Crank more or Keys?

**Kdogg05** · 03-18-2009, 02:13 PM

So I have on 05 Silverado 1500 z-71. I'm trying to stuff some 285/70 R17's under it and want to know if I should buy keys or just crank the bars till the bolts bottom out. Right now Theres about 8.5 mm of thread showing on them. Thanks for the help in advance.

**yotchie** · 03-18-2009, 02:21 PM

personally id just go with buying the keys. fast fixes often seem ok but end up being more expensive somehow in the long run.

**TrailLeadr** · 03-18-2009, 02:49 PM

Part of the problem with cranking is besides having a rough ride, it roasts the daylights out of your tires, if you don't follow through with a proper alignment.

Keys really are your best bet.

**mjalstad** · 03-18-2009, 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by TrailLeadr

it roasts the daylights out of your tires, if you don't follow through with a proper alignment.

So if you crank your stock keys up and get an alignment it will wear your tires more than if you replace the keys and get an alignment?

**ChevyFarmKid** · 03-18-2009, 08:30 PM

you shouldn't have to do nothing to fit 285's on your truck. they will fit with no rubbing as long as you have stock rims, if you have aftermarket rims, cranking the torsion bars won't fix the rubbing, you will need key's.

**TrailLeadr** · 03-18-2009, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by mjalstad

So if you crank your stock keys up and get an alignment it will wear your tires more than if you replace the keys and get an alignment?

No. Sorry, maybe I shouldn't have said it the way I did. Some people have the notion that cranking the keys will simply stiffen the ride, raise the front end and nothing more. But it throws the geometry off the front end off, so "DO" get an alignment if you do it.
With new lift keys you shouldn't need to crank them, but you'd still need an alignment.

**dwill3015** · 03-18-2009, 08:45 PM

Agreed with keys, AND with any changes an alignment to follow is a must!

**Z71_guy** · 03-18-2009, 10:32 PM

get the new keys and make sure to get it aligned

**johnny_ringo** · 03-18-2009, 11:36 PM

forgive my ignorance, but i'm still figuring out this forum stuff and couldn't get a new thread going. i have a similar question about my truck (2004 silverado 1500/4wd). how do i tell if my truck (bought used) has aftermarket keys or if it's just been cranked on?

**tlperry68** · 03-18-2009, 11:40 PM

I tried what the torsion bar adjustment was like and it sucked. I had the ProComp level lift kit installed at it was great. They put on shock extenders and all.