Best place to buy shackles?????

[CAMAROSS]

Where is the best place to buy a shackle kit for the rear of my SWB? Also, can you get a 2 1/2" drop or are they only 2" or 4" ? Thanks for the help.

[C10-Driver]

There are a lot of vendors who sell them... DJM, Belltech, Early Classic Enterprises, Classic Performance Products...

The shackles themselves only come in 1", 1.5" or 2" drop. There is not enough room under the bed to fit anything more than a 2" drop shackle. If you buy the 4" kit, it will come with spring hangers for the front that replace the factory ones. You will have to remove the existing hanger and bolting the new hanger in its place.

Hope this helps.

[xtreme80]

Keep in mind that even with a 2 inch shackle, you'll more than likely have to notch the bed support underneath for clearance.

[C10-Driver]

Originally Posted by xtreme80

Keep in mind that even with a 2 inch shackle, you'll more than likely have to notch the bed support underneath for clearance.

I installed some 2" shackles recently on my '94 longbox and had to cut a small notch out of the back of the bed support. It wasn't enough to cause any major damage but when the suspension compressed, there was a light "klunking" noise when the top leaf bottomed out on bed.

[alextreme76]

are there cheap alternatives to new drop shackles?

like what about shackles from vans? has anyone tried put them on a truck?

[C10-Driver]

Depending on what you consider cheap, they are already inexpensive. A new set of 1-1/2" drop shackles from ECE will cost you $59. The van shackles may work as long as the spring and hanger widths are the same. The only thing about used is the bushings may or may not be in great shape... The new ones come with brand new bushings which is probably worth the few extra bucks.