Lets kick the dead horse now.

[04trac]

so ive ordered my shackles, and as soon as they're here i intend on doing the tt and shackle job (looking forward to a solid extra 1.5" or clearance). i just need to get one small fact out of the way

Do i or do I not need the so called torsion keys, and if i do need them, where can they be had? (what the hell do they do anyway?)

and if i dont need them, then i assume it is as straight forward as hitting the torsion bolts with the proper sized socket and setting the height.

thanks guys and gals. as soon as this is done i'll be doing a full write up on the entire process to save from having to answer the questions again.

 

[John_Rock]

Ok, I had to look up the term Torsion Key, because I had never heard of it. But, as usual Wikipedia comes through.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torsion_beam_suspension

Torsion Bar Suspensions are currently used on trucks and SUV's from Ford, GM and Dodge. Manufacturers change the torsion bar or key to adjust the ride height, usually to compensate for heavier or lighter engine packages. While the ride height may be adjusted by turning the adjuster bolts on the stock torsion key, rotating the stock keys too far can bend the adjusting bolt and (more importantly) place the shock piston outside the standard travel. Over-rotating the torsion bars can also cause the suspension to hit the bump stop prematurely, causing a harsh ride. Aftermarket forged torsion key kits use re-clocked adjuster keys to prevent over-rotation, as well as shock brackets that keep the piston travel in the stock position.

 

[John_Rock]

I have know clue if there are aftermarket keys for the Explorers.

The part in Wikipedia about bending the adjusting bolt reminds me of an incident on the 2003 Arizona run. One guy had an adjusting bolt break on him during our Coke Ovens Run.

Knock on wood, I hope that doesn't happen to me. My adjusting bolts have been cranked up all the way since like 2002.

 

[chad551]

You dont need anything just tighten the bolts and call it a day.

 

[manaen]

and if i dont need them, then i assume it is as straight forward as hitting the torsion bolts with the proper sized socket and setting the height.

.

DING DING DING......

That's it, as long as you have enough adjustment all you need to do is jack up your truck give the bolts a few turns in and check your ride height.

2 things to note though...

1) your alignment will be off so get it adjusted
2) before you get your alignment adjusted make sure you have the ride hieght you want, after adjustments are made give it a drive to settle, then measure again


Oh there are some people who run out of bolt on the driver side and need to get longer bolts, but that is the only thing you may need to purchase.

 

[04trac]

thanks guys