Any clue if just changing the rear shackle will change the driveshaft angle enough to be a small problem ( U joint wear or anything else) To those that have done it, has it changed the dampening effect of the shocks? I like the way it rides and handles as is but I also like the way it looked the few times I had enough weight in it to make it sit level. Any input? Thanks !
Tom

 

Hey, that's a good question.....
It seems to me that as long as you are within the total range that is allowed from full jounce to full rebound there should be no problems. These trucks are designed to run at those extemes (more so at full jounce for towing)
so I can't believe that there would be a vibration or premature wear problem.

The only thing that I see that would change would be the towing/hauling capacities.

I am not sure about the shocks as far as ride is concerned except to say that there shouldn't be a physical problem with shock travel.

I'll have to ask around at work to verify.... It's got my curiosity now that I ordered the AIM schakles.
I hope to see some more input here about it!!

------------------
99 Lightning, Black, CD
changer, Downey SST tonneau, Class 3 hitch, Ford bed mat, tinted back window,clear headlight/ foglight lenses, Pioneer speakers, Airaid airbox, clear corner lenses (thanks Roger L!) Autometer boost gauge. On tap: AIM drop shackles, MTX loaded sub box, Bassani headers. Chip?
DOB: 4-28-99, ordered 12-27-98
Build #694
My one really cool toy..
(except my Mercury Parklane "hobby")

SVT RULES THE ROAD!!!!!

 

If the truck is carrying anywhere near its rated 800 lb payload it gets a "drop" anyway, and must be designed from day one to operate properly in this circumstance. So... no way the different u-angle with the drop is going to hurt, within reason. Of course, now that I recall, once I hauled 3200 lbs of gravel in my '75 F250 (with major camper spring helpers), and I took it a mite easy on that one 'cause the truck looked like it was goin' uphill when it was goin' downhill... now -there's- some angle!

-tvw

 

When I had my 454SS (YUCKO!...but at the time it was nice).....I put a set of drop shackles on it and included with the kit was a pinion shim adjustment kit that would bolt up on the bottom axle pad where the J-bolts connect to on the leaf springs. It effectively angled the pinion with respect to the lower rear height.

Paul G.

 

I did a 1 7/8" drop by building my own shackles from factory F-150 stock shackles. Drive Shaft angle is now 4 degrees. Did this to keep just a little rake not much but still noticeable. My neighbor insisted on the rake. I hope this helps in your search for input.