Hello All,

I don't know if everyone has seen this info before, but I have not. I got this from one of the suspension guys at my local dealer. I thought everyone might want to see this.

This is an index of the torsion bar keys that GM has for the T-Bars. As far as I can tell 90% of our trucks come with the purple coded keys:

GM Part # Angle Color Code
15045171 4 DEGREES PURPLE
15657374 9 DEGREES BLUE
15603963 12 DEGREES ORANGE
15592573 14 DEGREES GREEN
15592574 18 DEGREES WHITE

Most of us who have added different index keys have added the green keys. I would imagine if you added the white keys, the front end could really get in a bind!

Anyway, Hope this helps!

PDS

PDS,


Was just up your way last week while installing the lift on my DMax. Inlaws live near Covington, and routinely make trips to Cleburne (where I bought my truck), Burelson, FT Worth, etc.


It's not that that white keys would bind the front end, but they would definitely put the shock way out of it's center and the ride would be rough. With the Hill 4WD keys I had, I could go 2" with a great ride, but it got progressively rougher as I went above that. Even at 3" out HD CVs will not bind, though I'd certainly want to flip the tie rods.


Blaine

Blaine,

Your are a braver man than I am! Howsomever, I would like to see how you have your truck set up.


Drop me a line the next time you come back down to Texas. I am by the S bound roadside park on 35W outside of Burleson, maby we should get together & "discuss the state of the world & how to fix it!" http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif

PDS

This may be an ignorant question but how do you know what key color you have stock? Mine has a nice coat of rust on it, and I don't think it ever had any color except metal gray. Thanks


LA DMAX

There should be a spot of paint on the key arm. the color indicates the angle.

Aggie,


I'll certainly drop you a line next trip!


Installing the lift isn't really that difficult.................

Thanks Aggie91, I'll look for it next time I'm under there.


LA DMAX

blaine,


i keep hearing people saying "flip the tierods" do you know how this can be done? i think the ends are tapered and cant be flipped.


thanks

You get a kit that includes a reamer for reaming out the steering knuckle.

where can i get this kit. any info is much appreciated.


thanks

Don't flip the tie rods what ever you do! It will cause a serious steering problemhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Wacko.gif. The tie rods will no longer move in an ark on the same angle as the suspension. Your truck will dart from side to side every time you hit a bump because of a serious toe in situation when the suspension moves upward. The tie rods must move on the same plane (ark) as the suspension to keep correct alignment. Super Diesel

I believe my keys came with the orange color coding... not quite sure, I'll check tonight... my truck is a regular cab 8ft bed if that makes a difference in which key is on it.


Dan

I have been seeing this discussion about the colored keys a lot and am wondering what they do?


Does swapping the keys only raise the truck? How much does each raise the truck? Does it change the ride? Does it cause undue stress on any other components? How many keys are there? Does anyone have a picture of one in assembly? Are these keys on all GM trucks?


Sorry for all of the questions, but I am curious! Thanks!

Here is something interesting, I have one key on drivers side that is blue and key on passenger side is orange. HUHhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Confused.gif Edited by: GMC2500HD

Swapping the keys allows more adjustment before the key "tops out".


With the Hill 4WD keys I had, I could get 3", but anything over 2" and the ride got progressively more choppy due to the shock being too far out of it's center to provide optimum dampening.


My trucks ride was great at 2" of lift and less.


There is no additional stress placed on the CV axles as they are still well within their designed operating range. GM did seem to beef the CV axles on our HDs. However, the CV boots may rub on the folds a bit more than stock, but many have gone 75-100K with 2" of T-bar lift without any problems. The tie rods can get at a significant angle, but it seems to be okay.


Realize a lift kit is the best way to go. You get the lift with the CVs at stock andles and tie rods at stock angles. However, you have to relocate the t-bars to get the crossmemeber back up in the frame and flip the strut rods for max ground clearance.


Another option is Bushwacker cut-out style flares. You trim 1.25" from the aft portion of the wheel wells, install the flares, and gain a bunch of wheel well clearance.

Thanks for responding Blaine, I have been "under the weather" for a couple of days & just now checking back in.

PDS

Aggie91, What dealer gave you that information and did you get a price for the green keys from them. Would like to get some but haven't check on them yet, and you know how most dealer are if it didn't come on the truck they can't find the part or get you the parts you want. It took Durant 3 tries to get the right homelink overhead consle for my wifes suburban because the part wasn't listed for that truck. Edited by: Teck

Teck--- I JUST BOUGHT SOME GREEN KEYS FRON ERIC(DIESELTECH)$37.00 TO MY DOOR ,I DON'T THINK YOU WILL FIND A BETTER PRICE,MIKE

Teck,

Eric seems to have the best price on the green keys. The closest other price I have seen is around 45-$48.00. I got mine for the 45.00 before I could get them from Eric.

PDS

Its funny to see people complain and try to find the cheapest parts and the research to find them for a truck that costs min. 40k come on people http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif yaa I'm one of those people too http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/HiHi.gif

I have the green keys, and with the adjustment bolts screwed in just enough so they don`t fall out I got just over two inches of lift.


With the stock keys, I couldn`t get 3/4" of lift.


These keys and torsion bars (mainly the Torsion bars) are not created the same.


Chances are pretty good that you would not be able to install the white keys due to the increased angle.