Confused about leveling kits

jdreddish · February 27, 2007

I have a 2006 Silverado Z-71 crew cab. I've decided to install a leveling kit to bring the front end up even with the rear.

The problem is I don't know which one to buy. I have seen some inexpensive ones for $65 and I saw one made by Ready Lift for $229. I don't mind spending the extra money, but I want to make sure I'm not wasting it. I have no knowledge in this area, please lend some advice.

silveradoHO · February 27, 2007

I have a 2006 Silverado Z-71 crew cab. I've decided to install a leveling kit to bring the front end up even with the rear.

The problem is I don't know which one to buy. I have seen some inexpensive ones for $65 and I saw one made by Ready Lift for $229. I don't mind spending the extra money, but I want to make sure I'm not wasting it. I have no knowledge in this area, please lend some advice.

Make sure the one for $65 is for 4wd. 4wd needs torsion bar keys and 2wd uses coil spring spacers.

jdreddish · February 27, 2007

after a little more research, I think the ford keys are the way to go.

hcvone · February 27, 2007

I used the Ford keys on my 03' Escalade, they worked good, your ride will be slightly more harsh, but not bad ay all

sonjaab · February 27, 2007

Remember they are just called the "ford" keys which are

only the green ones that come on the 1500 GM models. I also

note posts from a few guys that paid big $$ for a leveling

kit got a GM key with the GM name and/or part number

ground off..........................

Want new t-bar keys? Go to any GM dealer less than $30 bucks!

silveradoHO · February 28, 2007

Remember they are just called the "ford" keys which are
only the green ones that come on the 1500 GM models. I also

note posts from a few guys that paid big $$ for a leveling

kit got a GM key with the GM name and/or part number

ground off..........................

Want new t-bar keys? Go to any GM dealer less than $30 bucks!

The green keys won't do anything for him. He has a 1500, so he already has green keys. He needs ford keys, from a ford dealer, which are different from the ones that come on a 1500 chevy.

jdreddish · February 28, 2007

Yep, what he said...

thanks guys

I picked up the ford keys from the dealer today. The price was about $42 for the pair.

I'll be sure to post before & after pics

azchevy · February 28, 2007

Yep, what he said...

thanks guys

I picked up the ford keys from the dealer today. The price was about $42 for the pair.

I'll be sure to post before & after pics

Can you post up the ford p/n? Thanks!

mikystyle · March 1, 2007

I dont want to hijack this thread but, ive heard that adjusting your torsion bars without adding new keys can decrease ride quality and cause parts to wear out quicker. Now whats the difference between adjusting the torsion bars and adding new keys, i mean, the fron of the truck is still coming up and angles are still changing? Any input?

Def post pics and ride qualtiy changes after you put the ford keys in. I have been contemplating buying a leveling kit for some time, but if the ford keys work just as good why not save 200 bones.

sonjaab · March 1, 2007

Yea.....I forgot he has a 1500 ! GM has a bunch of different keys

for different model t-bar indexing...................

Heres a link w/ install pics and the diff. keys avail...........

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65871

jdreddish · March 1, 2007

The ford part # is XL3Z5B328CA

Check out the link that sonjaab posted above

jdreddish · March 6, 2007

As promised here are some pics. I reaised the front exactly 2" using the ford keys. The ride is fine, the OEM shocks are fine. Turned out well

Before

After

sbatzold · March 6, 2007

JD, did you ad blocks to the back also? Did you use the 2 arm gear puller? How long did it take you? what wa steh cost of the Ford Keys?

jdreddish · March 6, 2007

I bought the Ford keys at the local dealer for $42. I used a Craftsman 2 arm, 7 ton gear puller. It took me about 40 min, and that was taking my time. I have never done this before, but if you know how to turn a wrench you can do it. Just be sure to use at least a 7 ton puller. I don't think the 5 ton puller would have worked. No, I did not add blacks to the rear. I just wanted to level the front.