Raising front end

MarkD · June 27, 2002

I am having a set of Ford Torsion Bar Keys delivered today. Can someone run through the install for me? Anything to watchout for?

nonstop · June 27, 2002

I've been holding on to mine now for about a month, I just can't seem to find the time.

So I'm talking tommorrow off and doing it, I'll let you know how it goes.

Okcpuckfan · June 27, 2002

Absolutely a piece of cake, it took me about 30 minutes in the garage. Just jack the front end up and place on stands. Loosen the t-bar bolts and remove them. Use a t-bar tension tool or a stout 2-jaw puller and raise the old key up enough to slide the adjustment bolt bracket out. You may need to put some WD-40 or LPS on the t-bar if they are stiff or rusty. Slide the t-bar forward and the key off. The installation is the reverse. I cranked mine all the way up and backed them off 4 full turns. I have 5 inch blocks in the back and a level front end. The dimension from level ground to the bottom of the fenders measures 39.5 inches with 265/75-16 tires.

'Puckfan

gmonkey · June 28, 2002

Absolutely a piece of cake, it took me about 30 minutes in the garage. Just jack the front end up and place on stands. Loosen the t-bar bolts and remove them. Use a t-bar tension tool or a stout 2-jaw puller and raise the old key up enough to slide the adjustment bolt bracket out. You may need to put some WD-40 or LPS on the t-bar if they are stiff or rusty. Slide the t-bar forward and the key off. The installation is the reverse. I cranked mine all the way up and backed them off 4 full turns. I have 5 inch blocks in the back and a level front end. The dimension from level ground to the bottom of the fenders measures 39.5 inches with 265/75-16 tires.

'Puckfan

Wow! You were able to get the truck level with 5 inch blocks in the rear? That's pretty impressive!! Did you use Ford keys as well?

Okcpuckfan · June 28, 2002

'Puckfan

Wow! You were able to get the truck level with 5 inch blocks in the rear? That's pretty impressive!! Did you use Ford keys as well?

Actually, total height of the blocks is about 5". The previous owner removed the factory blocks and replaced with these. He also cranked the t-bars to the stops. I was concerned about this so I bought the F**d keys and installed them. Overall I think the truck is about 2.5" taller than stock. It sits pretty level, maybe jsut a touch "nose down". Now I need to come up with some cash for tires <grin>

'Puckfan

quadcab4x4 · June 28, 2002

I recommend using the proper tool but if you don't have access to one use a 2 jaw puller with a rating of at least 7 tons! I tried using one rated at 5 tons but smoked that one inside of 2 minutes.... ???

BTW- you can get them at Sears for around $25.

nonstop · June 28, 2002

Well Finally!! I had to take a day off to do it.

I installed my ford keys today.

Wasn't quite as easy as I thought it would be, thanks to rust, otherwise piece of cake.

I lifted the front end up on jack stands, loosened, and removed t-bar adjusting bolt.

Next I used a two jaw puller to remove the thing that the adjusting bolt went into( I don't know what its called).

My rust problem was with the old keys on the end of the t-bar, I had to beat them off.

The new ones went in without a problem.

use puller to install those things that the adjusting bolt goes into, DONE, well almost.

Next came the actual adjusting, my finished height is 37 and 1/4" from the floor to the fender. This is what I have all the way around the truck now.

I noticed the toe is way in, so I'll need an alignment.

Ride quality is stiffer, but I find I like it better that way.

I have picks too, just need to get them out of the camera, I'll post em soon.

Nonstop

pjcav · July 1, 2002

Mark D.

What are the part numbers on the ford keys you ordered???? I am assuming you just ordered a late model F-150. Does it matter whether extended cab, super crew, reg cab. etc. I want to order some myself. If you dont mind what did ford charge for the set of keys?

Pat

nonstop · July 1, 2002

Check out this link for part number, same for both sides.

http://www.gm-trucks.com/cgi-bin....;t=9038

I PAID $24.00 Canadian.

MarkD · July 1, 2002

I used the one's referenced on Chane's web page. The pair cost me $41.

Big Boy · July 1, 2002

Next came the actual adjusting, my finished height is 37 and 1/4" from the floor to the fender. This is what I have all the way around the truck now

If the top of the fender is 37 and 1/4 all the way around I'd be interested to know. What is the distance between the ground and the rockerpanel JUST behind the front wheels and JUST in front of the rear wheels. I ask this because it seems that the front fenders are not cut as far up into the truck as the rear. Does that make sense to ayone else but me? I guess putting a level on the bedrail would give a similar stat?

kanton1 · July 1, 2002

this might be a dumb question, but where and how do you use the torsion bar unloading tool to remove the torsin bars. where do you place it and where do you clamp down, etc... just don't want to screw up and get hit by a torsion bar!!

Thanks

Kyle

nonstop · July 1, 2002

Big Boy,

19 inches, from ground to the rocker(seam where the door is).

I followed the line back just before the rear wheels 19 inches as well.

pjcav · July 1, 2002

Talked to chevy parts today and was told all GM tools are sold through "kentmore tools". I called them for the torsion bar loader/unloader. It was $111.25. Anyone know of a cheaper place that sells this tool. If not I guess I resort to the gear puller from sears.

pat

nonstop · July 1, 2002

The torion bar tool, I'll call it a puller it puts tension on the key so that you can remove the (not sure of the excat name)the thing that the adjusting bolt goes into.

theres a dimple in key, well theres two, one for the adjusting bolt, and one for the puller, the jaws of the puller hook onto the cross member.

I hope this helps, don't waste your money on GM part(tool)

get the puller from sears