SAS questions

[Storm Chaser]

I'm in the middle of doing the SAS on the crew cab frame, but need a little help. I didn't have a problem locating the axle with the front spring hangers, that was the easy part. My question is about the shackles- how should they appear? Straight up and down, angled to the front or back? What about the pinion angle? When the axle was under the 83, the pinion was pretty much parallel to the ground, but that truck didn't have any lift to it. In this truck, the transfer case is considerably higher in relation to the axle. A neighbor says I should "aim" it up a little, but I'm under the assumption that the pinion should still be parallel to the ground because of the steering geometry.

Keep in mind that this is a bare frame right now- no drivetrain or body yet, so the weight of those isn't on yet. The front springs are what used to be the rear springs in the 83, so there is a little arch, instead of the flat spring.

Also, about how much should the suspension "go down" after the weight of the drivetrain and body are installed?

[b454rat]

The shackles should be angles back some. Better ride and articulation. Pinion can be pointed up, but need to be careful, too much and will affect stearing and handeling.