Torsion Bars

svtjesse · August 1, 2005

Alright, I am fairly new to my 2500HD, I have had it about a month now and love it, but that is beside the point....

Would someone please explain to me what everyone is talking about with "green Keys" and "turning up the torsion bars" and all that jive!!!!

I am looking to add bigger tires to the truck but would like to do it the cheapest/best/reliable way without voiding my warranty.

Thanks

Jesse

Shaners · August 1, 2005

There is a crossmember about the rear of the cab on the frame. In the crosmember you will see where the 2 front torsion bars come back and tie into it. There are 2 bolts (one on each side). If you tighten these bolts up, then you will raise the presure on the torsion bars, and lift the front of the truck.

If there isn't enough lift available from the stock keys, then you will have to replace them with after market keys. They ride on the cam inside the framerail, and will create more lift.

The two downfalls are... stiffer ride, and the front end will most likely need re-aligned.

It's a simple job and will only take a few minutes.... give them a couple of turns and go for a ride and then check your ride hight when you get back. And then just adjust to what you need...

svtjesse · August 1, 2005

Ok, but where in the hell do the keys go??? that is the part i am not understanding...

Jesse

BBSilverado · August 1, 2005

Ok, but where in the hell do the keys go??? that is the part i am not understanding...

Jesse

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The keys are the rear mount for the torsion bars, they also have an adjuster bolt on them that twists the bar to give it more or less torsion. the further in you turn the bolt, the more torsion you give the bar and also raise the front end.

The keys are indexed differently, therefore different keys will allow for more height adjustment. The green keys are indexed with more offset then the stock 2500HD keys (purple keys)

Green keys are stock on 1500's and they install "ford keys" to gain more lift

svtjesse · August 1, 2005

Ok, but where in the hell do the keys go??? that is the part i am not understanding...

Jesse

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The keys are the rear mount for the torsion bars, they also have an adjuster bolt on them that twists the bar to give it more or less torsion. the further in you turn the bolt, the more torsion you give the bar and also raise the front end.

The keys are indexed differently, therefore different keys will allow for more height adjustment. The green keys are indexed with more offset then the stock 2500HD keys (purple keys)

Green keys are stock on 1500's and they install "ford keys" to gain more lift

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Ok that clears it up, now next question is how will I go about "obtaining" these "green Keys" and also would it be better to purchase the cognito leveling kit?

Thanks

Jesse

sonjaab · August 1, 2005

GUYS.............Isn't there a how to sticky post around here somewhere

with pics and instructions ?????

I know its at one of these GM truck sites.............

Will post a link when I find it................geo

joebroom8 · August 1, 2005

hey jesse thank for asking all the ??? that i had !!! but how big of a tire can you put on a stock rim?? for a HD ?? thank newbie Joe

svtjesse · August 1, 2005

hey jesse thank for asking all the ??? that i had !!! but how big of a tire can you put on a stock rim?? for a HD ?? thank newbie Joe

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Joe, looks like we're in the same boat, I can't get the search feture to work on here or I would search for it.

Jesse

sonjaab · August 1, 2005

FOUND IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/fscu/fordkeys.shtml

Shaners · August 1, 2005

hey jesse thank for asking all the ??? that i had !!! but how big of a tire can you put on a stock rim?? for a HD ?? thank newbie Joe

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The stock rims are narrow, and some tire dealers will not mount bigger tires on them. I ran 265/75/16's on my last HD. Others are running 285/75/16's, but if you are doing any serious towing or hauling, these are pushing the limit (IMO).

FloridaZ · August 1, 2005

hey jesse thank for asking all the ??? that i had !!! but how big of a tire can you put on a stock rim?? for a HD ?? thank newbie Joe

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The stock rims are narrow, and some tire dealers will not mount bigger tires on them. I ran 265/75/16's on my last HD. Others are running 285/75/16's, but if you are doing any serious towing or hauling, these are pushing the limit (IMO).

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Discount Tire will NOT mount a 285 on stock wheels. 265 is the biggest they will mount. Plenty people are running 285's on stock wheels though, so the choice is yours.

jnperin · August 1, 2005

hey jesse thank for asking all the ??? that i had !!! but how big of a tire can you put on a stock rim?? for a HD ?? thank newbie Joe

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The stock rims are narrow, and some tire dealers will not mount bigger tires on them. I ran 265/75/16's on my last HD. Others are running 285/75/16's, but if you are doing any serious towing or hauling, these are pushing the limit (IMO).

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Another option is mounting 255/85. they are 33" tall but a little narrow looking.

silverado3500 · August 2, 2005

Another option is mounting 255/85. they are 33" tall but a little narrow looking.

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They may be a little narrow, but they handle the rain much better than a 285/75R16 ever will. (Wider is not always better) Just something to consider. I've run several trucks with 255/85R16 and have been very pleased with them. They also provide better wheel well clearance (you don't have to crank as high to prevent rubbing)