Well, this is somewhat a continuation of a previous thread. Someone had posted about potential problems when lowering a truck via shackles.

I had ordered a set of DJM 2" shackles. When I ordered them,(Stylin' Concepts), the sales rep assured me that no pinion shims were required with such a small lowering. I ordered them on Tues and they were delivered on Thurs.

Saturday I installed them, only to find that I now had a low-speed vibe. I called DJM today and they informed me that they are hearing this quite frequently, and will try to address the issue (the tech suggested it will be in the form of shims). Evidentally, these trucks are very sensitive to any pinion angle changes.

So, I called Groundforce and they informed me that they include a shim with their shackles for the 04-05 Fords.

I called Stylin' Comcepts, explained the situation, and they are taking the DJM's back and I ordered the Groundforce kit from them. With fingers crossed, I'll try the Groundforce and hope that it corrects the problem.

I'll keep you posted.

 

So why can't they just send you some shims? The solution seems so simple, yet it sounds like you intend on swapping out the hangers and everything.

 

i had the same DJM shackles and the pinion angle is fine. i believe you may be 'thinking' you have a vibe when you really dont have anything. dont look so much into it. theyre not needed i called DJM and asked them almost 10 months ago. maybe they have changed the shackle or something

 

The 04-05 springs have a double-pin setup, whereas the older models have a single pin. The existing DJM shims are for the single-pin, and are the wrong degree (all this according to DJM).

No imagined vibe here. It's very noticable from start up to around 30 mph. It feels as if you're driving across a small washboard surface. Not as pronounced as the rumple strips on the side of the highway, but the same sensation.

The vibe is in my driveline, not my head.

And if you were to call DJM today, they'd confirm that they are now getting reports of vibe issues with their shackles.

 

i doubt anything will be done about it. your actually the first of many people i know with DJM shackles with the vibe problem. i say call them and see what they sell rather than what they can give you in the form of shims.

 

I did call DJM. They have no cure at this time, but are "looking into it".

I'm getting a full refund (including shipping) from Stylin' Concepts, and ordered the GroundForce stuff from them. Great service all around. Then they can deal with returning to DJM.

Just curious STVErick. If I'm one of many that you know with the vibe issue due to the DJM shackles, why the comment about me "thinking" I had a problem when according to you all is well?

 

I used the Ground Force shackles with the shims and haven't had any problems. It's been about 8000 miles now. I had a few people ( including 1 or 2 on this site ) tell me the shims were unnecessary for such a minor change, but I used them anyway. Did I need to? Who knows. I figured what the heck, I already had them.

 

I bought SVTErick's DJM shackles and installed them on my truck. I have not noticed any low speed vibe after the install. I do have a vibe around 50 MPH, but it has always done that.

 

i was pointing out your vibe, comparing it to other people i know who DONT have the vibe with the DJM shackles.

 

Update. I removed the DJM shackles and installed the GroundForce units along with the pinion angle shims. THe truck is as smooth as glass once again.

I tried to save $40 and ended up having to do the install twice. In this instance, you really do get what you pay for.

 

Do the shims tilt the pinion up more or down more?

John

 

Well, I've been lurking for a while...now I have a question!!

Greg or whoever has the knowledge. How hard was it to install the shackles? I'm not the most mechanically inclined but I have a buddy who could do it... He wanted me to get more info on the installation process...more like from a scale of 1 - 10 with 10 being the hardest... He has all the tools and a big garage with a lift and all the goodies...

Also, the reason I'm looking to level my truck is more for ease of use when loading my bike for trackdays. I don't want to get drastically lower, just want to level it out and every inch would help... Will I have problems carrying my bike (about 4-500 lbs.

Thanks in advance for all the help!

 

Greg, I have Beltech 2" shackles and picked up the vibration also. Please explain about the shim installation. All I've seen in the way of shims are applications that uses only one bolt, my springs appear to have two (2). Any info helpful.
Thanks,
Duggins

 

I'd say a 3 on a 10 scale. Mainly you are going to be unbloting the stock ones and bolting up the new ones. Took us about 30 min to do mine and that was taking our time. Your friend should have no problems. I would'nt use the lift, just a floor jack will do ya.

 

i have the groundforce shackles myself. one a scale of 1-10, the install was maybe a 2. very simple esp if you have a shop, i did it in my driveway with a few wrenches a jack and a blowtorch. the factory bolts have red threadlocker on them, heat it with a blow torch and i actually removed the bolts by hand (with gloves!!) after installed the new shackles i reheated the hardened locker so it would soak back intot he threads

i have NOT seen any other shackles first hand, but the ground force ones are of very quality construction, and comes with the shims. i installed them for the hell of it and i have not had any problems with them whatsoever