2000 Silverado Leveling Keys

[2000 Silverado 4x4]

I'm new to this thing so I am sorry if this question has already been answered but I am wondering about the offset keys for torsion bars. I want to level out that sagging front end without breaking the bank. Does anyone know anything about these leveling kits? I will go through with it but I want to make sure that it won't mess up my camber and eat my tires up. Any info would be appreciated.

[bowtieguy]

There are some Ford keys out there to do this and you are right it has been a subject covered before. best bet would be to look back at old posts. somewhere there is one posted with pics and everything you need to do this. i dont recall the name of the thread right off hand.sorry not much of any more help. some one else may recall the exact thread that covered the leveling.

[norwood]

Read this; http://www.fullsizechevy.com/fscu/fordkeys.shtml

and this; http://www.offroad-tech.com/tech/tb401/

These helped me a great deal when deciding how to level my '99 Silvy. I used the Ford keys and am very happy with the results. I raised the front of my truck about an inch and a half to two inches. And I will soon be adding an ADD-A-LEAF to the rear.

Ford key part number:
XL3Z5B328CA
Get them here: http://www.fordpartsonline.com/

[2000 Silverado 4x4]

Norwood-
Since you did use the leveling keys I have to know, did your camber get thrown off much? I assume you got an alignment but I really want to know if it messes up the front ends camber because if it doesn't, I will do it.

[abadassbowtie]

norwood is this the part number i need for the keys to do a 05 thanks

[norwood]

Posted by abadassbowtie

norwood is this the part number i need for the keys to do a 05 thanks

Yes.

Posted by 2000 Silverado 4x4

Since you did use the leveling keys I have to know, did your camber get thrown off much? I assume you got an alignment but I really want to know if it messes up the front ends camber because if it doesn't, I will do it.

Well I can't really say for sure, but I would have to believe that the camber is O.K. or at least within tolerance limits. I'm getting new tires soon and plan on having the alignment checked then. If the camber is off it can be fixed. I know that my truck drives just fine after installing the Ford keys. I can cruise down the highway and take my hands off the wheel and it will track dead straight. I raised the front about 1-1/2 inches so the CV angles really aren't bad at all. When I jack the front up, it still comes up a long ways before the tires leave the ground. So it's not maxed out by any means. Plus I think the ride is actually better now with the torsion bars cranked, not as wallowy.

Hey, I'm no expert on front ends but I've only got about $100 invested with the Ford keys and the Add-a-Leaf for the rear. If I don't like it I can put it all back the way it was. For a slight lift which is all I wanted anyway. Try that with a $1000+ lift kit. All I wanted was my 4WD to look like a 4WD instead of a 2WD.

[abadassbowtie]

were did you buy the add a leaf from and did you have to buy new u bolts and center studs to put them on thanks

[norwood]

Bought the Add-a-Leaf here:http://www.jackit.com/store/supercart.cgi?s=tuf81350
There are some other places that have them also, but this was about the cheapest. They come with new center studs.

Also got new U-bolts form here:http://www.stengelbros.com/catalog/361-379_2978673.htm
2 sets of course.
I've always heard that you're never supposed to reuse u-bolts.
Fast shipping from both of these companies.
Another good read here:http://test-of-fire.com/U-Bolts.htm

[norwood]

abadassbowtie;
Is your '05 a 1500 or a 2500 ? It makes a difference.

[abadassbowtie]

1500 sorry, and thanks for all the help How much stronger would you say the add a leaf helped stiffen up the back I think the have real soft suspension.

[abadassbowtie]

When You Did This How Bad Did It Really Throught The Aliment Off Was It Even Driveable. I Am Picking Up The Keys Tonight And Hopefully Putting Them In Tonight So I Need To Know And How Long Did It Really Take To Put Them In Thanks

[abadassbowtie]

I got the keys today And I want to install them but I wont have the rear leafs for another week and I want to put the keys in but I don't want to get the alinment till i get the rear in and adjust the front how I want then I will get the alignment but how much more can I go than stock and be okay for like a week. Thanks.

[norwood]

Took me a couple hours or so to get my keys in. But I was using a installation tool that I made which didn't work very well. I think the 2-jaw gear puller is preferable. Just go slow and be careful, lots of tension force there. I still haven't had a chance to get my Add-a-leafs in yet and I still haven't had a chance to get the alignment checked. Yes, the truck is very drivable, i doubt you'll notice much difference actually. I would just get alignment checked when you get a chance.

[abadassbowtie]

Ok Hopefully Put Them In Tonight Then Thanks