need advice on front shackles - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

70Chevy4x4Nut · 04-02-2004, 02:05 AM

I am installing a 4" lift on my 70 1/2 ton. The kit does not come with the upper shackle bushings so I need to purchase separately. OffRoadDesign sells a shackle kit that is 1/2" longer than stock. It is supposed to keep the springs from hitting the frame. Is it a good idea to use them or should I just buy the bushings and save the money? Has anyone used them?

Destructo · 04-02-2004, 03:12 AM

You can make your own shackles out of 3/8" steel. But unless your planning on wheeling it hard then stock shackles should get the job done. But I would put new bushing in for sure. I need to replace mine badly.

**JIMs70GMC** · 04-02-2004, 06:47 AM

I have some pics in the link in my signature. ORD does sell just the frame bushing which I installed when I installed my 4" lift. The bushings come with 1/2 bolts and you'll need to drill one end of your stock shackles out to 1/2" the other end will stay at 7/16". I have the ORD longer shackles on my 70, stock shackles on the 71. I actually installed the ORD shackle with my stock springs in an effort to keep my 325/60R15 tires from rubbing(every little bit helps). I don't believe from looking at what I have that 4" of lift really needs the slightly longer shackles, but I've seen the 6" lifts where the main spring is longer because of the larger arch and if it was flattened I think it would hit the frame. Did you read the info on ORDs web site?

70Chevy4x4Nut · 04-02-2004, 09:10 AM

I read ORDs web site on the shackles. I see they have just the bushings and I will go with my stock shackles.
Jim, What size tires are you running with the 4" lift? It looks like you did an extra leaf and 2" block. I will use a 4" block for now then decide on either a shackle flip or taller springs or it may stay that way a long time.

thanks for all the input

**JIMs70GMC** · 04-02-2004, 09:43 AM

I put the 4" lift on a 71, there are no pictures of it at that link, yet. I'm going to run 35s. I had to add the add-a-leaf on the 70 because I removed a stock lift block and was only getting about 1" w/ the 2" block. The 70 still sits slightly low in the back.

04-02-2004, 02:05 AM	#1
70Chevy4x4Nut Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: TX Posts: 311	need advice on front shackles I am installing a 4" lift on my 70 1/2 ton. The kit does not come with the upper shackle bushings so I need to purchase separately. OffRoadDesign sells a shackle kit that is 1/2" longer than stock. It is supposed to keep the springs from hitting the frame. Is it a good idea to use them or should I just buy the bushings and save the money? Has anyone used them?

04-02-2004, 03:12 AM	#2
Destructo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Lewisville, NC Posts: 1,836	You can make your own shackles out of 3/8" steel. But unless your planning on wheeling it hard then stock shackles should get the job done. But I would put new bushing in for sure. I need to replace mine badly. __________________ 1985 Scottsdale Shortbed 4x4 Stout 350 with some "upgrades"-700r4-33x12.5" Mud Tires, Warn 8274-50 winch. 2005 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab 2wd 4-banger, 5 speed, Street Pack with 3.73 axle.

04-02-2004, 06:47 AM	#3
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	I have some pics in the link in my signature. ORD does sell just the frame bushing which I installed when I installed my 4" lift. The bushings come with 1/2 bolts and you'll need to drill one end of your stock shackles out to 1/2" the other end will stay at 7/16". I have the ORD longer shackles on my 70, stock shackles on the 71. I actually installed the ORD shackle with my stock springs in an effort to keep my 325/60R15 tires from rubbing(every little bit helps). I don't believe from looking at what I have that 4" of lift really needs the slightly longer shackles, but I've seen the 6" lifts where the main spring is longer because of the larger arch and if it was flattened I think it would hit the frame. Did you read the info on ORDs web site? __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

04-02-2004, 09:43 AM	#5
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	I put the 4" lift on a 71, there are no pictures of it at that link, yet. I'm going to run 35s. I had to add the add-a-leaf on the 70 because I removed a stock lift block and was only getting about 1" w/ the 2" block. The 70 still sits slightly low in the back. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

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04-02-2004, 09:10 AM	#4
70Chevy4x4Nut Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: TX Posts: 311	I read ORDs web site on the shackles. I see they have just the bushings and I will go with my stock shackles. Jim, What size tires are you running with the 4" lift? It looks like you did an extra leaf and 2" block. I will use a 4" block for now then decide on either a shackle flip or taller springs or it may stay that way a long time. thanks for all the input



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