what torsion bar keys and shocks?

ATXDMAX · 09-06-2008, 08:14 AM

what are some good torsion bar keys to go with? (just put a ranch hand on) i saw some daystar keys in the off road adventures magazine for the chevy hd trucks but didnt know if they were good or if theres a better brand to go with. also i am wanting to replace my shocks and am wondering what a good brand for this truck would be. thanks JB

rotcartdj · 09-06-2008, 10:40 AM

Most people on the site prefer Bilstein shocks. If you do the torsion keys be sure and get longer shocks to keep them from bottoming out.

**Tow Master** · 09-08-2008, 12:10 AM

Ya Id check out some of the site sponsors for atleast the keys. IMO there all the same so the cheaper the better. For the shocks I d say Bilesteins as well. They seem to be the way to go!

rolltideroll · 09-08-2008, 12:19 AM

I think the cognito kit with the bilsteins is the way to go. I have had the truxx kit with the shock extenders and it left alot to be desired in the ride quality department. The ride you get with doing the cognito control arms with the longer shocks is as good as it gets. I did the control arms keys and it gave me so much lift I had to put 3 inch inch blocks in the rear to bring the back up to match the front, and the bolts that adjust the torsion keys are not even close to being bottomed out, I would say there closer to coming out than bottoming out.

acarrpenter · 09-11-2008, 06:53 PM

I have the truxxx with block in rear and I am pretty happy with them. they come with shock extensions to eliminate bottoming out but longer shocks would definately be better. alot of people talk about cognito but I havent seen anyone around here with cognito stuff. from everyone who seems to know anything says that most shocks are all the same with different stickers unless you get into high dollar stuff

**Nor-Cal Nick** · 09-16-2008, 10:35 AM

Keys are all pretty standard, they just allow you to twist the torsion bar more. Yes if you over twist and raise the front end up to much you will run into a bad ride because the front end is topping out to fast. The proper length Bilsteins will help alot because they offer a better valving curve to slow the topping out problem. Yes if you want to go to the next step then the Cognito UCA leveling package is the way to go.

The major key part in the diverse comments in what people experience is do to some guys still have travel left and other don't. A simple 1/2" in truck height can change the out come. You want to at least maintain 1/2"-3/4" between the factory UCA and frame stop to maintain a OK ride, the more travel room the better the ride. Consider that factory you have about 2.5-3.5" of space between this spot, that's alot of travel lost.

Also I will add that most truck 06-up don't need "keys" to gain height. 06-up truck tend to have plenty of adjustment to put yourself in the red zone of bad ride.

Hope this info helps.

Nor-Cal Nick

**n0useforaname** · 09-16-2008, 10:42 AM

I have a Ready Lift system.....I have no complaints, and still have stock ride quality. Way I look at it is, when you have a 2500HD....you get sub-par ride quality...because the truck is made to work and tow.

lovedmax · 09-16-2008, 10:44 AM

I got mine through Rough Country for a 129.99 this comes with longer shock mounts. i have a ranch hand on my truck also. Make sure that your ball joints and bushins are good before you get it aligned so u don't have to do it twice. And yes u will need longer shocks. dont' know how long. i have not done this yet and when i hit a bump i can hear them bottoming out.

whitehd · 09-20-2008, 11:51 PM

I had a rancho leveling kit on my gas burner i had before my dmax and liked it it was 200 bucks for the complete kit (shocks blocks and keys)

whitehd · 09-20-2008, 11:53 PM

Rough country sorry brain fart