XLDenali06's Build Thread

[XLDenali06]

I was excited to get my lift keys put on today. Unfortunately the torsion bar clamp had different ideas. Got the factory key off just fine. Got the new one in. Almost all the way up to where it needed to be. And the threaded bolt on the clamp started to bend. I don't even think I'm going to be able to get the damn thing off there without cutting it off. Idk. Either way, I've got to get another clamp just to get this one off. Feeling pretty defeated at the moment :-(

 

[Tonyrodz]

I was excited to get my lift keys put on today. Unfortunately the torsion bar clamp had different ideas. Got the factory key off just fine. Got the new one in. Almost all the way up to where it needed to be. And the threaded bolt on the clamp started to bend. I don't even think I'm going to be able to get the damn thing off there without cutting it off. Idk. Either way, I've got to get another clamp just to get this one off. Feeling pretty defeated at the moment :-(

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You still might be able to back it out. It'll take some work, but i think it's doable. Where'd you buy that pos from? Locally?

 

[XLDenali06]

You still might be able to back it out. It'll take some work, but i think it's doable. Where'd you buy that pos from? Locally?

It was an Amazon cheapie. Had a LOT of good reviews, but I honestly don't see how considering. I should have heeded the negative reviews. Some had the c part of the clamp bend. Some bad the bolt bend. I figured those reviews were idiots who tried using it with the vehicle on her ground. Sigh...live and learn.

Truth be told, I'm worn the F out from trying to get the lift key in there. I'm so dang out of shape. Lol.

Any suggestions on a good clamp to use? Doesn't look like there's too many good options locally, so the truck is just out of commission for a few days. Might as well get something quality shipped to me.

 

[Tonyrodz]

It was an Amazon cheapie. Had a LOT of good reviews, but I honestly don't see how considering. I should have heeded the negative reviews. Some had the c part of the clamp bend. Some bad the bolt bend. I figured those reviews were idiots who tried using it with the vehicle on her ground. Sigh...live and learn.

Truth be told, I'm worn the F out from trying to get the lift key in there. I'm so dang out of shape. Lol.

Any suggestions on a good clamp to use? Doesn't look like there's too many good options locally, so the truck is just out of commission for a few days. Might as well get something quality shipped to me.

Does your local auto parts stores lend/rent tools out? If so, maybe look into that. No friends whk might have one?

 

[XLDenali06]

Does your local auto parts stores lend/rent tools out? If so, maybe look into that. No friends whk might have one?

I'll try the local auto parts stores. Most of our friends are the types that would pay to have anything done. Don't really know anybody else who works on their own vehicles, not even for basic maintenance. The neighbors probably look at us like we're from a different planet when we're out there working on it. Lol.

 

[Tonyrodz]

I'll try the local auto parts stores. Most of our friends are the types that would pay to have anything done. Don't really know anybody else who works on their own vehicles, not even for basic maintenance. The neighbors probably look at us like we're from a different planet when we're out there working on it. Lol.

Good luck and keep us updated.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Go, Mama, go! You got this.

 

[XLDenali06]

Go, Mama, go! You got this.

Haha, thank you! We got the crappy torsion bar tool backed out finally (thanks to hubby - I just didn't have the strength). After checking AutoZone and Advanced Auto Parts, to no avail, we called O'Reilly's and they said they had the tool. Only for us to show up and them say, "oh, we don't have it at this store." Grrrrrrrr!! They called another store that was close to us, they had it, and we headed there and rented it from them. By the time we got back home, daylight was already waning, and not wanting to gave the truck out of commission if we could help it, we just put the original key back in for the time being. So, after all this work and aggravation, we're back to square one. But I guess that's better than square zero, right? Lol. About to head out and get some pizza for a quick and easy family dinner. Back at it tomorrow!

 

[XLDenali06]

Okay, before I even get started today, I need some educating from you fine knowledgeable people. Is what I have here a bump stop or a jounce bumper? Is it the same thing as a lca bumper? And will what I ordered (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0181GSGJG) work as a replacement? I thought I had this part figured out, but the more I read the more confused I get. 2006 Yukon XL Denali, btw.

 

[XLDenali06]

Okay, before I even get started today, I need some educating from you fine knowledgeable people. Is what I have here a bump stop or a jounce bumper? Is it the same thing as a lca bumper? And will what I ordered (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0181GSGJG) work as a replacement? I thought I had this part figured out, but the more I read the more confused I get. 2006 Yukon XL Denali, btw.

View attachment 194152

Also, on the Amazon product page, it says excludes 20" rims/tires, which mine has. Does that actually make a difference, or is this just stupid incorrect Amazon fitment guide stuff?

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Okay, before I even get started today, I need some educating from you fine knowledgeable people. Is what I have here a bump stop or a jounce bumper? Is it the same thing as a lca bumper? And will what I ordered (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0181GSGJG) work as a replacement? I thought I had this part figured out, but the more I read the more confused I get. 2006 Yukon XL Denali, btw.

View attachment 194152

That's the jounce stop. I'm not sure why it says the 20" wheel thing...

 

[XLDenali06]

That's the jounce stop. I'm not sure why it says the 20" wheel thing...

Okay, that's what I thought. For $16 for the pair, I went ahead and ordered them and figured worst case I could send them back if they didn't work. Thanks for the reply.

 

[XLDenali06]

Since I'm raising it up, should I add bump stops under the jounce bumpers? No plans for off-roading, but would like to be able to if there's ever an actual need. With or without off-roading, adding bump stops would be a good idea, right? That pic is with that side on the ground, by the way. Only modification so far is the 5100 Bilstein front shocks. Hoping to get the Ford keys in today, along with the new jounce stops.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Since I'm raising it up, should I add bump stops under the jounce bumpers? No plans for off-roading, but would like to be able to if there's ever an actual need. With or without off-roading, adding bump stops would be a good idea, right? That pic is with that side on the ground, by the way. Only modification so far is the 5100 Bilstein front shocks. Hoping to get the Ford keys in today, along with the new jounce stops.

Probably. They are supposed to be in contact with the control arm. Definitely affects the ride.

 

[XLDenali06]

I finally got the driver side done. Much easier when the clamp doesn't bend! I do have a question though - once I got the adjustment bar and bolt back in, tightened it up to where it was on the stock key (1" of thread left on that side), and started unloading the clamp, the adjustment bolt kicked out towards the passenger side. I even tightened the clamp back up, readjusted the bar and bolt, and the same thing happened again when I unloaded the clamp. I couldn't figure out why, nor a way to stop it from happening. Is this a safety issue? Should I be concerned? Not gonna lie, it made me nervous.

The key got me 2.5" up front on the driver side. Hope to do the passenger side later today, but it's raining and my garage is full, so it may have to wait until tomorrow. Got about a 1-1/2" squat now, too, but I can live with that until I get the HD springs, spacers, and shocks in the back. Currently sitting at 36.5" in the back (stock), 35.5" in the front passenger (5100 shock only), and 38" in the front driver (5100 shock and Ford key). I can definitely tell the difference getting in and out of the truck! No comparison pics yet because my phone kept dying, plus the rain. I'll get some asap though.

 

[XLDenali06]

Rain decided it was gonna hold off, so I got a few pics. Had my oldest son pick up a better jack (our good one got stolen by the in-laws and we never have replaced it) and I'll get back out there soon to get the passenger side done. Once everything is done, I'll get some new tires (very much needed) and an alignment.

 

[XLDenali06]

Got the passenger side key in. Wondering if I messed something up though. Somehow both sides are at 40" at the front and about 35.5" in the back!!! Holy squat Batman! Lol. I know a lot of that will be evened out when I install the Moog HD springs and 1.5" spacers, so not worried about that specifically. What does concern me is I took the truck around the block, just a quick 3 or 4 minute trip, but it was all over the road, handling-wise. Will an alignment fix that, or did I somehow screw something up? Why did the driver side go from 38" to 40" after installing the PASSENGER side key? So confused right now :-\

 

[XLDenali06]

Adjusted the camber today. Driver side needs some more work (ran out of daylight plus hungry kids), but it's better than it was. And the passenger side is just about spot on. Makes a huge difference in how she tracks. Still trying to figure out why 3" lift keys gave me 4"+ of lift. I'll keep tweaking things here and there to see if I can't get an acceptable balance between desired lift and the angle of my cv axles.

 

[SirReal63]

I am watching this with great interest, I may be doing the same thing before long, but not as high. I have never done the lift before but it makes sense that it lifted the driver side too much, they work in pairs on the lift. You should be able to lower the front to desired height by loosening the keys, if I understand this correctly.

 

[XLDenali06]

I am watching this with great interest, I may be doing the same thing before long, but not as high. I have never done the lift before but it makes sense that it lifted the driver side too much, they work in pairs on the lift. You should be able to lower the front to desired height by loosening the keys, if I understand this correctly.

The keys are just about as low as they can go. I plan to crank them down a few more turns tomorrow. That'll likely have at least one of them sitting on the adjustment bar. Beyond that, my only option is to go back to stock (green) keys and crank them up. I'll decide that after I get the back done to see what the overall package looks like.

I adjusted the camber today, and that helped the tracking a lot. The driver side still needs some adjustment, but the passenger side is just about level. Plan to work on it some more tomorrow.