I am close to ordering drop shackles for the L. I've been reading issues people have had with them, ie, having to reverse the shims, etc. I read on one board that once you put the shackles on, you get more "sway" in the truck. Does anyone know about this? I thought the truck was supposed to handle better with a lower center of gravity?

 

Shouldn't hsve to reverse the shims unless you get a vibration. I am running 3" shackles whit no probles or vibrations, no sway or anything............just my $.02.........JR

 

The "sway" is because the longer the shackle, the more leverage the axle/leaf assembly is able to exert on the shackle bushings under severe cornering.

The benefits from the lower center of gravity definitely outweigh the decrease is stability from longer shackles.

Go for it.

 

I've had the 2" shackles on for a couple of weeks now and there haven't been any problems (knock on wood!) I have an '04 and the "2 inch" drop is more like 1 1/2 inches. It's a noticeble drop but not too obnoxious...

couple more pennies thrown out there...

Jay

 

I just put in my Ground Force shackles and I think they're great. Noticeable increase in high speed cornering and grip. Haven't had any major problems although it may have developed a slight low speed vibration on decelleration. It could also be the fact that my tires are pretty worn so I am not sure yet but even if it is the shackles, I'd live with it. Truck looks and handles too good for me to change back to stock.

 

I haven't noticed an performance change in my '02 since the 2" shackles. But, I haven't installed the adjustible rear sway bar endlinks yet (available from So-cal and rpmoutlet), which will bring back the sway bar's effectiveness. I hope it will make a difference.

 

That's what I'm talking about - adjustable rear sway bar endlinks - I wonder if that's a necessity when putting the shackles on. I just hate to put something on quickly without doing everything else necessary. Thanks for all the input guys-

 

yes it is necessary to re-level the rear sway bar after the drop, or your rear end will sway more

 

While that may be true, I haven't had the problem with the rear swaying more.

 

my truck felt a little sloppier immidiately after i put on my 3" shackles, i haven't gotten aound to getting shorter endlinks.

 

I installed a Roush suspension kit (coils and leafs... kept my factory '03 Bilsteins), and also installed Beltech 2" drop shackles. The trucks sits perfectly level, or perhaps 1/4 of an inch higher in the rear which will drop when I put on the *******'s X2000 toneau. It handles like sports car. I can't believe how fast I can take 90 degree corners without it getting loose or pushing. This combination works!

Take a look at a pic of my L My gallery is listed under "timautry"

 

I agree with Tim, go for it. I installed the JLP 3" on my '03 and I love the look and nothing really sacraficed in performance. If anything I found a tighter feel to the rear suspension!

D-Day

 

I totally agree with D-Day. I've had my 4" shackles from JLP on for months now. I also felt the truck had a better ride and I didn't do anything with the sway bar end links. I just changed the shackles and flipped the shims and all was good with the world. Go for it.

 

I put the 2" belltec's on and had to take out the shims. Also, I just re-drilled the holes in the frame for the end links rather than spending money on adjustable ones..

 

Awesome responses from everyone. Looks like I will put the DJM shackles in and not worry about the sway bar unless I notice a huge difference. Thanks again-