerrain's. These things are fantastic .

Cheers

Valsport · October 3, 2004

To answer your question [Okay, so whats the difference in "turning" the torsion bars as opposed to installing the keys] The different keys allow for more twist to be applied to the bar. That is what lifts the a arms is the twisting of the tosion bars. I guess if you were to put in ford keys and turn the adjusting bolts enough it would be possible to get the front end higher than the rear, however it would look ugly as hell.

dgrammer · October 4, 2004

I saw in another post that the main reason for the harsh ride with the bars cranked is because the shocks are fully extended. If this is so, could a guy just find shocks that are a few inches longer to fix this?

asilverblazer · October 4, 2004

I think that would be a yepper.

Matt99Z71 · October 5, 2004

Okay cool, that answers my first question. Now how do you

install the F*(d keys? I just (figures) installed new Bilstein shocks, factory length so I noticed the torsion adjustment bolts. I did crank them about 1 1/2 turns just to see if i'd notice anything. So do you guys add 2" blocks to the rear springs after you do the F**d key mod?