Any lightning out there have a STOCK ride height EXCEPT for a 3" rear shackle???

 

This may not be exactly the answer you were looking for, but might help. As you know the '03 and 04's got a higher GVWR rating (over 6000). That change added about an inch to the ride height. So, putting a 3 inch shackle on a 2004 will make it sit just about where a two inch on a 1999 to 2002 would be. It will make the truck sit closer to level and give you what seems to be a very popular ride height. If you like the stock ride, you'll like the new height. If you don't like the ride, you can search under springs or e-mail me for details on my fix. I took one leaf out of my 2003 springs, which dropped the truck almost 2 inches and really improved the ride. It is free and works.

 

im looking to haev my truck sit level, i put the 2 inch shackles in and it still isnt level, and i dont really want to be changing my leaf springs because of the warrenty! I want to keep it close to stock! so, any have pics ??

ps- kerno thanks for the info i appreciate that!

 

I have the same problem 03', I even put a 4" shackle on it and the drop isn't very much. I have the Eibach 1" drop springs in the front and it looks pretty good, just wish I could get the back end to look the same. I'm going to use Kerno's recommendation this winter and take out a leaf, I don't see any other way to get the back end flat with front. I don't know if dropping a leaf will affect the warranty, maybe if you complained about tire wear or suspension component breakage??
Good luck will keep you posted when I get done.
Bryan

 

Mine has 3" shackles and stock front setup.

 

I cannot imagine any warranty issue whatsoever from removing a leaf, unless you went in complaining about ride height. Taking the leaf out of both sides is about a 2 hour job at home with a pair of jack stands and a decent socket set. You need one c-clamp to help clamp the pack together to get the through bolt back in, but other than that, it is not a difficult job. What's more, you can slip the leaf back in any time you want. Here are a couple more pointers. Removing the 2nd leaf (the one right below the leaf that actually attaches to the truck gives the best ride improvement. Removing the 3rd leaf makes the pack a little stiffer and is probably the best choice if you plan to tow. No matter which leaf or shackle you do, you need to trim the bump stops. Remove 'em and cut them so the rubber is about 3/4 of an inch thick. Oh, one other thing. You'll notice that most of the leaves have a plastic pad or disc on the end. It is there to ekiminate squeaking. They attach by pressing into a hole in the leaf. Quite a bit of plastic sticks through the leaf, so trimming the excess off the plastic on the end of the leaf you are taking out makes the job easier. I have seveal sets of springs and will be glad to let you try any of them, but removing a leaf is a lot easier than changing a spring. It takes removing 4 nuts off the u-bolts and one nut off the through bolt to pull a leaf. That's it. Again, you'll need a floor jack, two jackstands, a 1/2 drive ratchet with set of deep sockets, a pair of vise grips, a razor blade to trim the plastic end that sticks through the spring and a c-clamp. Just remember that the shim stays on the bottom of the spring pack with the thick end toward the rear of the truck. The head of the through bolt locates the axle, so be sure it drops into the hole on the spring perch. Any alignment shop should be able to do the job if you don't want to tackle it yourself.

 

coopersunc
those rims look badass on your truck! got any more pics?

 

Kerno wow, thanks for all that info, you are a GREAT help, and i love the idea tha tthe spring i remove can be put back in, thats what i like to hear


thanks again

 

Kerno,

if i remove one leaf spring will i have to lower the fronmt or will it sit level??? do u have pics or your ride?



coopersunc, where did you get your shackles from??

I have 22" wheels so i cant go to low, but i like the way your ride sits!

 

Coopersunc, what size tires are you running on your Halibrand rims? Do you know what the total weight of each wheel is (with the tire)?

Steve

 

Tires are 295-45-20 Pirelli Scorpions. I don't know weight of wheels, but you might check with Discount tire where they are sold. I guarantee that they are heavier than the stock rims, however. I'm very pleased with the tire and rim setup.

Shackles are from JLP and I'm sorry I won't have more pics for you at this time, 01svtL. Too durn busy. But will try to take some in the very near future.

BTW, the Halibrad rims are available in chrome finish, which I would think about, since maintainance is regular on the polished/powder-coated version I'm running. Chrome would look clean on a black, red or blue L IMO.