Greetings!

I'm shopping around for a set of 2" drop shackles for my 06 XLT. I have found several sets on eBay and other sites that run about $70 or $80 (with shipping), but do not come with a set of rear-end shims. American Trucks has a set that includes the shims, but they want $120 - which translates to the shims costing me almost $50!

Are the shims truly necessary if I drop 2"? If so, are they worth $50?

Thanks in advance for all replies!

Also.... doing this won't effect my front wheel alignment, will it?

 

I would not do mine without the shims to keep the pinion in it's original alignment. There has been reports of vibration on some that initially did not have them and I think even some wallowing of the housing. Ground Force as a good kit that includes the shims. There was new kit for sale in the classifieds, but always ask if it includes the shims if you buy from an individual.

 

I have the Ground Force kit as well that came with the shims. I've read too many posts from guys around here who have installed kits without the shims and had problems with them that I wouldn't even consider doing this modification without them.

 

i have 10k miles on mine without shims and have never had an issue. i bought the DJM lowering shackles for 75 i belive through stylintrucks.com

 

Mine came with shims - bought them off ebay. Going without the shims probably wouldn't hurt but I figure it's better than a U joint blowin on the interstate or something. It made the truck sit level, probably one of the best mods u can do.

 

You should be able to get the ground force kits for around $100 with the shims. I think i got mine off amazon? Anyways, for me the extra $25 was well worth the piece of mind I got off it.

Oh, and no need for the front end alignment.

 

The Ground Force kit is definitely the way to go.

 

Thanks to all who replied!

I ordered the Ground Force kit from Amazon for $98.40 (w/ free shipping). It should be here Thursday and I'll put 'em on this weekend.

 

dumb question. where do the shims go? any pics?

 

The shims go where the the axle mounts to the leaf spring. You loosen the u-bolts and remove the mounting plate, then drop the axle far enough to put the shim in.

Heres a link to an excellent "How to" with pics: http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2...ring/index.php

 

ah. Wouldnt that make the truck sit .5" higher?

 

Nah, the shim is actually wedge shaped, just enough to realign the pinion angle and keep the driveshaft in-line. Any minimal height gain from the shim is more than compensated for in the shackle height.

BTW... your truck sits great! I hope mine looks like that when I'm done.

 

Thanks man. You will be amazed. i really never realized how much better it sat until i put the other shackles back on one day. then i thought, wow, thats ugly. now i see trucks everyday and think, man you need lowering shackles. for around a hundred bucks or so, cant get any better.

also made loading my quad in the bed a lot easier. i hate using ramps.