Ford Keys???

[cwetrich]

Hey Guys, I'm reading a lot of good info about leveling the 4wd Silverado's on this site. I don't know about the Ford keys that some of you are talking about. Do I need those to level my '04 ext cab Z71 properly or would I be OK just to crank the stock set up? Thanks

[norwood]

If you need to go up much more than an inch or so to get it level, then you may need to go to a Ford key.

Here is the Ford key part number:
XL3Z5B328CA

Order them from here:http://www.fordpartsonline.com/

A definitive article about all this: http://www.fullsizechevy.com/fscu/fordkeys.shtml

[PamzJoe]

They make keys for your truck. Dont know the brand name, I had them installed when I had my tires installed. Keeps you from moving the bars from the factory settings.

2005 Silverado Z71 ex cab
Joe

[Rugerlab]

I used the Ford Keys on my and it worked out great. I you really want to spend the extra money for the ones made for the chevy i think the companys are ready lift and suspensionmax. There may be others, those are just the ones i looked into. The price difference is why i chose the ford keys 40 bucks for both compared to 200-250 bucks for the others.

[norwood]

Originally Posted by PamzJoe

They make keys for your truck. Dont know the brand name, I had them installed when I had my tires installed. Keeps you from moving the bars from the factory settings.

2005 Silverado Z71 ex cab
Joe

FYI, if your 4WD truck has been raised (or lowered) by adjusting the torsion keys or by having aftermarket keys installed (SuspensionMaxx or others) then your bars are no longer at "factory settings". Leveling on a 4WD Silverado is accomplished by raising (or lowering) via the torsion bars which are essentially the front springs on a 4WD. Ford keys, SuspensionMaxx, or whatever, all accomplish the same thing. They allow a greater range of adjustment than the stock torsion bar keys. It's just that the Ford keys are MUCH cheaper. If your front of your truck hasn't moved up, then there would be no point in having any aftermarket keys put in. Leveling. Raising with the torsion bars. Re-alignment is likely needed.

The 2WD trucks don't use torsion bars, they have coil springs. There are spacers available to raise them also.

[silverado122775]

With the rear springs being leaf springs (4x4), any way to lift those to the same height as the front without adding extra leafs?

[01silverado03z400]

Where can I buy ford keys without ordering them off the internet?

[FiTxAg04]

Originally Posted by 01silverado03z400

Where can I buy ford keys without ordering them off the internet?

Any ford dealer should have 'em in stock. I got mine from the local dealer for $35 a piece. Excellent investment. You're also gonna need a 7-ton gear puller from Sears so expect the total project to cost somewhere around $110.

[jdmcivicman]

sorry to bring up an old post but i did not think i should make another thread.
also i know this is the silverado forum but i have a question about my 02 tahoe 2wd with t-bars.
i am planning on getting the fabtech 3" lift spindles, but i wanted a little more then 3" i was looking for 4". can i use the same ford keys to get the extra inch or two?
or would i have to get aftermarket keys. i really don't want to spend the extra money if i don't have two.
3" spindles are about 500
keys are about 250
thats 600 less then i can get a fabtech 6" lift for.
so i'd rather spend the extra and get a 6" lift but that would be overkill for what i need. if the ford keys would work then i can get the 4" i want or can i use my stock keys to get another inch

i know that alot of people don't see a point in lifting a 2wd truck, but i build my cars/trucks for myself. so please don't say why would you want to lift a 2wd truck. i drive off road alot but not the kind that needs 4wd.
thanks in advance for any help.

[jdmcivicman]

i found these online
aftermarket keys
it says they fit
2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade (incl. ESV & EXT models)
2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 2wd (All)
2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4wd (All)
1999-2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4wd (All)
2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 2wd (All)
2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4wd (All)
2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe 2wd (All)
2000-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe 4wd (All)
1999-2006 GMC Sierra 1500 4wd (All)
2000-2006 GMC Yukon 1500 2wd (All)
2000-2006 GMC Yukon 1500 4wd (All)
2000-2006 GMC Yukon XL 2wd (All)
2000-2006 GMC Yukon XL 4wd (All)

so if these fit the silverado and the tahoe then the ford keys should fit the tahoe... right?

[jdmcivicman]

well i found my answer on full size chevy.
yeah they do fit but i just adjusted my stock ones. and i got 2"
now the front is .5" lower then the back. it looks much better
thanks for the help