I need some help here. I just bought a set of H2 wheels and I want to put the 285/70/17's on them, and I really am not to sure I want to go cranking on the T bars. I have read a lot on this and just can't decide. Some people love it and some say its hard on the ball joints and other parts. The green keys from what I have been told and what I have read do nothing more than give you a different starting point to start cranking on your T bars. Is there another way or should I just back up and run 265's and leave the truck at its stock height?:help:

For what its worth I'm in the same boat you are. Been in the forum here just as long too.

I couldn't justify the added cost of either the Cognito or Fabtech kits, plus professional installation. Nor do I want buy new wheels or run a 285 on a 6.5" wheel.

I just ordered the green keys and will search for the +2" Billsteins this week.

I actualy like the look of the OE wheels and will more than likely crank the green keys slightly and slap some 265's on and be done. I should get everything for about $1000-1200, depending on who installs the keys. I figured around $2500-2800 for the kits above w/ wheels and tires.

I'll revisit the full lift/larger tire issue when I wear the 265's out.

I had a type of key on my 2004 HD, it was done by Outlaw offroad in Orange County, they said they were Ford keys? They also said it would ride like stock but that was a lie too. It ruined my ride and then I was stuck with 285's. (truck looked cool though)
On my new 05 dmax I spent the cash on doing a real lift and I am very happy. The ride is better than stock and all systems are working great. My truck looks awesome too. I spent $4100 on the lift, rims and tires, installed, out the door. ($400 was sales tax) I also sold my stock rims and tires for $500, nets me down to $3600 for the lift! ):h

I am very happy I did it and wish I would have saved the $1500 I wasted on my last truck on keys, rims and tires.

Just my thoughts on lifts
:ro)

JMGAZ is right on the keys. Green keys are the stock 1/2 ton GM torsion keys and are used to raise our trucks 1 1/2 to 2". They are "clocked" higher, so they start your suspension higher. They give you a higher starting point for suspenion lift. If you crank your stock bolts all the way, you get close to what these start at, which should be fine for 285's.

AquaElvis....the Ford keys you talked about are used by the 1/2 ton guys to do the same thing we do with the green keys. If the shop used those on your truck...OH MY!....That would give about 3-4" of lift, and our stock suspension CANNOT handle that high a lift without a lift kit and proper shocks installed. Its no wonder you had a garbage ride.....

and REMEMBER to get an alignment after you crank your t-bars this high or add green keys.

How high can you go on stock keys without needing an alignment? I'm just curious now that you said that.

Any adjustment of the keys should really be accompanied by an alignment. The stock keys will get enough lift most of the time. Keys don't make the ride harsh, preload does.

The Silverado seems to defy some typical rules in that they seem to be very forgiving if you are out of alignment or run tires on too narrow of a wheel. They also handle pretty decent with slopped pitman and idler arms.

hi there does any one have gm part number on green key to lift front of truck 2" and i was told you can hadd rubber spacer on front shock and dont need to buy over priced front shocks?help

This is who I ordered mine through...

http://www.gmdieseltech.com/store2/cart.php?target=product&action=view&product_id=16231&category_id=281

...although there are many other sources, including your local dealer.

The GM PN is 15592573.

I cranked the t bars on mine 5 turns raised the front 1 3/4 inch and it rides better ,but it did need to be aliened .the best place I have found in Phoenix is network alinement .

I don't know why everyone makes such a big deal about running 285's without a lift. First off, the 2500s sit higher on the frame anyway and you have more room for larger tires. Crank the torsion bars up and level it out. You should be able to get it nearly level, then slap some 285s on some 17s and it will look good.

I did this on my Silverado 1500 and had no problems rubbing or with ride quality. In fact, I never bothered with the alignment, until I really needed one several thousand miles later. My truck handled fine and the tires wore even and lasted 50K.

The guy that sold me my truck from the dealer was running green keys and had 325/60/18s Nittos under his and had no problems. If I was doing green keys, I would probably stop at 295s, especially if you are offroading. The worst thing that can happen is you don't like it and can sell everything and make another choice.

Out!

I think the discussion on the 285's is whether to put them on the OE 16X6.5's or not.

I'd go with H2's, but they'd have to be chrome, I dont like the look of the gray wheels with the silver GM caps.

BTW AXE, nice ride. Ill look for it around town!

I ran 285s on stock rims for 45k miles. No problems. I see a ton of trucks set up with them on stock 6.5 rims. I didn't have to adjust my t-bars either.

I am not doing this anymore though as I thought that they 285s look better and will be safer on 8" rims. So I am installing my new tires on some Mojave Teflons from AR.

The fitment problem with 285s is on the newer models. I can't see being able to get any larger of a tire on a stock rim safely but I'm no expert. I also don't think anything bigger would fit without cranking the t-bars.

ps... nice avatar bac