Who has the best deal (best quality for best price) on 2" drop shackles? Is there any drive train alignment problems caused by lowering the rear 2"? I've done the search but haven't found a clear answer. Some say a negative pinion angle helps on the launch, others say they have experienced vibrations.

What is a fair price to have the FTVB installed? Are the shift characteristics so noticable that a test drive by Ford Service Techs would notice and have warrenty coverage questions?

Thanks

WarEagle

 

Try www.stylinconcepts.com for DJM 2" shackles. I ordered mine Wednesday and the will be here today after tracking the order. They are only $34.95 + shipping. Installing them tomorrow

 

I have seen various shackle offerings and they are pretty much all the same. For good quality and very good price go to www.stylinconcepts.com and order DJM 2" shackles. On the top left corner of Stylin Concepts page use SEARCH and search for part number SH30972 . Price is $34.95 plus shipping. MANY of us are using these. IF you go with 2" lowering shackles you will probably not have vibration problems. Going with more then 2" lowering shackles and you will almost definitely have to shim.
OH, the FTVB install is easy for most anyone to do. IF you have some shop do the install they will charge you about an hours time. I guess about $50-60 to do the install. You will need to buy 6-7 quarts of Mercon/Dextron if you stick with your stock pan. IF you want to give no clues to your Ford dealership that you have a FTVB then use/leave the stock tranny pan. A tech really, really familar with the way a L drives would know the difference but most line techs at a dealership would not especially with the little easy (hopefully) driving of your truck they do. A few guys here in the know say even if the usual techs pulled your FTVB that they would have no clue as the FTVB is a stock valve body with the inners modded. Only clue on the outside of the FTVB is Greggs initials which unless you told someone they would not know what those letters were... Forgot to mention Gregg the FTVB guy says no reason you must change to a non-stock tranny pan and YES, you can remove Gregg's initials from the FTVB..

 

The FTVB is so easy to install drive truck on ramps loosen panbolts leaving front bolts last as you loosen so oil will run out the back then just pop the old one out and new one in compare with directions they are good also i went with the deepsump pan and filter! make sure you getr the orange ring out and put the new one in fill with about 8 quarts of oil and wallah ! also make sure you use MERCON tranny fluid NOT Mercon-5 hope this helps On the drop shackles I thought everyone was using Belltech kits if i''m not mistaken.later!

 

You might read the FTVB install instructions that I will post below.
IF you go stay with the stock tranny pan you will only need 6-7 quarts of Dextron/Mercon that you can get at say AutoZone. Oh, about the 2" drop shackles... they are all pretty much the same! No, most are not using the BellTechs as they are priced high.
Read the following instructions:

 

Thanks for this post and the link to stylin concepts fellas, think I might take advantage of that awesome price!!!

 

Thanks for the great reply billarf.

WarEagle

 

Hey I gave you the stylinconcepts link first!


I don't get no stinkin' credit?

 

"fellas" ---- is plural, as in more then one. You got credit..

 

woo hoo lol

 

TTT

 

Thanks for the link. I just picked up a set.

 

WarEagle did you go to Auburn University?
Sounds that way from your name and your closing statements

 

Whitebolt01,

Sure did, Class of 75. Yea I'm old! Got to go to the Tennessee game this year. Really enjoyed it.

WarEagle

 

You guys going with the drop shackles.... Once the new shackles are in place, be sure to lower the vehicle completely to the ground and have a buddy or two sit on the back end (weight) before you tighten the shackles. Also, do not overtighten the shackle bolts. JUST **BEFORE** doing the shackle install take your L out and try various speeds under light power and coasting. Feel for unusual vibration, etc.. You need to determine any existing problems BEFORE you do the drop shackle install. Now, After install take the truck out again and put a few miles on it. Check again under light power and coasting at various speeds. IF after your shackle install (you probably won't with the 2" drop shackles) you feel vibrations, etc. come back here and research how and when to shim.