Suspension Tech General discussion of suspension for the Ford Ranger.

Torsion Keys

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Old Jun 27, 2011
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Bballplayer545's Avatar
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Torsion Keys

Hey guys i was hoping you guys can help me out. I have an 03 ranger 4x4 and my girlfriend just got me a lift for my birthday. 2 inch torsion keys and shackles. i have been reading online and saw that the torsion keys are bad to put into the truck cause of the problems that will happen. i was just wondering should i put them in or not because i want to lift my truck but i dont know how to do it in the front please help guys. thanks
 
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Old Jun 27, 2011
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04blackedge's Avatar
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I would return them and get a body lift personally.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2011
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yea maybe... i just gotta know if i touch the torsion bars what kind of problems will i run into and idk if i like the body lifts
 
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Old Jun 27, 2011
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the thing with torsion keys is that it isnt really a lift. It is a ride height adjustment. The higher you go the less travel and more stress on balljoints and CVs and a much stiffer ride. With that being said you can crank the torsion bars like and 1" or 1-1/2" with out any problems (no need for new keys). Practically everybody has done it on here to level the their truck, just remember it isnt a true lift. A body lift has its place though. There are alot of guys that put them through hell wheeling without any problems.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2011
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I agree. Take them back and get the money. You'll need it to replace your CV joints, if you go over 2" and even then you'll need to get a realignment. It puts unnecessary strain and wear on the whole front end. I just bought an Explorer for parts for a project I'm working on with my grandson (check it out, pics included: https://www.ranger-forums.com/general-ford-ranger-discussion-15/explorer-ranger-frame-swap-112459/). The previous owner did a torsion bar twist and just about all the movable parts in the front end had to be replaced. What a mess. Go with the body lift. Then, there's always a solid axle swap.....
 
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Old Jun 27, 2011
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FULLSCALE's Avatar
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Originally Posted by 04blackedge
I would return them and get a body lift personally.
I'd do the same!
 
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Old Jun 27, 2011
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I don't plan on going higher than 2 inch at all. I just plan on staying at or under 2 so I could just crank them and go for 1 to 1.5 and then put the new shackles in the rear and I should be fine correct please let me know thanks
 

Last edited by Bballplayer545; Jun 27, 2011 at 12:40 PM.
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Old Jun 27, 2011
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You'll be sorrrrry!!! I can show you a picture of the angle of the axles once you do it, if you like. Don't forget - You will need an alignment and the alignment guy will probably tell you he won't guarantee it.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2011
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Well I didnt buy it I got it for a birthday gift so I need to find a body lift for around $80 let me know if I can get one for around that price. Thanks and picture would be nice
 
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Old Jun 27, 2011
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Dont use the lift keys. Just crank your bars. And only $80.. yikes i wouldnt even think about putting those keys in. Why would you use something with less quality than stock? If all you want is an inch or so just crank your bars.
 
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Old Jun 27, 2011
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Ok. Here's a picture. Notice how the axle and tie rod are bent down at an extreme angle. Also, the shock absorber is at its full extension, so there is no more room for it to go down.
 
Attached Thumbnails Torsion Keys-torsion-lift.jpg  
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Old Jun 27, 2011
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a body lift will only be about 100 more and pretty easy to install. ditch the keys, crank your bars.

A friend of mine thats SAS'ing his truck this summer might be taking his BL out, idk how much he'll want for it though.

We're from MA so you could just pick it up
 

Last edited by 99offroadrngr; Jun 27, 2011 at 09:38 PM.
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