i have a 2wd f-150, the rear end sits higher than the front.... i want to level the rear end with the front.... could i take a leaf spring out or will this cause future problems... any input will be appreciated

 

You can buy a set of shackles to drop the rear 2", which levels the truck nicely. You keep your stock springs. The 'shackle' is the hanger that connects the rear of the leaf spring to the frame.

I found mine in stock at a local speed shop. It is a do it yourself job, and cost around $70.

 

hey dave, did you have to use any shims ? I just got my shackles mail order to the door for $36 and change.

 

I used Belltech 2" drop shackles for a total price of $50 and I did not use any shims. I did this about a year ago and have had no problems at all!!

-Brian

 

Mine are also Belltech - I did not shop around for price, just paid retail when I walked in off the street.

No shims for me. No problems with vibration or anything else. They have been on since July, 2000. I'll guess I have about 50,000 miles with the 2" rear drop.

 

thanx for the replies fellaz.... i looked in the summit magazine and there is a DJM universal lowering block.... will this work for lowering the rear? im checking out the belltech stuff right now... again, thanx for the replies, this is by far the most reliable place to get info on my truck

 

I can only vouch for Belltech since I have only used it. I bought it from one of the suporting vendors on this site. I can't recall his name but he will be the vendor from Texas. I met him in person to avoid shipping costs. They were $50 even. Hope this helps.


EDIT: Belltech Shackles


-Brian

 

where did you find your shackles?

 

I'm almost positive that this won't work on your truck. As was already mentioned, lowering shackles are probably the least expensive and easy to install alternative for lowering the rear of your truck. I have a set of DJM 2" lowering shackles on my Screw (and unlike a couple others here, a set of 2 degree pinion shims). The only real difference I've found in shackles by different vendors is the price (i.e. quality seems to be really good across the board). The DJM's I have were around $30 / $40 bucks and the Belltech's I looked at were a little more. One thing to remember though about 2" drop shackles, is that you will not get a full 2" drop from them. The realistic drop you should expect will be more like 1.5". Good luck.

 

http://www.billetgrills.com/

 

Lowering blocks will not work on your full sized truck. You need a pair of lowering shackles.

 

Did any of you guys replace your stock shocks after you install the shackles, or did the stock ride alright?

 

I replaced my shocks before adding the shackles. The stock shocks are really cheap on these Ford trucks. A modern, sophisticated shock is a huge improvement even if the stockers are brand new. Better shocks (such as Edelbrock IAS) respond better to potholes and sharp bumps, so you get a plush ride, but they are more resistant to slow shock shaft movements like during cornering, so they dramatically reduce body roll. Basically, good shocks are soft when you want them soft and firm when you want them firm.

For only a 2" drop, you can use replacement shocks designed for stock ride height. Some makers offer different shock lengths if you are dropping 4".

 

I'm looking to purchase shackles to lower my truck 2-3".
Can you provide info on where you purchased yours?
TIA

 

Libom:

about how long did it take for you to recieve your shackles from this place? i am just wondering, i ordered mine 2 weeks ago and havent gotten them yet. i have been emailing them and they haven't responded back yet.

thanks.