Bell Tech leveling shackles throws driveshaft out of alignment???
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Bell Tech leveling shackles throws driveshaft out of alignment???
A few weeks ago I purchased and installed a set of Bell tech 2 & 3" leveling shackles. After installation, I noticed a definate vibration in the whole truck from 25-45 MPH. So much so that it made the change rattle in the ashtray.
I removed them and got a set of another Mfg, 2" leveling shackles, installed them and the same thing happened, but not as bad, but you could feel in , and the pocket change still rattled in the ashtray. I also returned that set.
My 2WD truck sits so high in the back it looks ridiclious, I can see completly over the top of the tire, to the other side of the truck.
Has anyone else had this problem, I suspect it is throwing the rear end to driveshaft angle out of alignment. Can this be corrected by loosening the U-bolts on the springs, and jacking the pinion area up, with a bottle jack???
I know someone will say 3 degree shims, but how are they installed??
I've heard slide them in, and I've been told by the Bell Tech people, un assemble the leaf springs, installa linger bolt and put the shim on the bottom
of the leaf, (I DON'T THINK SO)
If you look at the gallery photos, the 2" leveling shackles were in at that time.
Thanks in advance
jeff
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...ry.cfm?gnum=75
I removed them and got a set of another Mfg, 2" leveling shackles, installed them and the same thing happened, but not as bad, but you could feel in , and the pocket change still rattled in the ashtray. I also returned that set.
My 2WD truck sits so high in the back it looks ridiclious, I can see completly over the top of the tire, to the other side of the truck.
Has anyone else had this problem, I suspect it is throwing the rear end to driveshaft angle out of alignment. Can this be corrected by loosening the U-bolts on the springs, and jacking the pinion area up, with a bottle jack???
I know someone will say 3 degree shims, but how are they installed??
I've heard slide them in, and I've been told by the Bell Tech people, un assemble the leaf springs, installa linger bolt and put the shim on the bottom
of the leaf, (I DON'T THINK SO)
If you look at the gallery photos, the 2" leveling shackles were in at that time.
Thanks in advance
jeff
https://www.f150online.com/galleries...ry.cfm?gnum=75
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,823
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From: Houston, TX
I have the GroundForce drop shackles on my truck, which come with the required pinion shims already in the kit. I installed my shims when I installed my shackles and have had no vibration problems whatsoever!
I would not install a kit that did not come with the shims, and cannot understand why some manufacturer's offer their kits without them! It only takes an additional 15-20 minutes to install the shims once you've got the backend apart with the shackle install, so it makes no sense not to include them as part of the kit!
Look in my gallery in the "Modifications" album for a shot of the shims as they are installed on my truck. I also have a series of photos that I took during my shackle install to document the process -- if you'd like to see them, just drop me an e-mail and I send them along to you.....
I would not install a kit that did not come with the shims, and cannot understand why some manufacturer's offer their kits without them! It only takes an additional 15-20 minutes to install the shims once you've got the backend apart with the shackle install, so it makes no sense not to include them as part of the kit!
Look in my gallery in the "Modifications" album for a shot of the shims as they are installed on my truck. I also have a series of photos that I took during my shackle install to document the process -- if you'd like to see them, just drop me an e-mail and I send them along to you.....
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 20
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From: Pa
I just installed belltech's 3/4 drop on my truck. My kit came with the shim. After test drive everything felt good. If you would like me to scan my installation directions it shows how the shim is installed. just let me know
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 365
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From: Rain Pit, Oregon
Good God Man what are you saying?
This "vibration issue" scares the hell out of me! I am getting ready to do 2/4 drop soon. Does anyone know what degree the shims should be so I can find some before it's, well before it's too late?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 365
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From: Rain Pit, Oregon
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: off the path in Louisiana
don't do the 2/4. it's just going to leave you wanting more when it's done. if anything go with the 3/4 drop or the extreme 5/7 kit from belltech. i wish i would have gone with the 5/7 kit, but i'm not used to driving a lowered truck (my 1992 f250 has a total of 9 inches lift) and i've got a few scrapes from curbs.