First, I wanna let you guys know that y'all make it terrifying for a newb to start a thread...but I know why and understand completely. Second, I wanna let you all know that I've been searching for several days and have not found what I'm looking for, so here goes...

1. Is any one brand of leveling kit better than the next. Why do you feel this way?

2. I've seen most say 2" for our trucks, but some say 2 1/2". Are the 2 1/2" guys blowing smoke or can you really get 1/2" more from a different brand? Aren't they all pretty much the same thing?

3. I've seen one that advertised forged steel. I'm assuming most are laser cut. Is there any reason to pay the extra for forged? I'm not gonna be jumping my truck or anything like that...just normal off-roading.

4. I called my local off-road shop & auto parts store, and they said they had some in stock...for $250!!! Why so high when I can get them all over the internet for $100-$130? Am I missing something? Aren't they sold in pairs?

I've got 35" tires under my truck, with the OEM keys cranked up a bit, and the only rubbing issue I have is at full lock, against the sway bar. I wanna put leveling keys on it because I think it's a better way to get the front up, rather than cranking the OEM keys up all the way. Thanks for your help.

 

I have 2 3" keys sitting in my basement, want them?

 

Seriously? I haven't seen anyone that says they make 3" keys though. Will they make the front rider higher than the back? Isn't 3" a bit much? If they'll level the truck and the price is right, yeah, I want 'em.

 

1) Keys are keys, as long as you stay with a name brand you recognize you should be fine.

2) Some keys are 2", some 2.5" and some 3", yet some are adjustable from like 1.5" to 3". However, keep in mind that they pretty much do the same thing as simply cranking the bolts, although some keys give you a bit more lift. The process still puts tension on the torsion bars to lift the front end, so be prepared for a little stiffer ride.
I firmly believe up to about 1.5" of lift, there is NO advantage to buying keys over cranking the bolts.

3) Forged is good, but I've only heard of a key failing once in the 20+ years I've been around lifted and leveled trucks.

4) Because they are wanting to make 100% markup, no reason they should be that high. Tuff Country, Superlift & Skyjacker all make a good set of keys for around $100 for the pair.


2 1/4" of lift makes a torsion front end Dodge 1500 4x4 sit about perfectly level. I'd say go for a 2" set unless you plan on weight on the front end like a winch, bull bar or brush guards, then I'd go for 2 1/2" keys...

 

Thanks Hammer. One other question...if I were to buy a set of 2.5" keys, for future weight compensation, do I have to go with 2.5" of lift right off the bat? In other words, do 2.5" keys produce a minimum of 2.5" or is there a little adjustability below their rated lift (are 2.5" keys actually made for up to 2.5")? I'm gonna add a winch and a bull bar eventually, but in the meantime, I don't want to ride high in front.

 

What are you talking about when you say "tightening the bolts"? What bolts are these? I need to level my truck as well and don't plan on going with any addons as far as weight goes.

 

Tightening the adjustment bolts on the torsion bar adjusting keys. Tightening them preloads the torsion bars and consequently raises the front of the truck. The bolts are at the rear of the torsion bars.

 

I went with the Truxx kit. They say you can get 3" of lift with their keys, they're forged, and they come with shock relocator brackets (I didn't see anyone else that provided shock brackets). They were a bit more than I wanted to pay but from what I read, they seem worth the extra $$...paid $200 shipped.