How To: Shock/ TB Key Install

[cmatt]

I chose to level my 1/2 ton NBS 4x4 with Ford Keys and Bilstein shocks. I had to have it driveable during the week, able to tow properly and go to the camp with ease.

First, I'll cover installing the torsion bar keys.

You'll need a set of Ford keys

Then locate the cross member where the stock keys are located

Always observe caution labels

Mount the torsion bar unloading tool like so. Then use it to take the pressure of the bolt so it can be removed along with the mount it sits in.

Once that's done, you may have to strike the key to break it loose from the torsion bar. Then, slide the torsion bar forward to allow the key to fall out.

Here's some comparison pics of the two keys and how they sit in the cross member.

At this point, you'll have to do the fine tuning to get it to the height/ride quality you want. Be sure to try and keep the number of turns on the adjuster bolts the same. Then measure your fender height. Measure from the bottom of the wheel to the fender lip.

Here's what my unloading tool looked like when I finished. At one point, I thought I had stripped the threads.

I'll cover the shocks in my next post.

 

[cmatt]

For the shocks, I elected to go with Bilstein 5100's. C153 for the front and D147 for the rear.

And yes, I am aware of the application that is printed on the box for the rears. Evidently, Bilstein used the shock for 1500 and 2500 applications.

Here's what you start with in stock form.

I began by loosening the lower nut (21mm).

And then removing the upper nut (15mm). You may have to take a crescent wrench and hold the top of the threaded rod to keep it from spinning as you remove the nut.

Once removed, you can compare the two.

I did notice the bushings didn't seem to be in too good a shape.

When installing the new hardware/bushings, mount them like so.

The parts in my hand go on top of the shock mount on the frame.

Stand back and admire.

Oh, and look what I found. Looks like some new Goodridge lines are in store.

The rear shocks are similar. Just two 21mm nuts/bolts each. Obviously, you need to support the frame and take some pressure off the shocks with a jack mounted under the rear diff.

 

[Ginger]

Just a note,

i think its easier to pull the adjuster bolt out first before putting the TB tool or c clamp on. then you dont have as much pressure on the tool due to less preload.

 

[Dakota]

Also if your local auto parts store doesn't have a torsion bar tool (none of the stores in town here have them) you can rent a balljoint press tool, works just as good and is still safe to use..some people use c clamps but that isn't very wise at all

 

[Tylers88]

I just did keys/blocks/shocks and came across a northern state problem, my keys were rusted on to much to just beat the hell out of them with a BFH. I used a propane plumers torch to heat the key, I heated a little and I would touch various spots on the bar to make sure I wasnt heating the bar to much.

 

[Ginger]

i used an air hammer on my friends to get his out,