Leveling Silverado

[okie-chevy-man]

I have read about the front end sag in the newer (1999-2003) and a few fixes to raise them up. My question. How much can torsion bars raise it up? 2-3 inches? Are there any effects it has on handling? What are the "keys" people talk about. How easy is this swap?

[rositis]

Your torsion bar will raise it up anywhere from 1/2 inch to 2 or more inches. I personally got 1 1/2 inches out of mine. It depends on where your torsion bars were set at from the factory. As far as handling, it didnt affect my handling very much but some people will argue that. I guess it just depends on your truck. The keys are Ford keys. The keys are fairly easy as far as I know, but you have to have a gear puller to get the old key off. There are some tutorials on this on the web. I will see if I can find some.

[okie-chevy-man]

thanks alot for your info

[jdugan]

Also note that when you crank your torsion bars up the allignment of you tire will be messed up. The canter will be off ~ if you look at your car from the front, you will have a wider distance between your tires at the top, then at the botton... they will sit aligned inward. You may not car, but I had a pair of BFG ATKO's and it wore them down increadibly fast... just something to keep in mind. Right now i am just looking at a three inch body lift, 1. to improve the look of my car and 2. to be able to fit slightly bigger tires.

[NUCLEUS.ONE]

What about lowering the rear of the truck? Do you want the truck to sit high, but still level?

[jdugan]

yeah... i am not a big fan of the lowered look... especially with my Mickey Tompson wheels and BGF tires. That would just look really bad.

[NUCLEUS.ONE]

Definitely lift it then. Although...

[Phix_06]

Change out the torsion bar key with the same year F150's and it will level your truck out and give you a three inch lift to the front end

[jdugan]

I have been hearin about people doing that... around how much does that cost... and how easy is it to install, and how much does it change the suspension?

[Phix_06]

I did it to my truck and it looks awsome. I will be posting pics as soon as I get them developed. But the over all process is pretty simple to do

[jdugan]

where do you get them??? how much???

[okie-chevy-man]

i would appreciate a pic and price range of the F150 keys. But FORD part on my beloved chevy i definately want to go up with the front and not down in the back. For one it is a 3/4 Heavy Duty (Not HD, there IS a difference) and also the stock tire sizes rub on the bottom of the plkastic around the bumper. thanks again for you guys help

[Phix_06]

I'll post a pic ASAP but the keys usually run around 42-50 bucks and pretty simple to install Just go to the ford dealership parts dpeartment and order the same year f150 torsion bar keys make sure you tell them 4X4 f150. Mine were $42 and about 30 minutes to install with the right equipment

[jdugan]

Hey thanks alot... definitley goin to ford shop today!...

[Phix_06]

Once you get the Keys let me know and I can walk you through the steps