1st Gen Dakota Tech 1987 - 1996 Dodge Dakota Tech - The ultimate forum for technical help on the 1st Gen Dakota.

torsion keys????

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 12, 2011 | 01:44 PM
  #1  
dakotalover42's Avatar
dakotalover42
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Default torsion keys????

can some plz tell me how to put new torsion keys in my new set didnt come with directions so far all i know i think is to jack the truck up pull the bolts out the turn the torsion bars ???anything else
 
Reply
Old Jul 12, 2011 | 02:02 PM
  #2  
HammerZ71's Avatar
HammerZ71
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 24,686
Likes: 21
From: South Georgia/East Florida
Default

You'll need a socket set and a torsion key unloading tool (auto parts stores have them for rent usually free or for a small fee). I think it's an 18mm socket if I remember right but that's a Ram, may or may not be the same on a Dak.

Jack up the truck, you should see a hole in the frame above the torsion key, which is where you want to put the top of the unloading tool. You tighten the tool to take pressure off of the bolt and take it and the retainer out, then when you loosen the tool, you'll see all the tension release off the torsion bar.
Slide the torsion bar back away from the key, you may need to pop it free with a hammer and a punch if it's stubborn, but usually not. Once the torsion bar is out of the way, the key should fall right out.

Install the new key, put the tool back on and tighten until you have enough room to put the retainer back in. Put the bolt back in about half way and go do the other side.

Lower the truck and measure the height on both sides (you may even want to drive it around the block for everything to settle if it looks fairly close). Now you can raise the truck back up and fine tune the bolts until both sides are even and where you want...
 
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:38 PM.