Rear Shackle Flip???

[Tardog]

Has any one else heard of this Shackle Flip or have done it? Are there any advantages or disadvantages. Here is a picture of the set up.

 

[bmoeller]

Personally, I'd prefer the Add-a-leaf or the shackle flip, vs. longer shackles. (This is relation to the other thread you posted in. )

 

[steveinaz]

i like this from the stand point that you get to keep a factory spring in place. The drawback to this type of lift is it alters the pinion angle and the relation to the transfer case. Driveshaft vibrations could start. After you install the flip kit you should adjust the pinion angle back to an acceptable angle.

Just my . 02 worth. SteveinAZ

 

[Tardog]

I to am looking to keep the original spring rate without (if that is possible) putting in larger blocks (ugh) or completely different spring packs. And I argree that the pinion angle must be checked

 

[FTwardoch]

Has any one else heard of this Shackle Flip or have done it? Are there any advantages or disadvantages. Here is a picture of the set up.

That has been done many many times with great success by guys over on www.coloradok5.com - it's produced for full size Chevy's by www.offroaddesign.com - owner Stephen Watson is a great guy and finished 2nd in TTC a couple of years back. ONLY issue is there has been much discussion about TOWING squirrelyness (is that a word? ) with the shackle flips... ... ... ... ... ... so might want to hit CK5 and read up, or even better yet call Stephen yourself and ask him.



Stacking blocks is not a great alternative, if anything I'd get ONE piece blocks in the size you want or get lift springs (if anyone makes them for our trucks). I've done two of the above - blocks (spring wrap and not as safe on cornering), spring lift (great but rode stiffer). If you tow a lot please call Off Road Design (located in Colorado).

 

[Billy Diesel]

I did that on the '66 that I had. I used the front mounts off the rear of a suburban, because everyone said to use them, but I still had to modify them to fit. I never had a problem with u-joints, but that's not to say that anyone else doing this mod won't..... I don't remember how much lift I netted, but it was enough to get rid of the 4" blocks and then some.

 

[pwerwagn]

Tardog, I just noticed this thread. Sorry.

the shackle flip pic you posted is from Shaggys 4x4. Bill Cooke knows his stuff. he specialized (I say in past tense because he is now doing it on a "special order" basis only) in dodge stuff, but only 72-93.

Shackle flips have some advantages and dis-advantages.

First, you can get better ride quality with a shackle flip if it is designed correctly. Compression shackles will usually allow more spring travel than tension type shackles. you can usually get about 3" from just flipping them. I have two trucks with the flipped shackle setup. one is a 74 and the other is a 77. They both change the truck dramatically. Both hook up better on the street and dirt. Both articulate much better, and there is less axle wrap (shorter blocks). One has both the 3" flip (from shaggys) and 4" springs. the other is just 3" flip (I made it).

I have towed pretty heavy with the 74. Well, as heavy as you wanna tow with a small block and 40" tires (7,000lb trailer). It towed perfectly fine (again, as good as 40" swampers will allow).

If you are still interested in this and want more info, I will post more.

--Jeff

 

[bpenrod]

Read the article in the link above and it looks like the older style C channel frame. Do they make a kit that will work with the boxed hydro-formed frame?

 

[pwerwagn]

Shaggys/ORE actually only makes kits for the 72-93 dodges. not even the non-hydroformed rams from 94-02.

Its easy to make yourself, though.

 

[KHelfrich]

the new rams 03 up have come stock with the shackle fliped



ken