Replacing torsion bar keys on a Chevy Z71

My 2000 Chevy Z71 has some worn out torsion bars and I decided to Re-key them with a kit from ProRyde.

[@ric6026]

Wow thanks for the vid I have a 2004, rattles my kidneys lose on every bump in the road gonna use your video for a learning tool and give it a shot changing them my self.

[@AllAmericanDreamChaser]

Great video! I am ordering a set of keys from Summit right now. Thanks!

[@kelseylf2004]

Just ordered the same set. funny how my bars are sitting exactly the same as yours. driver side bolt almost all the way up and passenger side was sticking out. thought i was looking under my truck.

[@timesup6386]

that is stock height for the 2000 1500. Cortrol arm in contact with jounce bumpers on lower control arm is as new

[@RodderFiles]

great fix an you proved the product works glad it rode better i was wondering bout that b4 the end lol

[@MrStatic101]

Great job man. Answered all my questions about the torsion bars

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Jim Devlin, Jr. Glad it helped.

[@raylaux8295]

The bars are not worn out. My 2000 1500 Z71 from factory "NEW" touching the bump stops.

[@sbond1963]

I have a similar issue where the drivers side key is maxed out, passengers side key bolt is way out, literally no twist at all. Since adjusting feels weird. Seems to bounce left and right vs up and down. I'm thinking the torsion bars are like shocks. You cant replace one, and you can't set different tensions (after a certain point) . I also noticed adjustment doesn't last long. Its literally settling again by the week. Sooo.. IMO you can't twist your way out of a worn out torsion bar.

[@risky1]

i have a 91 Chevy Z71 with a 4 inch life by Rancho Now the front is sagging down. Bought 1-3 inch leveling keys Do I have to do anything to the front drive shaft if I raise the front end 2 more inches to level it out ???? Please advise

[@JoDaddysGarage]

I don’t have an answer

[@risky1]

@@JoDaddysGarage No worries, I am calling a Truck Shop that specializes in Lifts - I will post if I find out anything.

[@Varedz]

I did 10 inch lift on my 2017 3500 Cummins and it rides better then stock the only is the truning radies its kinda bad

[@homeslipper]

Doin this on my. 05' chevy express awd van and 33s... muddy mudder, my Mudder was a mudder

[@dzl8596]

If the torsion bar is worn out, meaning that it's not providing the resistance it's supposed to, then won't putting different keys and putting more torsion on the torsion bar make it wear more and faster? Isn't replacing the torsion bars a better option? I see them for sale for

[@timesup6386]

They aren't worn out

[@waltersteffensthezr2man431]

Thanks for the video I have the opposite problem my passenger side has a weaker torsion bar. I wonder if when I replaced my keys if you accidentally turn the torsion bar from its original position if it would make a difference?I couldn't get my aftermarket lift keys to fit right so I had to keep messing with it I ended up having to take a grinder to the crown of the top to get them to sit in the cradle properly

[@JoDaddysGarage]

If you're off one flat on the bar, it will have a negative effect for sure.

[@waltersteffensthezr2man431]

@@JoDaddysGarage okay good to know I think I got to get back in there and figure out where it used to be I remember when I did it I didn't think that it would matter!

[@michaelfrumdebay3047]

@JoDaddysGarage when you put the new ones in, did the screws tighten (lift) up evenly?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Yes

[@michaelfrumdebay3047]

@@JoDaddysGarage great! Thx for replying to so many of us on here!

[@earlbroussardjr]

I looked underneath yesterday and double checked today. I don't have one.

[@MrOutdoorsmen1]

Yeah my trucks stock keys are cranked all the way up but its been a plow truck for a few years and the front end sits lower then it should with they keys cranked.. So maybe my torsion bars are worn also..?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Yep. Torsion bars wear out. This is a cheap fix.

[@superjoint57]

Should you get an alignment after this procedure? Thanks!

[@JoDaddysGarage]

I would recommend getting an alignment.

[@vtly5603]

Yes

[@jameswiz]

What holds the torsion bars from slide back and forth? Is there a set screw or bolt that keeps them from sliding out or something? Why doesn't anyone show this in their videos?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

No set screws. Tension holds them in place.

[@jameswiz]

@@JoDaddysGarage so is there a "stop" position in the back so you get them back into alignment when installing new keys? So they aren't too far forward or back when you're done?

[@bigtrucklittlerv7969]

Stock this Z71 runs on the jounce bumpers. Normal

[@cecil6711]

Good repair. I think I need to do my 2002 GMC to raise the front back to stock. Thanks for the how to and where to get the kit. :-)

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Be careful. If my bars weren't so worn out, I'd have used the ball joint tool, or borrowed the OTC tool made for this job.

[@cecil6711]

Jo Daddy's Garage Safety first definitely. :-)

[@ericwix29]

Dont forget when you do this, you will need to have the vehicle realigned. coming up will give you more positive camber as well as pull the toe in. If you dont have it realigned it WILL eat your tires.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Eric Wix I agree. i would recommend that as well.

[@ericwix29]

Oh yea. I've been doing this for over 25 years and a great video for anyone doing this at home.

[@noevenegas1099]

I have an 04 Sierra z71 I will be doing this to. It is currently completely stock and has 16' wheels . I am debating to either do the torsion bar keys (from rough country )and 33in tires or get a 3in body lift and run 35 in tired. Price wise the torsion bar keys are the way to go. Is there a huge difference between the 2 set ups I've just listed ?

[@ericwix29]

When you do the torsion keys you Wil have limited camber adjustment on your alignment. I you do the complete lift kit you will be able to do a complete alignment

[@rubengallegos2174]

+Eric Wix so it's not correct to do

[@mickyfingaz]

Jo Daddy's Garage did you have to get a front end alignment after doing all of that work to the front end?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

mickyfingaz I did not, But I also lowered it back down a little afterwards. I would recommend an alignment though.

[@jasonmushersee]

That looks like a new truck. My brother has a 01 and the rockers/cab corners are gone.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Another reason to live in the South. I grew up in Pa. and I've seen what happens to them there.

[@orangecrushz28]

So should i get the keys or torsion bar mounts ...mine sounds like shit too over bumps

[@JoDaddysGarage]

The keys helped a lot.

[@jang6969]

Do you have to remove the front wheels to do this? Thanks

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Shouldn't have to.

[@jstreet4354]

Man I put another set of F3 keys that a shop sent me and the thing was so loaded that the upper control arms were resting on the metal stops, I got C3 keys from them and they were the same index as my stock ones. All I can think is the truck has a factory lift kit, MAN, this truck is nothing but trouble. I took both keys and threw them in the back of my truck! I put the stock ones in and said 4get it. I put Reflex shock all the ways around man what a great shock! Those shock extenders how do you put them on Jo? Maybe I need them to run the keys as a paired setup? Thx Jon

[@JoDaddysGarage]

The extenders are really just bushings that slide onto the shock post prior to the washer and bushings. It just moves the mount point up about 1/2 inch.

[@jstreet4354]

bottom or top I got some caliper washer things for work yesterday I thing they'll do the some thing, Thx Man!

[@JoDaddysGarage]

jon street Bottom. That way it pushes the first washer higher and extends the mount point.

[@JAMESYBOY.]

do I have to upgrade my front shocks to do this

[@JoDaddysGarage]

No. The kit comes with extenders, unless you're planning to run them at max height. Then you will need different shocks, but you will have a rougher ride.

[@chrispickens2777]

I guess wat I'm saying is my torsion bars are maxed out and the ride is rough if I get the keys u got would I be able to turn torsion bars down some and keep height I'm in a 92 k1500

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Yes. That should help.

[@gerardoalonso4417]

Hey Jo, I have a question: I have a Chevy Silverado 2002 and I when I buy my truck it was up top with the torsion bars but when I was driving the truck was very hard to handle, I take it to fix it and the guy of the shop tell me that the arms was tense so the suspension wasn’t work it. He lowered the front and the problem was out the truck works well but I preferred the way that it looks before, what do you recommend to do with my truck? Remove the body lift and put the torsion bars keys?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Gerardo Alonso Hmm.. The torsion bar keys will only help so much. Not sure how high it was before. The keys will make a difference though.

[@gerardoalonso4417]

Jo Daddy's Garage It was like 3 or 4 inches in front and 3 in the back, it was more lifted in the front and that’s the way that I want my truck but as I told you when I was driving I was like jumping and it was really bad to drive.

[@cjvaughn136]

do you have to make markings anywhere to have things exactly as they were? for example, does the torsion bar have to be twisted a certain way before you put it in the key or anything like that? thanks.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

No markings needed. The bars are the same shape all around. I would just make sure I had the front marked.

[@jstreet4354]

Jo any ideas why, I can only crank one up and it bottom out? Not getting the same height out of both, the passenger side looks great but the drivers side bottoms out, there's about an inch and half of difference

[@JoDaddysGarage]

jon street Good question. Unfortunately without being able to see it, I don't know what I can say. I assume you replaced keys? Is the bolt bound in the block itself? Maybe jack up the the driver's side using the frame to take the load off, and attempt to readjust.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

jon street Another thought, is the shock the same on both sides? Maybe the shock is too short?

[@jstreet4354]

Jo Daddy's Garage new reflexes around the truck it's just dumb. I will make a video lol got a new phone I'll put it to work lol

[@nickbuehler3388]

Did you put the entire car on jack stands when removing the keys or did you just jack up the front?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Just the front end.

[@elijahdabomb1]

Does this add problem with clearance on the upper control arm still rides good ??? Thinking about doing this set up

[@JoDaddysGarage]

It was a little rough at first, but I had it adjusted a little too high.

[@elijahdabomb1]

Ok sweet what about alignment were they able to adjust camber and caster when you went and got it done

[@JoDaddysGarage]

It really didn't seem to affect it much. I drove it like it was. But if I did it again, I'd get it aligned.

[@elijahdabomb1]

Thanks man great video

[@kadenkaps7764]

So question. Even with upgraded keys does it still make your ball joints and other components wear out faster?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Can't answer that one.

[@Mr572u]

Does replacing coil springs make the ball joints wear out faster? Come on man...

[@thatguyyouknow1366]

Dude if u ever wanted too you could clear 37s easy on that truck with those type of keys if you max them out...you made a good choice

[@jstreet4354]

How you going to clear 37's with just Keys? don't think thats right man.

[@KaidenO]

You're right Jon Street, its hard enough to clear 33s with keys, Custom Offsets got 35s with just keys and they had to cut a lot of the bumper and do a full NorCal on the body.

[@johnnydoe4179]

Kaiden Ollenberger My 95 clears 33x12's at stock height with custom offset rims and doesn't rub. Gonna lift it and do keys before trying 35's though because I'm not interested in cutting my truck up lol.

[@thatguyyouknow1366]

lol ive done it. 37s fit beautiful on my 04 gmc sierra just had to cut a small corner on the bumper but had to do that b4 i got 37s

[@AppSkii]

My 35s rub on a tahoe with a 7" lift so i know 37s wouldn't fit that

[@garysaintz3676]

Every video I watch nobody shows how you get the torsion bar into the key. I've been beating for hours and have the porta-power pushing from the front

[@JoDaddysGarage]

It should slip right in. It is not a tolerance fit.

[@timmauhar8702]

Could you post a link to your kit for me please? Do you think it will work in my situation I have a 05 silverado crew cab z71 it has 285 70 17s on it. Rides like a tank I bought it this way no rubbing or anything on it. But you think if I relocated my torsion bar key I can keep same height but with a smoother ride?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Tim Mauhar www.summitracing.com/parts/prl-64-1000g Is the kit I used. There are other kits available. If your torsion bars are the problem, these keys will get it back up in the air. If it's riding on the bump stops, I'd say the torsion bars are bad. Have you tried adjusting them?

[@timmauhar8702]

Yeah man it was on the droop stops I got it taken care of it was to tight

[@sbond1963]

Taken care of how? What was the fix?

[@tunercars3]

okay i have a question my truck is keyed and body lifted it does need shocks but because of the keys it rides like a pogo stick its extremely stiff and bouncy if that makes sense little bumps feel like huge potholes i want to have it level but with stock keys i want the crap ride go im sick of it

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Sounds like it's adjusted too high.

[@tunercars3]

+Jo Daddy's Garage yeah i bought it that way i just looked under it and the bolts are maxxed out what size socket is the bolt im going to losen them how many turns can i do to keep it level but get rid of the ridiculously pogo stick ride

[@JoDaddysGarage]

I don't recall the socket size. You will need to experiment with turns. Maybe do one or two full turns, and take it for a ride.

[@tunercars3]

+Jo Daddy's Garage i seen someone say 18mm somewhere i don't know what keys are in it could be stock or something else i just want it to ride good i have broke a ball joint in half because its so stiff

[@tunercars3]

+tunercars3 thanks for replying i appreciate the advice

[@jstreet4354]

Hey Joe! I talked with you on the Spider gears you did, I love this Video, I ve been trying to find it since the first time I saw it, I'm doing the spiders this weekend and I'm having the same rough ride in my short bed 4x4 I'm going with the same now, just the keys and upgrading the shocks to see if that will help. I was going to do the torsion mounts but the need to be De-rivited GRRRRRR! I'm going to see how mine turns out, like you No crazy lift just a set of 33's and daily driving. what area do you live in? if you don't mind looks like back home in North FL lower ALB/...NEways Thankx for all the good Vids !!!

[@JoDaddysGarage]

jon street Let me know how the gear replacement goes. I live South of Atlanta.

[@jstreet4354]

I did the spiders, but did not fix the bouncing when going do the road, I threw my back out at work, I'm so over it, I'm getting the keys FRI and the Add a Leafs too hope it will fix this, I've seen alot of ppl talking about it on these chevy's but no fix. grrrrrrrrrrrr

[@blakestewart33]

how do you know at what position to install the key?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

The instructions show you, and it will really only fit one way correctly.

[@jamesbazen6991]

If the bolts look rusty do not try this. I so wish I had not

[@salgonzalez908]

When adjusting bolt do you have to still use jaw puller ? Or can you just crank on the bolt ?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

For height? Just turn the bolt.

[@salgonzalez908]

Jo Daddy's Garage thanks for fast reply, so what exactly are the steps to remove keys? You use puller to push up on key? Then remove bolt ? That part I get confused on what's actually happening.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Yes. The piece that the adjustment bolt goes into will block the key from rotating down. The puller pushes up on the key so the block can be removed.

[@salgonzalez908]

Jo Daddy's Garage thanks for the fast responses, I purchased a key and block kit for my 03 Ford, I originally have two broncos on 6inch but I can't use them for long distance highway driving, feels not safe lol, so I figured I don't do anymore monster lifts and this is my work truck anyway so any lift will be better then stock.

[@ozzyrios.560]

You dknt need to lift up the truck?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Did you watch the whole video?

[@ozzyrios.560]

Was at the doctor when I watched so I did t have the volume, it’s not hard to say yes or no either

[@postal3212]

Did you have to do an alinement afterwards?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

James M I didn't, but I should have....

[@cowboyzr2]

Great video!! Holy cow did you say you paid $200 for torsion keys??

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Thanks. I don't remember, but that may be right.

[@andrewruiz1455]

What about the shock extension

[@JoDaddysGarage]

You can add one. I ended up backing off the torsion bar a little, and it worked fine.

[@Mr572u]

I would have bottomed that bolt out before I changed the keys. You had over an inch of threads.

[@MrOutdoorsmen1]

Were your keys already cranked before you got new ones?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Yes. One side was almost bottomed out, and the other was close.

[@matthewwadsworth1031]

where exactly did you get the shocks I have ordered the keys but I dont want to order the wrong shocks or will the original GM shocks be fine with it being that high?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Sorry, I didn't mention that in the video. They are actually stock style shocks from the parts store. The key kit comes with little extenders for the top post on the shock. I actually adjusted the bars down a little, and didn't use the spacers.

[@king21w48]

you kept the stock shock absorbers right? i have the same problem with my 04 suburban

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Garrett Owens I replaced the shocks with stock style replacements. There was a little bushing that could be added to extend the top mount plates/rubber bushings.

[@king21w48]

Oh ok cool, that's good to hear, if anything I was going yo get a longer shock to replace it. Thanks

[@ELKOBRA03]

+Jo Daddy's Garage was wondering if you can help..i have a truck exactly like yours..i turned the keys and it looks like it needs a inch or 2 to level..would me buying these keys raise it higher than..my keys turned up now?.. i would like to fit some 34s

[@JoDaddysGarage]

fastest eaton lightning in socal Sounds like your torsion bars are weak. These keys will get your truck to level, but I can't say what size tire you can fit...

[@ricktaylor3748]

+Jo Daddy's Garage I'm thinking about replacing the lift keys on my 2004 Avalanche, it looks like it's in a nose dive. I want to level the front without loosing the smooth ride. Do you suggest installing shock extensions? I plan on having the front end alined after I replace the keys.

[@imserious2187]

how do u know if the torsion bars are bad, any noises??

[@JoDaddysGarage]

They won't make noise, but the adjusters will be maxed out, and the truck will sit low.

[@chrispickens2777]

Did u still have to crank torsion bars out a lot or ?

[@Buckswoodshop]

that helped a lot.

[@kcroc44]

Can I remove the torsion keys while still on the ground.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

I don't think so. It may be possible, but it would be better to get it in the air.

[@earlbroussardjr]

I have a 2005 Silverado

[@GlynRobinson]

where did you get your shocks? front and rear shocks??

[@JoDaddysGarage]

They're from Advance Auto parts.

[@parkerkennard8487]

Couldn't you just adjust the bolts in with the original keys?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Nope. The bolts can only go so far, and the key will only rotate so far. That's why the new keys have a different index, so that the start point is different from the originals.

[@Mr572u]

You had over an inch of threads before the bolt bottomed out. That would have corrected the problem. Did you even try?

[@byronkirpach5474]

what size tires are on it in this video

[@JoDaddysGarage]

I don't recall. I think they were slightly bigger than stock. Not much though.

[@Wireman134]

Dude, front ride is stock touching on the bump stops

[@JoDaddysGarage]

That's all good until the torsion bars give up, and it has no suspension at all.

[@Wireman134]

Ok stock isn't good enough. Just say that. GM design is for a soft ride. You are not correcting anything, Just lifting the front for looks or ground clearance. CV joint and tire wear are accelerated.

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Thanks for stopping by.

[@sbond1963]

I just replaced the bump stops, how I found the sagging problem. You can tell when the height is just right, the bump stop is not bent when the truck is sitting level. Like you said, resting, touching, but not bent. Touching makes a huge difference absorbing road noise, especially after installing energy suspension swaybar bushings.

[@dhepp2008]

where did you get the longer bolts??

[@JoDaddysGarage]

They came in the kit.

[@sethglenn9022]

!!!!!!!!ATTENTION EVERYONE!!!!!!!! USE A BALL JOINT PRESS. IT DOES IT EXACTLY THE WAY THAT "RIGHT NOW" WORKS

[@JoDaddysGarage]

That may work as well. I haven't tried that. I was using the tools I had on hand.

[@sethglenn9022]

Jo Daddy's Garage i was following the instructions from the set and the puller was just bending the frame when i had the new keys in it. so i used a ball joint press and it went from a 2 hour ordeal to a 5 minute job done.

[@pdiddly366]

Much better

[@bigdog6953]

What size tires? 265s ?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

I believe so.

[@timesup6386]

they are 245/75R16

[@TheMightybasstone]

These trucks did not come level.... front end is lower than back by about 2 inches

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Correct. However, the torsion bars wear out, and the easy fix is to re-key them.

[@MW2fanMRbusby]

Clean clean truck for 256000!

[@JoDaddysGarage]

MW2fanMRbusby Thanks. Everything in the South tends to stay this way. Lots of trucks with tons of miles on them....

[@MW2fanMRbusby]

Lol, Trust me, i know im from Kentucky! Mines got like 240000. Ive got a festiva, wityh over 300000, and a Isuzu! with 280000! lol

[@user-be9ii9ut4t]

Ur stock parts would have worked fine

[@ThePoolboy789]

the front end is lower than the back on almost any pickup truck

[@Overlandlife_]

Looks like your drive shaft is cracked

[@JoDaddysGarage]

No cracks. All good.

[@earlbroussardjr]

Question, does the two wheel drive Silverado have the teroson bars as well?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

+earlbroussardjr I believe they are the same. Pretty easy to find out. Have a look underneath.

[@ismaelcarrillo3956]

Nope. Coil springs

[@stephengeist9889]

The front is higher then the back now

[@JoDaddysGarage]

It can be adjusted. I did adjust the front down a little.

[@stephengeist9889]

+Jo Daddy's Garage ok

[@blakejohnson4716]

Lift

[@ericg3354]

looks alot bettwr

[@ericg3354]

*better

[@anthonymaniz4077]

Paid 6k for the front torsion bars

[@robertpaul3675]

How do you know when your bars are worn out i been lifting passenger side its maxed out damn near. How do you know if its going to help theres nothing visibly wrong i see besides maxed out bar i changed every other front end parts besides lower control arms did shocks and all my body mounts any advice? Thanks

[@JoDaddysGarage]

No easy answer, they just lose their strength.

[@estpaul3132]

I changed a lower control arm. The torsion adjuster bolt backed out hard even with oil. Tried to turn it back in and it snapped. Do you have to use unloader to turn the bolt back in?

[@JoDaddysGarage]

Shouldn't have to. I did use a jack to lift the truck by the frame to relieve some tension though.

[@estpaul3132]

@@JoDaddysGarage rhats what I did. Looks like ill be bringing the electric cut off wheel home tomorrow and cutting it out and putting a new bolt and nut in. I love rust.