Need some help- lowering shackles

[Tx Firefighter]

If anyone out there has a pair of lowering shackles on their truck, I need a measurement. I need center to center on the two bolts. Trying to figure out how much longer drop shackles are than stock ones.

Thank you for your trouble.

[INSIDIOUS '86]

I have some. Ile get that for you as soon as possible

[Tx Firefighter]

Thank you. I'd appreciate the trouble.

[Sodell]

6 3/4

[Tx Firefighter]

6 3/4 is from center to center and that gives 2 inches drop ?

I appreciate the trouble you took to measure for me. I hope it wasn't raining outside or anything. I'm trying to figure out a drop shackle for a truck application that doesn't have one listed in any catalogs. Looks like I'm on the right track.

[gramps77]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

6 3/4 is from center to center and that gives 2 inches drop ?

I appreciate the trouble you took to measure for me. I hope it wasn't raining outside or anything. I'm trying to figure out a drop shackle for a truck application that doesn't have one listed in any catalogs. Looks like I'm on the right track.

Keep in mind too, the drop will be different depending on the length of the leaf springs. Might help to know the length of those as well

[Sodell]

It's in the garage...lol

[Tx Firefighter]

I do appreciate the help fellas.

I'm piecing a drop kit together for my one ton cab and chassis truck. I damn near ordered a shackle and hanger kit for it yesterday, but for some reason I held off to think about it. The kit fits "all dually 73-87".

Something didn't sit right with me so I did more research and found out that duallys use 3 inch wide leaf springs and the kits for them obviously figure that in. My cab and chassis with dual wheels uses 2.5 inch wide leaf springs instead. If I'd have ordered that shackle and hanger kit I'd be returning it.

So, I will just build new front hangers from scratch but figured I'd go ahead and get some commercially made rear shackles if I could find some of the proper dimension.

Then I found this cool page. Much thanks to DJM for putting this out there...

http://djmsuspension.com/application...ntal-shackles/

Here is what I have under my truck. Sorry for quick cell picture....



My current shackles are exactly 4 inches center to center. I can spare 3.25 more inches until the spring hits the bed. This isn't like a pickup where you can just notch the sheetmetal where it hits. That's thick channel it would be hitting and I don't care to notch it.

So, as long as I can find a shackle that's for a 2.5 inch wide spring and 7 inches overall center to center (or less), I'll be golden.

[Jonboy]

I think I have a spare set, Kevin.

[jitteryguy]

my '87 and my '80 both have/had 2.5" wide spring's, I used the "Superior" brand shackle's that AutoZone and Oriley's sell, they are 7" center to center.

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by Jonboy

I think I have a spare set, Kevin.

I'll probably be going to Richardson around thanksgiving so if I haven't turned up a set in the mean time, I'll get with you to try and work out a deal.

Originally Posted by jitteryguy

my '87 and my '80 both have/had 2.5" wide spring's, I used the "Superior" brand shackle's that AutoZone and Oriley's sell, they are 7" center to center.

I've been very much considering that route. My current shackles are 4 inch center to center and I can spare a further 3.25 inches till I hit the bed. I figured a pair of 7 inch long shackles would get me as low as possible but still leave a little safety margin before I hit the bed structure.

If I installed shackles like that, I can build new front hangers from scratch and net myself a further 2 or so inches drop that way for a total of about 4 odd inch rear drop. Then I can do a 3 inch drop spindle in the front and be about as low as possible without major bed surgery. I don't want a completely slammed truck, just enough to stand out from the rest. If I went too far down in the back I'd have to do very major work as the tires would hit the bottom of the bed floor. I don't care to add raised humps on my flatbed for tire clearance, and without overdrive transmission I am not going to run a short tire.

[Blackpony]

I have a set of drop shackles I pulled off my truck. Ill measure them tomorrow and get back with you if your are interested.