lowering stock rear leafs

[vjjack04]

Guys,
I want to lower the rear of my 55 about 1 inch....is there a shackle bracket that would do that.....I think I could make one, but don't want to if I don't have to....

[mknittle]

To get one inch the shackle would have to be shortened 2 inches. that would make the shackle too short and cause at best a harsh ride. At worst a bent spring or other suspension part.

[vjjack04]

Originally Posted by mknittle

To get one inch the shackle would have to be shortened 2 inches. that would make the shackle too short and cause at best a harsh ride. At worst a bent spring or other suspension part.

how about removing a leaf or so...?

[mknittle]

You could do that if you don't remove too many and just the short ones.

[Stepside Jim]

Accually, you'd have to lengthen the shackles on the rear.

[vjjack04]

Originally Posted by Stepside Jim

Accually, you'd have to lengthen the shackles on the rear.

Jim,
That is what I see....It looks like I could get some metal (looks like about 1/4 plus) plate, cut and drilled to accept the bolts would work....I would thin 2" longer would do....does any one make these?

[GMtrucknut!!]

POL makes lowering shackles I remember seeing them in their catalog.

[Stepside Jim]

Originally Posted by vjjack04

Jim,
That is what I see....It looks like I could get some metal (looks like about 1/4 plus) plate, cut and drilled to accept the bolts would work....I would thin 2" longer would do....does any one make these?

Ok, when mentioned earlier, you'll only get about half the drop as to the length of the addition of the shackles.

If you can't buy them and need to make them, I think I used 3/8 thick. The thickness is needed because the shackle has a taper built into it to accept the taper that is a part of the pin.

The fit has to be somewhat close, referring to the depth of the taper, so the rubber sealing ring will contact the spring eye and the shackle to keep crud out of the greased area.

I drilled the shackle holes to the size of the pin thread, then used a rotary brrrr to create the taper. Took a little patience, but worked well.

Good luck, Jim

[GMtrucknut!!]

The biggest issue with making them is getting the taper right on the bushing ends reamers can be purchased at most machine shop suppliers. When it comes to suspension I do not ever cut corners , if you get involved in an accident with a modified vehicle it just leaves the door wide open to lawsuits in our lawyer plagued world.

[_Ogre]

can't you flip and swap the rear shackle hangers on these to get an inch of drop ?
or remove the overload springs in back, just the 2 short ones, that would give you 3/4 inch with little effort

[mknittle]

I was thinking front