Lowering shackles

[RandyP]

My first question, I feel all giddy.

Ok, so the my guys talked me in to a 2" drop in the rear to try and make the truck sit more level. I ordered one set from O'reillys and they fit like junk so I sent them back and ordered a more expensive set from Summit. They claimed exact fit blah blah blah. I tossed them on this weekend, and then read the instructions this morning after not being happy with the fit. Do all sets of these shackles require you to notch the bed bracing? Seems like an extreme thing to me to gain a simple 2" drop from a pair of shackles. If this is the case, the stock ones are going back on tonight.
Just wondering if I bought a set that will "sort of" work or if there is another option on the market without removing leafs or notching anything. I'm really not in to the entire lowering thing, if anything I'd almost prefer a 2" lift and give the truck a 4x4 stance, that's more what I'm used to. My trucks haul stuff and pull stuff.

[bigarmzz]

i had to cut out a section of the "cross piece" on the bottom of the bed, but not the "bed itself".....your drop shackles sit further forward than mine..not sure why?

i always buy western chassis stuff, and have never had any problems what so ever

[glock35ipsc]

Originally Posted by RandyP

Do all sets of these shackles require you to notch the bed bracing?

Yes.

You can get a set of front lowering hangers, or raise the OE hangers, but that's quite a bit of work for 2" as you have to remove the OE front hangers by cutting/grinding/hammering off the old rivits.

BTW, properly lowered truck hauls just fine. Is the pic of your truck you posted with or without the drop shackles?

[cliffsta]

My question is... if YOU don't want it lowered, then why lower it? Just cause its the cool thing to do, doesn't mean you have to do it. I'm about to take off my lowering spindles and put back in the leafs in the back to get my truck to stock height. You gotta do what you wanna do, everyone else be darned.

[Jonboy]

Scoti's truck pulls a loaded car trailer with a 6/8 drop, with no problem. Using a set of drop spindles and cutting the spring in the frnt, and a flip kit with shackles in the rear won't affect the towing capacity. Both his and my truck have the heavy duty springs in it, and would work just fine. I don't have a hitch (or really any need for one), but his does, and is used fairly often. I think it depends more on the rear springs.

[RandyP]

The photo is with the lowering shackles on it. The only reason I am attempting it, is because it is a shop truck and I figured I'd give my guys this one thing. I did level out a 98 model truck I had once and it did look good that way, so I thought what the hay I'll do it on this one if the guys want it. I just remembered on the 98 model it was a quick 10 minute thing and no mod'ing required, the 87 model though is a different story. Of course being the man I am, I set the instructions aside and just installed the shackles, then this morning I read the instructions. It makes it clear to remove the bed and to cut the bed bracing so the shackles have clearance.

One of my shop helpers has an old 79 model that is his 'forever project', he graduates high school in a few weeks, I'll just give the shackles to him. My painter just got a flip kit and c-arms for his 04, I plan on being here at the shop while they do that and get some photos and such.

Thanks for the answers guys, is basically what I get for my belief of "those are just the manufacturers suggested way of doing it" when it comes to reading instructions.

[Slonaker]

You could always put a set of new HD 1/2 ton coil springs on the front of your truck. It leveled mine out when I had them. It looked like a 4X4, but it was level!



Slonaker

[RandyP]

That is an excellent suggestion, I very well might do that. The tires I put on it are big enough to make the truck sit up a little taller like a 4x4 anyways.

[Slonaker]

I bought mine off the shelf from O'reilly Auto Parts.

Slonaker

[RandyP]

Moog Brand
Part Number 6454
Inside Diameter 3.676
End Type 1 Pigtail
End Type 2 Tangential
Bar Diameter 0.828
Install Height 10.00
Load in Pounds 3841.0
Spring Rate 1060.0
Free Height 13.61

Got that off of O'Reillys site, cost me $99.37 for the pair. They'll be here in the morning since they had to get them from another store. Another weekend project.

[RandyP]

Sorry to revive, but we finally did get the front springs replaced. Granted while we were in there we did ball joints, tie rods, calipers and pads.
I'm running 275/65R15's, so it is a fairly tall tire compared to stock. I like the look now, it does look like a 4x4.

I know it was the original ball joints, and by the looks I'd say it's either the first (ok, maybe second) set of brake pads on it as well.

[78 Chevyrado]

I like the new front springs! looks great!

[STOCKISH]

Looks good.

[rmccloye]

How much of a lift does the HD coil springs give you?