Are you looking to increase the ground clearance of your ride? If yes, you may have heard of two popular methods: Torsion Keys Lift and Cranking. But which one is the right choice for you?
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Torsion Keys Lift VS Cranking, so you can make an informed decision about how to give your vehicle the lift it deserves.
Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a weekend warrior, read on to discover the pros and cons of each method, and find the perfect solution for your off-road adventures. Don’t settle for a low-rider, upgrade your vehicle with the ultimate lift today.
Torsion Keys Lift VS Cranking- Head to Head Comparison
When it comes to lifting the front suspension of a truck or SUV, there are two main methods that are commonly used: torsion keys and cranking. Both methods are effective ways to increase ground clearance and allow for larger tires, but they have some key differences that are worth considering before making a decision on which one to use. Check out the comparison between Torsion Keys Lift VS Cranking and pick the right one.
Mechanism
Lift mechanism is an important thing to consider while choosing between Torsion Keys lift and cranking. Both of these systems use mechanical components that lift your vehicle. However, the method of operation differs greatly.
Let’s start with the Torsion Keys Lift. This system uses torsional forces stored in springs wrapped around an axle. When you turn a key on the torsion keys, the spring tightens and lifts your vehicle as much as two inches.
The cranking system utilizes a cranking handle that is usually found inside the truck cab. It also has an adjustable shock to adjust ride heights, but instead of spring forces it relies on hydraulic pistons that raise or lower the vehicle when you crank the handle back and forth.
So, which one is better? In terms of performance and reliability, both are good options with subtle differences in installation process and price range. However, each system offers different driving experiences due to their methods of operation.
Leveling System
So, you’ve narrowed your choices down to torsion key lift and cranking—and now you’re wondering which one’s the better selection for leveling your vehicle. Let’s compare the two in terms of their leveling system: how it works, how efficient it is, and how reliable it is over time.
Torsion keys lift works by using key-shaped adjustable tension bars that fit inside your factory coil spring. It’s designed to be adjustable, so you can raise or lower your vehicle in small 0.25” increments until you find the desired height. For a fast, efficient leveling system, this is a great option.
On the other hand, Cranking uses an internal as well as an external threaded shock to lift the body of your vehicle from its original state. It also allows you to adjust your desired height. But unlike torsion keys lift, cranking can only lift vehicles up to a maximum height of 3” at once with ease.
When it comes to leveling systems, torsion keys lift offers a more efficient and faster solution through its adjustable increments than cranking does through its 3” maximum lift perk. So, if time and ease are important factors for you, torsion keys would be the better option here.
Ride Quality
Let’s move on to the ride quality comparison of Torsion Keys Lift VS Cranking. This is one aspect where the two vehicles differ significantly.
The torsion keys lift provides a smooth, cushioned ride that keeps your vehicle level, even on bumpy roads. The geometry of the vehicle is maintained throughout and this ensures that you get an even distribution of weight and therefore a very comfortable ride.
On the other hand, the cranking lift also offers a very comfortable ride, but it does not have the same level of stability as the torsion keys lift. As the shocks compress when going over bumps and holes in the road, your vehicle can become unbalanced and this can lead to some uncomfortable handling. Additionally, this can also lead to added wear and tear on the suspension components leading to premature replacement costs.
As you can see each has its own merits when it comes to ride quality: Torsion Keys Lift provides you with a smoother, more stabilized ride while Cranking will offer a more traditional pickup truck driving experience depending on how far down you’ve lowered your vehicle.
Installation
When it comes to installation, how do torsion keys lift and cranking stack up against each other?
Torsion keys lift systems are relatively easy to install for the average DIY enthusiast—they can easily be installed with only basic hand tools. The whole process should take anywhere from one to four hours, depending on the complexity of the truck and the number of components you’re dealing with.
Cranking (or coil-spring) lift kits are a bit more complicated, taking anywhere from three to five hours depending on your skill level. You might require a torque wrench and other specialized tools, so it’s important to factor this into your decision. And since you need more components with a cranking kit, there’s a greater chance of something going wrong during the installation process.
Overall, both installation processes require some steps that need to be followed correctly in order for them to work correctly, but torsion key lifts are much easier for beginners who don’t have much experience working on cars. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to lift your truck without breaking the bank, torsion key lifts are definitely worth considering.
Adjustability
How adjustable are Torsion Keys Lift and Cranking? Let’s take a look.
Torsion Keys Lift offers an adjustable suspension height, with simple tools. It gives you an adjustable ride height range of up to 4.5 inches, which is perfect for off-roading and lowered, street look. It also gives you maximum comfort when driving, due to the better control of road irregularities and bumps. It also helps you install your lift kit easy and fast – no complex measuring, or calculations required.
Cranking also provides adjustable suspension height, with additional spacers if needed. However, the adjustment range isn’t quite as good as Torsion Keys – its maximum ride height is only 2 inches higher than stock ride height.
The cranking system does have a slight advantage in off-roading situations due to its increased shock travel for better performance over rough terrain. On the other hand; it takes more time and effort from the user to install kits with a cranking system as compared to Torsion Keys Lift.
When comparing both systems side by side; Torsion Keys Lift proves to be offering more flexibility in terms of adjustability when compared to Cranking System when setting up a vehicle’s suspension system and other components such as bump stops, sway bars and shocks installation kits etc.
Price
When it comes to pricing, there are a few things to consider when comparing torsion keys lift and cranking. Torsion keys lift will generally cost you less upfront, but there is more cost associated with the installation of torsion keys. This is because it requires a professional to cut and weld the mounts so that the torsion arms fit into the proper place on your vehicle.
Cranking, on the other hand, is easier to install and requires significantly less labor. In addition, cranking is usually less expensive than torsion key lift when you factor in installation costs.
Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect in terms of pricing:
- Torsion key lifts typically cost between $100 – $400, depending on brand and quality.
- Cranking usually costs between $100 – $600, depending on brand and quality.
At the end of the day, both options have their own pros and cons—but when it comes to cost comparison, cranking tends to be more affordable overall in most cases.
Torsion Keys Lift VS Cranking- The Winner
So now you must be curious to know what’s the winner of the battle between torsion keys lift and cranking. Well, there’s no easy answer to this. Both of these suspension levelers have their own advantages and disadvantages.
In terms of installation, torsion keys are definitely quick and easy to install – all you need are some basic hand tools. And for the leveling system, both torsion keys lift, and cranking systems provide great accuracy and precision – good enough even for large vehicles. As for ride quality, crank systems perform better but torsion key lifts do just fine as well (especially with heavy-duty suspensions).
The biggest advantage that cranking has over torsion keys is its adjustability—you can change your ride height as well as the stiffness of your springs on the fly, depending on what terrain you’re navigating. Furthermore, crank systems tend to be safer because they’re heavier which means less jostling – whereas torsion keys can sometimes experience “overshoot” due to their lighter construction.
And finally, cost-wise; cranking systems are slightly more expensive than torsion keys lifts but both suspensions will set you back a pretty penny either way.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to personal preference as both systems have their own strengths and weaknesses that make them suitable for different situations. We recommend conducting your own research before deciding which one is better for you because in the world of vehicle suspensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a torsion key lift?
A torsion key lift is a suspension modification that involves adjusting the torsion bars located in the front suspension of a vehicle to increase the height of the vehicle.
What is cranking?
Cranking is a method of adjusting the torsion bars in the front suspension of a vehicle to lift the front end of the vehicle.
Do torsion key lifts affect ride quality?
Yes, torsion key lifts can affect ride quality. Torsion key lifts are designed to raise a vehicle’s ride height and can change the way the suspension system works. The increased ride height can lead to increased body roll and a rougher ride due to the increased leverage of the springs. Additionally, the increased ride height can lead to a decrease in ground clearance, which can make it harder to traverse off-road terrain.
How much lift can you get out of torsion keys?
Torsion keys can provide extra lift of up to 2” on most trucks and SUVs. However, it is important to note that torsion keys are not designed to provide more than 2” of lift and using them for more than that could be dangerous. It is also important to consult a professional to make sure that the torsion keys are installed correctly and that the suspension components are suitable for the amount of lift being added.
Can torsion key lifts and cranking be used together?
No, torsion key lifts and cranking should not be used together as they can cause excessive stress on the suspension components and lead to premature wear and failure.
Is it safe to lift a vehicle using torsion keys or cranking?
Both methods can be safe if done correctly and within the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, it is important to note that any suspension modification can affect the handling and safety of the vehicle, so it is recommended to consult with a professional before making any modifications. Again, when the torsion key faces problems, you should immediately take care of it.
Final Thought
The battle between Torsion Keys Lift and Cranking really depends on the type of vehicle and whether the driver requires the extra height, comfort or performance. However, it is generally accepted that Torsion Key Lift is the better option in terms of cost, installation, adjustability, and safety.
The Torsion Key Lift system is similar to the Cranking system, but is a much simpler system and offers far more functionality and simplicity. It is easy to install and adjust, and is cost-effective and less likely to cause any long-term damage to the vehicle. It also offers a smoother and more comfortable ride, and is much safer than the Cranking system.
All in all, the Torsion Key Lift system wins the battle between Torsion Key Lift VS Cranking, and is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an effective way to lift their vehicle.
