Torn between my options

Khaos05 · February 14, 2007

Ok...i'm stuck between my 3 options. I'm having to weigh cost as well as use of my truck. I use it MOSTLY for city driving and a few highway trips here and there, but I also use it for hunting (deer, duck, w/e) during the fall and winter. On top of that, I just think that a lifted truck with bigger tires looks sweet. Here are my three options:

(1) Torsion Keys (Ford I believe?) and 285/70/17 BFG Mud Terrains

(2) 3-4" Body Lift and Larger Tires

(3) 4" Rancho or Pro Comp Lift and 33" Tires

It would be easy to do option 1 b/c of money, but a part of me just wants my truck bigger. Option 3 is expensive and probably over the top for my use. Option 2 is kind of wavering for me b/c it doesn't help too much for "extreme" off-roading, but will give the looks. I just don't like all the gaps and stuff created with a body lift, but I'm thinking that may be my best option. What do you guys think? First-hand opinions/experience and, if possible, pictures would be greatly appreciated.

Khaos05 · February 16, 2007

32 views - no replies....hmm

TTT

and btw...is there a website where I can get the Ford keys? I've heard some people say that they really aren't "Ford" keys - it's just a name and I've heard some people say that they got them directly from a Ford dealership. If this is true - I'm uneasy about putting ford parts on my GMC...

silveradoHO · February 16, 2007

32 views - no replies....hmm

TTT

and btw...is there a website where I can get the Ford keys? I've heard some people say that they really aren't "Ford" keys - it's just a name and I've heard some people say that they got them directly from a Ford dealership. If this is true - I'm uneasy about putting ford parts on my GMC...

I vote for option 1. If you use the ford keys or leveling kit on the front, and put an added leaf spring in the back, it will raise your truck 2.5-3 inches in front and 2 inches in the back. You can do all this for less than $400, and you will have more ground clearance than with a body lift.

The Ford keys are real Ford parts, they are off a 2000 F150. If you're uneasy about using ford parts, you can buy a leveling kit, which is also new keys, but it will cost you more. About $200 compared to $70. I used a readylift kit on mine, raised the front 3 inches, and it still rides like stock.

Khaos05 · February 16, 2007

32 views - no replies....hmm

TTT

and btw...is there a website where I can get the Ford keys? I've heard some people say that they really aren't "Ford" keys - it's just a name and I've heard some people say that they got them directly from a Ford dealership. If this is true - I'm uneasy about putting ford parts on my GMC...

I vote for option 1. If you use the ford keys or leveling kit on the front, and put an added leaf spring in the back, it will raise your truck 2.5-3 inches in front and 2 inches in the back. You can do all this for less than $400, and you will have more ground clearance than with a body lift.

The Ford keys are real Ford parts, they are off a 2000 F150. If you're uneasy about using ford parts, you can buy a leveling kit, which is also new keys, but it will cost you more. About $200 compared to $70. I used a readylift kit on mine, raised the front 3 inches, and it still rides like stock.

so 2000 forde f150 torsion keys will fit my 2006 sierra? How much should a dealership charge for those? How much is the add-a-leaf kit? Also, are there any problems with either of those options?

Especially...any pics?

silveradoHO · February 16, 2007

I checked with a local shop and was quoted 150 on the leaf springs, installed. I plan on going in next week to get them. I didn't use the ford keys personally, but alot of guy's on this forum have, and they say a dealer charges about $70. If you do a search on them you could probably find a part number.

IDGBZ71 · February 16, 2007

I'm currently running 285/75/16 with about 1inch crank on TB but looking to add ford keys or RC TB's ( for better ride) and add a leaf or 3inch block in rear. Mine is mostly road trips an hunting, not my everyday driver.

Khaos05 · February 16, 2007

I checked with a local shop and was quoted 150 on the leaf springs, installed. I plan on going in next week to get them. I didn't use the ford keys personally, but alot of guy's on this forum have, and they say a dealer charges about $70. If you do a search on them you could probably find a part number.

Ok...be sure to post pics when you get it done...and hopefully I can get them for less than $70 because my wifes uncle is the parts manager at a ford dealership...he cut 60% of the cost when I had to get my mustang repaired...

chakis24 · February 16, 2007

i just cranked the front and fit 285/70/17. it rides a little stiffer now but thats it. i like it, it was cheap to have done and i fit my 33's. im happy for now. (until i get the money for a nice susp. lift)

Khaos05 · February 16, 2007

i just cranked the front and fit 285/70/17. it rides a little stiffer now but thats it. i like it, it was cheap to have done and i fit my 33's. im happy for now. (until i get the money for a nice susp. lift)

so you just cranked your stockers? Is the ride not horribly rough? I was considering that...but then I figured since I could probably get the ford keys dirt cheap I might as well...

Khaos05 · February 16, 2007

also...i want to know...if I get the ford keys they are suppossed to lift 2" wo/ any cranking? Will this make it level or will I have to get a block or leaf for the rear to "re-level" it?

Khaos05 · February 17, 2007

also...i want to know...if I get the ford keys they are suppossed to lift 2" wo/ any cranking? Will this make it level or will I have to get a block or leaf for the rear to "re-level" it?

TTT

Khaos05 · February 20, 2007

TTT!!!! I NEED QUICK ANSWERS/OPINIONS!

If you've read the previous posts you know my situation. I would PREFER about a 4" suspension lift however it's a LOT of money and I'm kind of tight right now. Now it's between a 3" body lift and new ford torsion keys. Here's my problem: I'm not too sure about body lifts because I would need brackets for both bumpers and my nerf bars and I would have to extend the steering column, etc. I would like it because of the height. I can get one for about $300 and install myself. OR I can get new torsion keys for about $40 and level the front end out. The only problem with this kind of lift is that it may not be tall enough...

I need pro's and con's of the body lift especially, but also pro's and con's for the torsion keys...

chud53 · February 21, 2007

well as you said about the body lift the gaps between the bed i think make it look cheap, but thats a bias opinion because ive never had a body lift just seen them. But i think the best option is the 4'' rancho susp. lift, but money wise i would go with option 1 you can achieve the same height as #2 with the torsion bar keys and add-a-leafs for half the cost almost...but i do know from my experience once you lift you truck, you wanna go bigger and bigger, at least i do...maybe a 10'' full throttle suspension lift???

Khaos05 · February 21, 2007

well...i have a limit on how high i can go...it's called a wife

so what would be the "total" lift with new torsion keys, add-a-leaf, and 33/34 in tires? Would it be noticable compared to a stock ride?

silveradoHO · February 21, 2007

well...i have a limit on how high i can go...it's called a wife

so what would be the "total" lift with new torsion keys, add-a-leaf, and 33/34 in tires? Would it be noticable compared to a stock ride?

New keys will lift the front about 2.5". Add-a-leafs will raise the back about 2". If you have 32" tires now, then every inch taller tire wil raise your truck 1/2". So 33" tires would put you about 3" all around.