Something I recently learned....

**niceguyeddie** · 10-25-2012, 01:32 PM

To fit 37" tires on my truck, I had to add torsion keys to my CST lift. I ordered a set of "lift keys" online and they were for a 1500 so I sent them back and received a full refund. So then I head over to Outlaw Off Road in Santa Ana and buy the correct set for a 2500. I get home open them up and they have GM part numbers all over them. I'm thinking what the hell? Did I just buy stock 2500 keys?

Well.... I Google the part numbers that lead me to a few threads on various truck forums. Turns out that the 1500 keys are all you need to "level" or lift a 2500. They are just angled differently. The way to tell them apart is 2500 are painted purple and 1500 are green.

So for all the guys spending money on these expensive aftermarket keys that I here break because they are not made with the best materials, get yourself some stock 1500 keys next time!

**jordy** · 10-25-2012, 01:38 PM

There was an argument long ago on the OG Hot Boat about changing out the keys versus running up the torsion bars and how changing the keys didn't affect the ride like adjusting the bars did... It was a dumb conversation and the person failed to understand that changing the keys essentially is the same thing as running up the bars because of the different indexing of the holes... the truck won't get taller without giving some extra twist to the bars...

There are lots of offroad places selling the keys for a few hundred bucks when you can got to the dealer and get them for 1/3 of the price or less. I have even seen some that they ground the GM number off of and resold them. Gotta love it!!!

**niceguyeddie** · 10-25-2012, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by jordy

There was an argument long ago on the OG Hot Boat about changing out the keys versus running up the torsion bars and how changing the keys didn't affect the ride like adjusting the bars did... It was a dumb conversation and the person failed to understand that changing the keys essentially is the same thing as running up the bars because of the different indexing of the holes... the truck won't get taller without giving some extra twist to the bars...

There are lots of offroad places selling the keys for a few hundred bucks when you can got to the dealer and get them for 1/3 of the price or less. I have even seen some that they ground the GM number off of and resold them. Gotta love it!!!

LOL

Yea ...so then I find out that my buddy had a stock 1500 set lying around so I didn't even need theses ones either! Gotta go get my money back. I paid $120 for stock Chevy 1500 keys at a lift shop that I could have bought for about half price from the dealer. Well... Next time I know! lol

**Joker** · 10-25-2012, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by niceguyeddie

LOL

Yea ...so then I find out that my buddy had a stock 1500 set lying around so I didn't even need theses ones either! Gotta go get my money back. I paid $120 for stock Chevy 1500 keys at a lift shop that I could have bought for about half price from the dealer. Well... Next time I know! lol

With your money, I wouldn't worry about it.:chuncky:

**niceguyeddie** · 10-25-2012, 02:29 PM

Originally Posted by Joker

With your money, I wouldn't worry about it.:chuncky:

I own a jet boat, that knocks me down quite a bit though!

**Stainless** · 10-25-2012, 02:45 PM

NGE, I want to put 285's on a '09 2500 4wd. They are 33", I am told the front will rub when turning. Any recommendation as to leveling or lift kit? What brand? Anyone else with knowledge chime in please.

**jordy** · 10-25-2012, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by drhoback

NGE, I want to put 285's on a '09 2500 4wd. They are 33", I am told the front will rub when turning. Any recommendation as to leveling or lift kit? What brand? Anyone else with knowledge chime in please.

When I first got my truck I went with 285's on 16x10's and they rubbed in corners and driveways. I ran the stock torsions all the way up and it was close, but I swapped the keys out and got that extra bit of clearance. Ran it that way for 80K and then went with a 6" lift and 35's. You can get the keys at the dealer, or even online (or from NGE's buddy apparently) and it's really not a tough job to do if you're mechanically inclined.

Attachment 500

**niceguyeddie** · 10-25-2012, 03:15 PM

I have a set of brand new set of GM keys (the one's you'll need) if you are interested. If not, I'll return them.

Kinda different application but years ago I stuffed 33" BFGs on my 1500HD. They rubbed on the washer fluid tank and on the fender liner. I cranked the piss out of the bars and it worked better. Shortly after I ended up putting 4" spindles on it and blocked the rear 2".

My 07.5 rubbed with 35s with a 6" lift. Just on the fender liner though.. A little trimming solved that issue.

I'd def go with the GM Keys. The aftermarket keys look like crap compared to the stock ones and I've read countless threads about the aftermarket keys failing. When you buy a CST or Cognito lift, they come with GM 1500 keys.

**Stainless** · 10-25-2012, 03:36 PM

So, just the keys by themselves? Explain what you mean by stock GM keys, is that not what I have, or do the 1500 keys work better on the 2500. If what you have is a good way to go, I will buy yours.

**niceguyeddie** · 10-25-2012, 03:42 PM

Yes sir. The index of the key is different. Putting the 1500 keys on a 2500 will give you the clearance you need. I'm not sure, but you might need longer front shocks or those extension tabs that come with aftermarket sets. Personally, I'd run a larger shock over using a tab.

I paid $120 plus tax for them. However I have a restocking fee of 25%. If you match that ($93.75) plus shipping (med flat rate box..about $10) they are yours. If not I'll just take them back.