I am looking for lowering shackles for my 2012 f-150 and was wondering if one brand is better than the other such as belltec compared to ground force or even rough country. Just wanted to know why the price difference between these and which one is best.

 

Some kits come with shims that are needed to keep the proper pumpkin angle. Some don't and you have to buy the shins separately. That may be the difference. Other than that, they all get the job done.

 

when I lowered my older 2001 truck I never shimmed it and it road fine are the shimes really necessary?

 

It depends but a lot of issues are caused with the 2 piece drive shafts that many of us have. I used the shackles with shims (ground force). And have had no issues.

 

Many have a vibration in the drive line if you don't put the shims in. Think about it. You change the geometry 1 1/2 inches, that means the unjoint has to compensate, more likely to bind.

 

Ok I'm going with the ground force shackles comes with everything and a lot of people have used them with no issues

 

That is what I used on my 2005 and had no issues for 135,000 miles.

 

I just put a set of Ground Force on my 2014 SCAB and have a vibration even with the shims. I put them in with the fat end towards the tailgate end. I am taking it to a friends house this weekend to measure the angle to see if I need different shims. Vibration is 65-70 MPH range.

 

That is the correct direction for the shims.

 

A friend of mine who helped me install everything says its the wheels but i am about to replace 3 of them so if it still shakes My money is on the shackles and pinion angle. Especially since the vibration is only on acceleration.

 

Does the thick end of the shim go towards the front or the rear when you install them?

 

I just got them in the mail today and installed them hasn't taken them out on the highway yet but looks great. The directions say for the shims fat end goes toward the rear

 

The before and after lowering shackles