I have done the whole search thing, but found 20 pages regarding shackle installation...

I am getting either a JLP 3" or Belltech 2" drop shackle and would like to install myself. Not that mechanically inclined, mind you, so if y'all could point my in a direction where I could get specific detailed, step-by-step instructions, I would really appreciate it!!!

Thanks in advance!

 

http://www.timskelton.com/lightning/...stallation.pdf

 

fractaldragon,

The method I use to change out shackles may get flamed here because I don't use jack stands. I can change them in 25 minutes, and I haven't been squashed yet.

If you’re interested, here goes.

Tools needed:

Floor jack, the bigger the better.
13/16" wrench, (ratcheting box end is the best, fastest, choice)
15/16" wrench, (ratcheting box end is the best, fastest, choice)
alignment punch, only if bolt hole alignment turns into a bugger.

1. Place wheel chocks firmly in front of and behind both front tires.
2. Place floor jack under square part of hitch receiver, if you don't have a hitch installed, you can place the jack under the rear bumper. The later is not recommended, but I have done it and gotten away with it.
3. Loosen, but do not remove lower shackle bolts and nuts.
4. Loosen, but do not remove upper shackle nuts, the upper bolt has a keeper attached so there is no need for a wrench on the bolt head.
5. Jack rear of truck until pressure is relieved from leaf springs. The bolts will rotate freely when the pressure is relieved.
6. Remove the lower shackle attach nuts and bolts.
7. Lower the rear of the truck until the upper bolt can be removed inward over the frame rail.
8. Remove shackle.
9. Install new shackle.
10. Install upper bolt outward over the frame rail.
11. Install, but do not tighten upper nut.
12. Jack rear of truck until lower shackle mount hole lines up with frame bracket. Alignment punch may be needed.
13. Install, but do not tighten lower bolt and nut.
14. Down jack truck and remove jack.
15. Tighten all hardware to specified torque. (I don't recall what it is off the top of my head, but I have seen it on previous posts).
16. Drive truck around the block a few times.
17. Check all hardware for proper torque.
18. Crack fresh beer and consume! :tu:

It actually took me longer to post this than it does to do the job.

I hope this helps.

Jake...

 

If you want to come close to leveling out your L's look make sure you get the JLP 3" drop. The 2" just doesn't do it (for me that is) when I installed mine I tried the 2" setting first and quickly moved to the 3". The rear is only 1/4" higher than the front at the 3" setting. We are talking about an '03" right?

They are a breeze to put on!

Good Luck

D-Day

 

Yes it's an 03. Any noises with the 3" drop?

 

If you follow the instructions, specifically regarding tightening you will have zero noise!

Rob_02Lightning has a few installation pictures on his profile sight, check them out.

D-Day

 

So the tightening instructions are to lower the truck on the ground prior to tightening them up? Sorry I am mechanical NEWBIE

 

I tightened mine before I lowered my L.

When you are actually tightening the shakles to the frame rails you need to be carefull not to tighten them too much. Think of them as a moving part, if you tighten too much then the result is the noise that you often hear about. You want to allow for some movement as the leafs flex.

If in the event you do tighten them too much it is an easy fix and at least you will know the cause of any noise. And no problem on the mechanical newbie thing, a couple of years ago I was too, now I love getting grease under my nails! Have fun, that's what it's all about!

I hope that answers your question.

D-Day

 

Yup! Thanks! I am going to order a set from JLP this week.

 

Not to be a naysayer but......... Yes they are easy to install. No that's not all there is to it. I had pinion problems (vibration). The only thing that worked was reversing the shim. This was out of my personal comfort zone, and if the shim is reversed you must do an alignment (per Tim Skeltons advice). So if you must go get an alignment then have the shop flip the shims and while you are at it why not have the shop install the shackles too?

From what you were initially saying, you are somewhat mechanical. So am I, however I am older and maybe wiser and willing to let a pro do it when I feel uncomfortable. Others will disagree but that's okay. BTW my alignment guy charged 60.00 for an alignment and shim flip. Not bad I say.

Look at my pics for what a JLP drop looks like. Good luck.

 

From what I have read, 2" shackles have no shimming issues. That's why I was curious as to how the 3" JLP's turned out at the lowest setting. Anyone have the JLP's on the lowest setting without shimming and no vibrations?

Dan_03: Is yours set up this way?

Thanks for the input so far guys...

 

Just to clarify, the 3" JLP's do not drop the truck three inches. It's more like 2.25"max. It gets into a geometry thing. Anyhow others have had no problems with the drop, but the vibration was subtle, and yes it could even be dismissed as a poor tire or road. Good luck.