I've searched but didn't find the answer I was looking for.
I noticed alot of people that had installed the drop shackles installed the shims because they needed to or just because they could. For you 4x4 guys, has anyone had to install shims after removing the rear blocks?

 

I took out the rear blocks and have had no issues at all. No shims required. I still wonder why people do the drop shackles when you can just remove the blocks. Of course you will need two wheel drive "U" bolts.

 

I actually just spent a hour or two researching this myself. I decided to pull the trigger on the rear block removal first (order the 2wd U-Bolts) and see how it goes....

Everyone seems to have had good luck going this route...wish me luck (parts should be here next week).

-Travis

 

Thanks guys, I'll definately be doing it, just wondering if I should buy some shims to install at the same time. I guess I'll wait and see how she rides.

FX4andHARLEY,
The blocks removal vs shackels refers to 4x4 vs 4x2 as the 4x2s don't have blocks to remove so they have to install shackels. What I meant by the origional question was all the 4x2 guys that isntalled shackels put shims in and none of the 4x4 guys that removed blocks installed any shims from what I found.

 

Go the 2" block removal route first. It will get you pretty darn level with the front.
I did not think of it when i first got my FX4 and ordered the Ground Force 2" shackles. Well it actually got my about 1.5" and can still notice a rake.
When I get back to the States in a couple months. Bye bye GF shackles(and shimes), 2" blocks and hello 2wd U bolts and a level a** end.
FYI no shims necassary if removing blocks.

 

Go the 2" block removal route first. It will get you pretty darn level with the front.
I did not think of it when i first got my FX4 and ordered the Ground Force 2" shackles. Well it actually got my about 1.5" and can still notice a rake.
When I get back to the States in a couple months. Bye bye GF shackles and shimes, 2" blocks and hello 2wd U bolts and a level a** end.
FYI no shims necassary if removing blocks.

 

You dont need the ships for block removal because the andle of the axle will be the same. You need them with the shackles because the shackles change only the rear mounting point of the leaf springs... therefore the axle will be at a diffrent angle. You then use the shims to get the angle on the axle back to stock.

It is a little hard to explain without illustrations... but if you know what a drop shackle does it should make sense.

I say definately go with block removal if you have a 4x4. just the other day some guy on here said the dealer was giving him trouble because he had drop shackles on his truck. I doubt they would even notice if you have no block. And even if they did, i doubt they would try to make an issue about it.

-stephen

 

Thanks Stephen, that's what I was trying to figure out. I guess it does make sense if I think about it.

 

Great explaination steve-o! I never thought of that really..... I'm another happy camper with the block removal.

 

In general whether it be with blocks or shackles, it seems that trucks with two piece driveshafts are more prone to vibrations after lowering the rear. I haven't heard any grumbling from the 4x4 guys who've removed the rear blocks though.

 

So the 2x4 guys are rolling with the 2 pc drive shaft? Just like the new Stangs. Not really feeling the 2 pc deal. What is the benefit of it suppose to be over a 1 pc? Im curious

 

If I wanted to add the 4wd block how much would it cost me parts wise?

 

I'd trade you but I can't leave my truck torn apart while I wait for the 4x2 U-bolts.
I know 4x2 U-Bolts will cost me $40 CAD for all 4 so 4x4 should be close to that and blocks shouldn't cost too much either.

 

i took the blocks out over a year ago no shims needed and no problems
http://media.putfile.com/dyno-pull-89
http://media.putfile.com/smoken-f-150

 

I think 4x2 Supercabs (and maybe regular cabs?) with 6.5' or longer beds all have two piece driveshafts. I've personally never seen a Supercrew with a 5.5' bed with a two piece driveshaft, and I haven't looked under any Supercrews with 6.5' beds. As far as the advantages of having a two piece driveshaft, I honestly don't remember. I think it has something to do with minimizing vibration and pinion angle.

And flanagainman, dude, I'm at 1024x768 resolution and your pic is still humongous. Resize it pleeeeeze.