This is the best video I’ve seen installing. You didn’t edit out your struggles or mishaps. That knowledge is going to help way more than a dolled up shop vid. I just hate you lost the shock installation videos. But I’ll have this one up when I’m under there. Thanks for taking the time to learn us something
EXCELLENT TUTORIAL. Thanks a million. As simple as you made it look, this kind of stuff is way above my pay grade. Yaa hoo for TH-cam videos and backyard mechanics that know what they're doing.
Good video, a few things, the torsion unloading tool should be on sooner for relief on thread stress, same when loading. When you installed new key you checked for position on key bolt, not necessary, that kit comes with a longer bolt that you should be using. Also after install you still have a 1" or so difference between front and back. You have to adjust the front to LEVEL the truck that is the whole idea behind the kit. Hopefully your new shocks were purchased for the new height, otherwise they will not work properly and wear right out. Good quality video, glad you emphasized that getting out the old key is a bitch, especially if you live in an area that uses road salt. I used a 30lb electric hammer and knocked the torsion bar right out. Finally be prepared, excelerated wear now on front end parts unless you change out the upper control arm, with one for leveled trucks. Good job!!
Thanks fro watching and commenting. I did eventually lower the front end to make it sit level. Looks and rides better. Good suggestion on using the tool before removing the bolt. The kit I got didn't have the longer bolts but did come with the new shocks.
I continued to run stock front end parts and did not see excelerated wear over 45,000 miles, but it has been mostly road driving. I do plan on changing upper control arms along with front axle shafts that allow for a greater articulation. Hope this helps. Good luck!
Thanks! Be sure to use the right tool. Plus, even though you're just installing a leveling kit, you will need to get a front-end alignment - camber will be off a bit.
At first I thought about just turning the existing bolts to raise the front to make the truck sit level but then decided to buy the kit. Mainly because I needed new shocks. I guess just installing the keys would work just fine.
Finally someone explained how it works with the Keys.
One of the best videos I've seen on how to get the key off of the torsion bar, thank you!!
This is the best video I’ve seen installing. You didn’t edit out your struggles or mishaps. That knowledge is going to help way more than a dolled up shop vid. I just hate you lost the shock installation videos. But I’ll have this one up when I’m under there. Thanks for taking the time to learn us something
I've watched several other videos on getting the keys in and out this was the most self-explanatory thank you
EXCELLENT TUTORIAL. Thanks a million. As simple as you made it look, this kind of stuff is way above my pay grade. Yaa hoo for TH-cam videos and backyard mechanics that know what they're doing.
Best video I have seen so far. I am actually about to go out in the yard and do this to my truck.
Thanks! Don't forget to to get a wheel alignment. The camber will be thrown off a bit after the install.
You sir are a gentlemen and a scholar thank you!!!
Thank you for the excellent video! Great job showing everything, the other videos leave a lot to the imagination.
This was pretty funny to me, I tried to do the same thing with the C-Clamp and sure enough it bent just like yours did.
Safety 3rd! :)
What a difference! Great vid, thanks.
Good video, a few things, the torsion unloading tool should be on sooner for relief on thread stress, same when loading. When you installed new key you checked for position on key bolt, not necessary, that kit comes with a longer bolt that you should be using. Also after install you still have a 1" or so difference between front and back. You have to adjust the front to LEVEL the truck that is the whole idea behind the kit. Hopefully your new shocks were purchased for the new height, otherwise they will not work properly and wear right out. Good quality video, glad you emphasized that getting out the old key is a bitch, especially if you live in an area that uses road salt. I used a 30lb electric hammer and knocked the torsion bar right out. Finally be prepared, excelerated wear now on front end parts unless you change out the upper control arm, with one for leveled trucks. Good job!!
Thanks fro watching and commenting. I did eventually lower the front end to make it sit level. Looks and rides better. Good suggestion on using the tool before removing the bolt. The kit I got didn't have the longer bolts but did come with the new shocks.
Any noticeable wear on the front end without new upper control arms?
I continued to run stock front end parts and did not see excelerated wear over 45,000 miles, but it has been mostly road driving. I do plan on changing upper control arms along with front axle shafts that allow for a greater articulation. Hope this helps. Good luck!
Great job! Thanks for sharing! I'm going to tackle this soon!
Thanks! Be sure to use the right tool. Plus, even though you're just installing a leveling kit, you will need to get a front-end alignment - camber will be off a bit.
Good video brother!
so if I just want to level the front, just do the keys only, right?
At first I thought about just turning the existing bolts to raise the front to make the truck sit level but then decided to buy the kit. Mainly because I needed new shocks. I guess just installing the keys would work just fine.
Have you had any trouble with the cv axle boots tearing?
No problems so far
Did you get an alignment after?
Yes. Lifting the front end this way will increase positive camber.
Your rear leafs are ready to break.
Thanks Ray. I'll get get them ordered.
General Spring 22-1567 $200 shipped each
Ray, how can you tell if the rear leafs are ready to break ? I'm gonna be putting this kit on my truck this summer. Thanks!
What's the point of changing the tortion keys?
Greater range of height options
What's the name of the lift kit you purchased? Thanks
www.americantrucks.com/rough-country-152inch-suspension-leveling-lift-kit-9906-4wd-silverado-1500-chevy.html
I bet it bounces bad in the front, should have used the original keys and tightened the bolt all the way
Doesn't bounce at all. Using the original key and running the bolt all the way wouldn't have giving it enough lift.
Can I get a link to order this tool or were you got it?
You can get it from just about any auto parts store. I got mine from Advance Auto. Some stores offer it as a loaner tool.