Can anyone give some insight on install Green Keys on 2005 GMC 2500 HD, D/A.... I have installed a gear puller "Snap-on" and removed the old key, but now I'm having trouble installing the new key. I think there's only one way it can go in but now that I'm tightening the torsion bar to bolt kepper in it seems that it's VERY hard to get up to the point of installing the kepper. Don't wont to brake anything.

Any advice would be great. Truck is apart and awaiting any help!!!

Thanks in advance

proper tool is a must... this can be a very dangerous job

tool (http://www.gmdieseltech.com/store2/cart.php?target=product&action=view&product_id=16272&category_id=258)

Well I have read many different threads about this Green key stuff, and think I will just leave the stock keys on, and adjust the bolt to get the height I need for 285-75-16 BFG's.

There has been so much said about this that I can't decide what is the right way. I have adjusted the bolt so the front end is sitting 1/2" lower then the back. I added 3/8" of washers to the shocks (even though I don't think it needs it) to keep them in the same range.

The ride is a little stiffer it seems, but I think once I get the alignment done the ride will be different again... Better.

The reason for my leaving it this way:

It just seemed like a lot more force was needed to put the green keys in then the stock keys. I can't see the reason for this happening. If you’re just indexing the torsion bars shouldn't they have the same force as the stock keys but with the A-arms in another location???????

I was having to really put some grunt into tighten the gear puller, and I still had about 1/2" to go. I think that even having the right tool the force would have been still too great.

One thing that I didn't see or read is there a reference point for the torsion bar and Green key? I put the Green key on the same location as the old key came off.

Hope people understand what I have been writing.

You're twisting the torsion bar more because the key clocks it at a greater starting angle/point, thats why its harder to install...you're fighting more twisting force. When Eric did mine, using the "c-clamp" tool, the install was a lot more simple. Plus, he was able to use an airgun...definitely a no-no with the gear puller. IIRC, don't the keys only go on one way?

Tom http://dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=107

i used the right tool to put the green keys on my truck and it works alot better then a gear puller. you may think it is a lot of force but it is you have to rembemer the t-bars are what hold the whole truck up.

These threads may be of use to someone tackling this job:

http://mct.truckmoxie.com/forums/topic.ten?id=61964
http://www.fullsizechevy.com/fscu/fordkeys.shtml
(don't let the URL fool you - it's not just Ferd)

OK...............................What da heck is a green key?

*sigh* Green key is the 1/2 ton torsion key, if used on the HD's, it raises the front approx 2" (before cranking). Quite a few of us have done this mod to gain added clearance for bigger tires or to level out the truck.

Do a search for them, grab a beer, and start reading. Its a very in-depth topic here.

Tom