Well

I finally got around to putting on green keys bilsteins and H2's with 295 nittos. After reading all the post on this general lift experience here is my observations.

1 its the easiest lift i've ever put on a truck. a sunny afternoon in the driveway
1 to 2 hours and I was done

2 The only rubbing I have is on the lower front spoiler (wiil be trimmed)

3 I probably would just crank the torsion instead of installing green keys next time (Ive got my adjustments backed all the way out -can't lower anymore)
I set my turn screw in there original position and got like 3 1/2 inches of
lift (to Much) I backed them all the way down and ended up a little over 2
inches. Ive got a winch and hardware upfront so I was probably sitting lower than stock already. Note my drivers side at first measurement was 5/8 lower than then the p/s Its still lower by about 1/4 inch after adjustment.


4 The Ride. Its firmer I haven't driven it alot but mine is stiffer ( I'll give a true accessment once I've driven it a week or two)

5 Shocks were spaced 1/2 inch at bottom 3/4 top. the top was my only problem. with the bushings installed I couldn't space it a true 1" because I couldn't get the nut on top of the shock

6 I just put my stock center caps on no trimming tabs. they seem to fit fine.

7 295/70-17 nittos I think are 33.2 or 33.3 inches tall My bfg ats 285/75-16
were 32.9 inches tall so relatively close

8 The look is awsome wider wheels make all the difference


At this time I would definity recommend doing this modification. I think I could easily go right back to stock if there was a problem. Hope these thoughts help.

Jacksonbase

Don't forget to have your alignment checked.

Also, check for rubbing if you bounce through a dip or pot hole while turning. That's when mine rubbed when it was set up with a t-bar lift.

If you don't trim your caps you might loose one. You only get a couple threads on each lug when they're not trimmed.

I hope to get the Billstiens soon too. I agree, this is a very easy mod and can be put back to stock very easy.

Jesse

Show pictures if you have not already in the Truck picture post at the top of this section.
How full was your fuel tank when you measured? this could be the reason for the difference in the two sides. The green keys are simple poor boy lift that should work fine for most applications. I put them on as well since I don't want to go any higher for garage access. I would put a full lift with the proper brackets if they made one that only went a couple of inches. I still need to get the Bilsteins. A lot of others say that the shocks are the best improvement you can put on.

What are the green keys for? I did the same setup. Didn't need any green keys.

oh sorry... I re-read your post.

I'm getting ready to do the same thing. Are the green keys the same as what Off Raod Unlimited sells? They just call it leveling kit. And how long of a shock will I need for the front?

I don't know if they are the same thing. I bought my keys at the local dealership using a part number posted on this site somewhere. They were only like 23-24 dollars a piece pretty cheap. The shocks I purchaded from kennedy's. I compared them to factory and they looked to be the same length. I used spacers top and bottom. I took my truck on a 100 mile trip yesterday and the ride is firmer but not jarring. Steering was the same. Handling was much better. Just tighter than stock. Before my truck seemed to wallow and was to soft in the front. Now it seems more proportioned. Hope this helps

Jacksonbase

Well heck I didn't know you can buy the green keys at the dealer. Are they sold in the pairs? ORU sells them for $70 without shipping. And when you say dealer you mean as in a Chevy dealer? Are those keys use on heavier model trucks? Wouldn't think that GM would offer a key to do that unless it just happened to fit the HD. Thanks for that info, it will save me a few bucks.

Don't waste money on green keys, god, the hype! They do nothing for you, except insure the quick demise of front end linkages, top out fail the shocks, and overstress CV joints. You get all the torsion height you can stand with the stock keys. People selling "leveling kits" should be shot for sport. Just make a donation to my paypal account, 50% discount for good factual advice.

The firm ride, is because you no longer have hardly any wheel downtravel capability as you approach the downward limit stop with the torsion lift, and extended shocks..

See for yourself. just jack up the front end, as you do, measure how much the shock lengthens till it stops. 1" maybe? You need 3" of wheel downtravel for ride comfort.

So you may want to restore ride comfort, by putting the stock keys back on and give them 6-8 turns. A 1.5" lift rides better, but you have more effort in trimming. More warranty friendly also, (depends).

Jacksonbase, are bottom shock spacers part of a kit? Where?