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Do I Need Any Special Tools To Install A Leveling Kit?

Old Sep 10, 2008 | 09:16 AM
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Default Do I Need Any Special Tools To Install A Leveling Kit?

i just purchased a leveling kit for my 03 4x4 and in the instructions say i need a special "torsion key loader and unloader tool"

can i install it with out this tool? is it going to be a ***** if i don't have it?
 
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Old Sep 10, 2008 | 09:18 AM
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You can do it with a modified C-clamp or you can buy the torsion key tool. I think you can also just rent the tool from Oriellys. But they shouldnt be that expensive if you pick one up from Bobby on here.. Hes the Tool man.

And yes, it can be a HUGE pain do tackle the torsion bars without a way to load them up, so you can loosen the bolt.
 

Last edited by Oilfield_Mafia; Sep 10, 2008 at 09:22 AM.
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Old Sep 10, 2008 | 09:23 AM
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This is the tool that you need for the torsion bars.


Hope this helps bud.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2008 | 09:31 AM
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You dont need a leveling kit for a DMAX. All thats required is cranking the T-bar's about 6-8 rounds. The leveling kit is a waste of money and doesnt do anything different than cranking the bars does.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2008 | 09:32 AM
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that might of been helpful before he bought it o well not my money
 
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Old Sep 10, 2008 | 09:35 AM
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Originally Posted by DangerousDuramax
You dont need a leveling kit for a DMAX. All thats required is cranking the T-bar's about 6-8 rounds. The leveling kit is a waste of money and doesnt do anything different than cranking the bars does.
doesn't that affect ride quality?

and the kit also comes with shock mount extensions
 
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Old Sep 10, 2008 | 09:42 AM
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Of course it does but very slightly. It actually made my trucks feel like a "truck". I cut two pieces of 3/8" plate steel and drilled holes in them and mounted them below the lower shock mount. Took measurements and my Rancho 9000's are at the same position after cranking the front end as they were when at the stock position. You can also add washers to the top of the shock before installing into the tower. Also, some are going to tell you that you have to get realigned after doing that and its just not true. As long as you dont go over 2" you alignment is still within specs. I've done this to 3 of my trucks and never had a problem with alignment or tire wear.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2008 | 11:21 AM
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any time u crank up the bolts higher it makes the ride a little stiffer. i had mine cranked all the way up and i just stripped down my driver side bolt all the way to the tip, so now my truck sits all the way dropped and rubs like a

But yeah if you can fit 265's with the cv's pretty level on stock rims thats about a 31 inch tire, with 285's u have to crank them alot more and they still might rub and the ride is little rougher and the front end really dont have end flex to it.

what size are you running right now, u planning on going bigger?
 
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Old Sep 10, 2008 | 11:32 AM
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Danno, you're not supposed to adjust the bolts while the front end is on the ground.

My truck sits perfectly level with only 7 rounds in the bolts and my tires are 32.4" tall. Yep, I tied back the liners. I've got Rancho 9000's with the in-cab controller so I can pump my front shocks all the way up and the rears all the way down to get a nice ride.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2008 | 11:32 AM
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i m running the stock tires and i do want to go bigger like a 31 or a 33".
but that probly won't be untill mid winter or spring.
 
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