I have been reading up on the two and get conflicting reports on both, so a few questions:

1. Are 2" drop shackles enough to level out the rear of my 2002 L or do I need to go 3"? Who has the best quality shackle for the money?

2. I have been looking at Gadgetsellers A/F ratio gauges and the A pillar 2 pod mount. For a 2002, built 1/16/02, does Lo Tek or Autometer make better A pillar pods? I'm leaning toward Lo Tek, but they sell the '97 - 2002 model and the 2002.5 model, which model would I buy for my truck? Is there a way to tell the mid year change in A pillars apart?

I appreciate everyone's opinion on the subject.

 

The mid year break in the A-piller can be ID'ed by the style of handle. The early (older) '02s have a rounded handle with paddle ends - like the trucks of previous years. In mid 02, Ford changed to a squared off looking handle that, I believe, is recessed into the A-pillar trim a bit. Mine had the older style handle and was built after yours so yours should be a pre-mid year.

As far as the pod itself goes - I used the painted Lotek triple pod and have been pleased. It seems that the attention to installation detail is the most critical part - Autometer and Lotek have there problems with fit. It all in how you massage it.

Good luck,
Herb

 

As far as the drop shackles 2" shackles should give you the drop you are looking for, as the big lift in the reas suspension happened in the 03 model year.

Like herb said, either pod should work for you. Just make sure you pay attention to how you install them.

As for the air fuel guage you mentioned, I have never heard of it.

I have the Dynojet wide band comander in my truck, and I am verry happy with it. You may want to check it out.

http://www.widebandcommander.com/

 

Yes the 2" shackles do level out the 02 but not the 03 by itself. Here's what the 2" shackles looks like on an 02, mine are from JDM.

 

I used the BellTech 6400 (2-inch) shackles on my '01 and they leveled it out just fine. The Gadgetseller calibrated Autometer A/F gauge works great and mirrors the same A/F readings I get when the truck is on the dyno. The backlight used in the Autometer Lunar series gauges are the closest thing I've found to matching the factory gauge pod lights.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

Herb, my A pillar has the paddle ends, so I take it that mine has the early model A pillar cover. Did they even restyle the actual A pillar or just the cover?

Don, the A/F gauge is just a modified phantom autometer gauge that only lights up at full throttle http://gadgetseller.com . That is the only time I would like to know the A/F rate. The wideband is the best, but is also hundreds more, future purchase possibility. Two teenage boys are taking their fair share of funds now.

Red, thanks for the picture. I'll go with the 2" shackles.

 

dont' know if you are interested but i have a dual guage A pillar pod for your truck if you are interested. It's made by Autometer. I will GUARENTEE that it fits PERFECT or i will refund your money and pay the shipping for you to return it. I had it in my 01' for a total of 3 months before i sold it to get an 03' Harley Davidson....which wouldn't fit. If you are interested, send me an email to justin_b_hart@hotmail.com.

justin

 

if your interested i've got a week old pair of djm 2" drop shackles for sale. $35 shipped through paypal.

later
chiz

 

i will take those drop shackles
for sure!

email me

t_gennings@hotmail.com

 

I'm not sure if they retooled the metal A pillar itself, but I would doubt it. I have not looked into the installation of the newer style for comparison, but installing the early 02 version requires drilling two small holes into the A pillar metal to secure the pod. The original handle simply screws into a pair of threaded nut-serts crimped into the pillar. One of these abondoned holes can then be used to ground your gauges.

I got my installation inspiration from Tim's site:

http://www.timskelton.com/lightning/.../gauge_pod.htm

Tim has an excellent site with TONS of great and useful info. Definate must read stuff!

One tip on the Lotek, if you go that route...The mounting screws provided are fairly large wood screws designed to set into a countersunk recess. The head of the screw was still above the surface of the pillar cover and looked bad. I took a countersink bit (by hand- NOT IN A DRILL) and twisted it in the countersunk holes in the pod material to slightly widen the diameter at the top of the hole and slightly deepen the counterbore. By the way, the hole diameter at the base of the counter bore will increase a bit by doing this. With the wider and deeper countersink holes, the screws go down flush and the look is greatly improved.

Good luck,
Herb

 

I threw some Velcro strips on my Autometer triple pod. Looks fine and does not move unless I want it to. Couldn't bring myself to start drilling holes in my truck.

 

Great Information guys. The information will help out on the order and install of the new parts.

54Triton, I'll shoot you an e-mail, thanks for the offer.

Criz, I would take the drop shackles but Ontario seems to have beaten me to it.

Runvs, I'll try velcro first before drilling.

Herb, good idea with the countersink bit. I'll keep it in mind.

 

carolina L- it was ur post, so u are entitled to the shackles, but if u dont want them i will definatly take them!

 

I appreciate it Ontario, but I have already ordered a set from http://www.stylinconcepts.com/part.c...=30&lc=pfpartt . The shackles are all yours.

54Triton, I sent you an email, awaiting your reply. I'm off from work this week and would like to get as much done as possible, hook a brother up.