Notices
GM Drivetrain & Suspension Chassis | Transmission| Driveshaft | Gears/Rear End/Differential | Traction Aids

04 2500hd Leveling

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-24-2009, 10:58 PM
  #1  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
timmer1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Elmira, NY
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default 04 2500hd Leveling

Hey Guys,

I was looking to level the front end of my truck. I used the search feature and found people talking about jacking up the back end too. I was just looking to bring the front up. I was going to buy the aftermarket keys but have heard some other cheaper routes. One was to just crank up the bars. I have also heard that it puts more stress on the truck and suspension and makes for a much harsher ride. I also saw the ford green keys. Whenever I hear of that, it always refers to the 1500's, not the 2500hd. Would it be the same? I'd much rather spend the $40 that everybody says the green keys cost, but If they aren't the same, the $160 is worth spending. Let me know what you guys think. I've always been about lowering vehicles and don't know a whole lot about the torsion bar world. Thanks. Tim
Old 08-25-2009, 10:13 AM
  #2  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
timmer1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Elmira, NY
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I also stumbled upon gm green keys which I was told do the same thing. Can anybody confirm that for me. Thanks. Tim
Old 08-25-2009, 10:33 AM
  #3  
12 Second Truck Club
iTrader: (3)
 
BigCountryx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Baton Rouge
Posts: 1,457
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

1500 and 2500 keys are indexed differently, you wouldnt even be able to preload the ford keys enough to get them into the HD. You don't need keys anyway unless you run out of adjustment on the stockers. If you raise the front 2" via cranking or if you raise it 2" via aftermarket keys, the ride will be the same, take that to the bank. It's physically impossible for it to be different. Keys sipmly position the t-bar they serve no other purpose.
Old 08-25-2009, 10:45 AM
  #4  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
timmer1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Elmira, NY
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I was told that most of the time, you cant get 2" out of the stock keys. I'm not sure because I've never played with torsion suspension, just something I read online.
Old 08-25-2009, 10:48 AM
  #5  
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (24)
 
RandomHero's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Austin,TX Name:Mark
Posts: 4,787
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by BigCountryx
1500 and 2500 keys are indexed differently, you wouldnt even be able to preload the ford keys enough to get them into the HD. You don't need keys anyway unless you run out of adjustment on the stockers. If you raise the front 2" via cranking or if you raise it 2" via aftermarket keys, the ride will be the same, take that to the bank. It's physically impossible for it to be different. Keys sipmly position the t-bar they serve no other purpose.
The man is right. The only reason why people swap to different keys is when the stockers are maxed out. That can be anywhere from 1.5-2.5" depending how new or old the the truck is.
Old 08-25-2009, 12:00 PM
  #6  
12 Second Truck Club
iTrader: (3)
 
BigCountryx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Baton Rouge
Posts: 1,457
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by timmer1
I was told that most of the time, you cant get 2" out of the stock keys. I'm not sure because I've never played with torsion suspension, just something I read online.


Only one way to find out, some can some can't. Measure the fender, Get you a 18mm socket lay on your back and pull. Bounce the front a few times and measure again. That's it, get it level from side to side and get an alignment. If you don't like it, scratch the alignment and put it back down the the origional height and pursue other options.
Old 03-30-2010, 01:34 PM
  #7  
Launching!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
timmer1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Elmira, NY
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I cranked until the bolt bottomed out on both sides, set it to the perfect height. Now that I get under the truck and see how this thing works, I understand that there would be no difference in ride quality with aftermarket keys opposed to cranking. I'm happy with the cranked stock keys, just hope the suspension doesn't get weak and drop, cuz I don't have any room to crank any further.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cheyenne383
GMT 800 & Older GM General Discussion
9
11-13-2015 09:24 AM
BlownHD
GM Engine & Exhaust Performance
4
10-03-2015 12:24 PM
Wolftrk99
INTERNAL ENGINE MODIFICATIONS
14
10-02-2015 08:17 AM
Cammed4ever
GM Engine & Exhaust Performance
5
09-30-2015 03:38 PM
zblee
GMT 800 & Older GM General Discussion
1
09-17-2015 07:58 AM



Quick Reply: 04 2500hd Leveling



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:37 AM.