Why is it necessary to change torsion bar key on 2008+ rangers?

[cmattina]

just curious? why is it not just a matter of adjusting the bolt like it is in the earlier ones? Is the bolt already at it's max setting?

 

[Uncle Gump]

The keys are different... They're indexed to lower the ride height.

I've never owned one so not sure... but I'm thinking you can't tighten the adjusting bolts far enough to get the same ride height. Try turning them up and see if you can get satisfactory results...

 

[Craig0320]

How to crank the torsion bars on a ford Ranger for more lift

therangerstation.com

2008-2011 Ford Ranger 'Pre-Key' Modification

therangerstation.com

Read these.

 

[cmattina]

How to crank the torsion bars on a ford Ranger for more lift

therangerstation.com

2008-2011 Ford Ranger 'Pre-Key' Modification

therangerstation.com

Read these.

Yeah i read them and it doesn't seem to explain why. Both keys are "adjusters" so one would presume they can both be adjusted.

 

[Craig0320]

just curious? why is it not just a matter of adjusting the bolt like it is in the earlier ones? Is the bolt already at it's max setting?

What makes you think it's not just a matter of adjusting the bolt? From what I have seen everything is identical in the newer models visually. As far as being indexed I'm not sure about that either. The aftermarket torsion keys state they will work in 98-12 4wd rangers. Being indexed would be the only reason to not gain any real height like the older models did. Get under your truck and see what you have. If there is 1- 1 1/4 inches of bolt sticking out then you have enough to raise it up 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 inches.

 

[fastpakr]

As Uncle Gump said, the newer keys are just indexed to naturally rest at a lower ride height. They can certainly be adjusted, but you'd max them out at a lower height than you would with the older keys. If that's high enough, then great. Otherwise, you'll need to swap in the older keys.

 

[cmattina]

Just to confirm what some have said here:

The new rangers can be adjusted via the Tbar Key/bolt. I got about 1.5-2" by maxing mine out. The reason I asked initially is because the articles about the pre-key modification makes it look like it can't be done at all on newer rangers. 2" is enough for me, that's for sure... if only that's what she said

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Use metric....its sounds bigger...lol

 

[09fx4guy]

The keys for the later ranger will max out at a certain ride height. The older keys will reach that same height, and still have some more room to go higher. When you max out a set of keys, the ride will become harsher. When I upgraded and did not have the keys maxed out, the ride was noticeably better. The factory early keys are not that expensive, its a worthwhile upgrade.

Aftermarket keys are indexed higher than the early factory keys, and can give you more lift, but will max out the downtravel of the suspension (NOT GOOD for ball joints and driveshaft)