Well, you have to remember I have an '04 so the 2" shackle is more like 1.3" to 1.5" drop (if that). That's why my pinion angle isn't that far off (even the sway bar isn't angled up too much). These damn 03/04's are freaking 4x4's in the rear

 

Yep, I realize that and I know my Hotchkis leafs give me a *true* 2-2.5 inch drop in the rear.

 

When I did my drop a while back, 3" Sport truck direct recommended 6 degree shims for 99-02 Lightnings. (front hangers and shackles) It was perfect, no vibration at all and I did notice that traction was significantly increased as well as axle hop.

Didn't know exactly why at the time but It was clear that It was the right thing to do.

TB

 

on a stock 2003-2004 what degree is the shims that are already on there?

 

My guess would be 2 degrees.

 

so let me get this straight.

If you add shims to get the ideal angle AND Leaf spring clamps, you will have better traction off the line.

 

To Tim again, sorry bout the previous post, I thought that is what you meant. Now for the axle wrap with the traction bars. When your susp compresses and extends, it changes your pinion angle, plus, you have alot of variables IE: bushing flex, traction bar flex, and the susp hopping around. Also, if the top of the pumpkin is solidly attached all it will do is make that point the fulcrum and pivot on the bottom while it is shimmying around ( I know, I use big words LOL). It isn't as dramatic as your GIF, but it will still do it. BTW, Kudos on the GIF, it showed exactly what I was describing.

 

SVT_2004 can you explain real quick how you removed the leafs once the assy., was taken off truck? Just looking to know what you did about the metal "clips" that wrap around the leafs.

Already emailed and replied in another post to you, can you please respond.

 

I asked this question to many and many and many, and no answeres, so i figured it out by doing it


The metal wrap pieces, i grinded the rivet off, and bent the the metal wrap off, its there to hold the leafs from moving, which my springs dont once its all clamped together.

So i grinded the rivet and bent the metal peieces off, only the 2 end ones, i left the middle ones in place.

You could always bent them back on, or take your leaf to a spring place and have them clamp the ones off you removed.

Hope this makes sense if not just ask me more, i ve been threw it all when it comes to the leafs hahah

 

sorry, after i removed those metal clamps, the leafs are all fairly lose, i took a hammer and a screw driver and tapped on the leaf i wanted removed, i kept doing it until they slid out, very easy to take out once those damn clamps are gone

 

being as i have a five leaf pack, i removed the second from the bottom leaf... just grinded off the two lower most metal clamps, (upper most clamps hold top three leafs) loosened the 15mm nut, seperated the pack, and tossed the leaf i wanted out...

clamped the remaining leafs back in a vice, and tightned the 15mm nut back up.

Not worried about replacing the clamps now, as once the big U-Bolts were reinstalled on the axle, there is no place for them to move anyway............................................ ...lets hope.

 

well you did the oppsite, i removed the 2 end ones, you removed the lower ones, either way whatever works

I havd the 5 leaf pack also, i removed the 2nd, and 3rd, from the bottom since just removing the 2nd one did nothing for me!

lotsa info in this thread, lots of good info!:santa:

 

i was going to also remove the 3rd leaf, but right now i have 2"
lowering shackles, and 24" wheels, so all i really wanted was an extra 1/4 or so... anymore and i be rubbing.

 

kris- if you want just a little drop remove the MIDDLE leaf, thast about all it gave me, .5 inch

 

Cool. Today ill have time to put the leaf assy., back on truck, and see what i got.. hopefully it will be good to go, and i wont have to remove it again.