I have a '99 Scab 4x4 with the offroad package that I am hoping to lift mid-spring. There are alot of variables that will decide how I lift it and how much lift i go with. One of the options I'm considering is just a front end level with ~33" tires. However I am confused with all the information im hearing and seeing on how to accomplish this, whether keys or crank. Yes, I have used the search bar, but thats what let to my confusion. So here are my questions:

1) Ive read that keys put extra stress and angle on the front suspension. If the keys accompish the same thing as just cranking the T-bars, what causes the keys to put so much extra stress and angle on the front components?

2) Other side of the coin, I've hears of guys breaking their torsion bars cranking them too far, So wouldnt the keys alleviate some of this tension on the bars?

3)And last but not least, I've read some people say that keys cause a floaty ride and some say they cause a stiff ride. I have also seen the same for just cranking the t-bars.


I have received information saying crank is the way to go, but trusted mechanic sources say that keys are the way to go because they are less stressful on the bars.


Please, feel free to leave any: input, comments, personal experience, questions, etc. as any and all information is appreciated. Thank You.

 

1). aftermarket keys allow you to crank them FURTHER than OEM keys, which is BAD. they both do the same thing, just the aftermarket ones are indexed further.

2). see #1

3). see #2

 

Aftermarket keys are re-indexed and allow you to crank the adjustment further than you can with the stock keys, thus giving you more lift and more extreme angles on front end components.

Never ever in my life have I heard of anyone breaking a torsion bar. No, aftermarket keys will not alleviate tension on the bars; it increases tension (if used) by allowing them to be cranked further. You physically cannot crank stock keys far enough to cause damage or break a torsion bar. Many of us crank them full to the stops. I have a combined mileage (on a couple of trucks) of over 200,000 miles with zero problems related to cranking the stock keys full to the stops.

Cranking up the stock keys or cranking up aftermarket keys either one will firm up the ride but the latter being worse. You will not get a floaty ride from either.


Cranking stock bars is the way to go. Your trusted mechanic source is incorrect. The only way aftermarket keys would be less stressful is if you installed them and did not crank them up any, essentially leaving you at a stock height; thus no reason for them. The stress is the extreme angles placed on ball joints; the bars could care less how far they're cranked up. You're not putting more of a twisting motion on the torsion bars with keys, you've simply moved where in the adjustment range the work is accomplished.

 

Search button would should keys are a horrible idea.

 

one guy on here broke his, it was just sitting in his yard. but it was a defect in some of the 97-98 torsion bars.

 

Thanks guys, good information, but that leads me to one more question. Since aftermarket keys are indexed further, could some lift be acheived without cranking the aftermarket keys?

 

Theoretically?? Yes. But, if you're not going to crank the aftermarket keys all the way, then there's no use in having them. You can get all the lift you need from the stock keys. Any lift beyond that as provided by aftermarket keys is tooooo much. Thus again, no need for aftermarket keys.

Are you trying to decide between cranking the stock keys all the way and/or cranking aftermarket keys just a little bit???

If so, then just stop now. Sounds like for some reason you're really trying to talk yourself into aftermarket keys, and you need to stop! Also, again, the keys themselves have zero impact on ride quality or anything else. The torsion bar and the tension on them controlls that. Example; stock keys cranked all the way and aftermarket keys cranked half way (or to a point to gain the same amount of lift) will neither ride nor perform any different. Again, zero reason to have them.

Save your money and get a lift kit!

 

I just want my facts straight before i go to put parts on my truck. I do mostly on road driving so depending on money im looking for just a little bit more height and tire. idealy i want a suspension lift on 35s but it may be more wise and economical, in my situation, to just go with a little bit of front end lift an 33s. so i want to make sure im going the right route to acheive my desired outcome.

 

Just crank the factory keys. Don't go through the stress of dealing with aftermarket keys, in the end they'll just cause more problems than they're worth. Depending on wheel and tire choice it's possible to clear a 35x12.50 with just the torsion bars cranked.

 

yeah, ive seen trucks running that setup but they look disproportional to me and over "Stuffed" under the fenders.