Questions? Drop Shackles for rear level?

boynton6spd · February 24, 2017

2016 4wd crew 6.0 gas

Thinking of going this route to save a few bucks, (and not mess with cv angles, ball joint failures etc...)

The whole key arguments are confusing and scary after buying a brand new truck...

The truck is already high enough for me! It's my first 4x4 so I'm new at this!

A few questions:

2" or 3" drop for level look?

Will 33" tires clear?

Thanks! This site is awesome!

Cowpie · February 25, 2017

I dropped my 2500 6.0 2" in the back using McGaughy's shackles. There is still some rake even with that. I can still throw some considerable weight in the back and it just becomes level. But that 2" drop (which is probably more at the rear bumper) made a considerable difference in my old joints getting in and out of the pickup bed. Best cheap mod I could have ever done to this pickup.

I replaced the stock 265/70R18 on mine with 275/70R18 BFG KO2's which are 33.2" diameter. No issues whatsoever.

ickyoldman · February 27, 2017

Not easy cutting/grinding the pinch weld at the top of the shackles. Lots of hot molton sparks come raining down. Other than that, it's easy.

Lakeside518 · July 19, 2017

Not easy cutting/grinding the pinch weld at the top of the shackles. Lots of hot molton sparks come raining down. Other than that, it's easy.

Does anyone have pics of this step of the install?

I purchased the drop shackles & debating installing or just taking to a shop. Make two cuts & fold over the seam? How far apart are the cuts?

Shall36 · July 19, 2017

While the old shackles are on, mark the area on the bed lip above the shackle. About one inch fore and aft of that center mark should be good. Make verticals cuts and if you are using a small cutoff wheel, cut horizontally about a 1/4" below the bed. I tried folding it over at first but that was not working out so well and you need to be careful not to deform the topside of the bed. It's a relatively easy install and it's much easier if you have a 90* cutoff wheel.

I had a vibration at low speed when towing my TT. I put in 2* shims and that took care of most of the issue. McGaughy's sells a 2.5* shim, too. I may try that to see if it cures all of the vibrations.

I would recommend measuring the driveshaft angles prior to install so you have a baseline measure to work with. Then you can buy the right shims to bring things back to standard. You may never notice the vibration even without the shims...won't know until you try.

ickyoldman · July 21, 2017

Does anyone have pics of this step of the install?

I purchased the drop shackles & debating installing or just taking to a shop. Make two cuts & fold over the seam? How far apart are the cuts?

about 3 inches apart, centered over the pivot bolt, use a hammer and heavy bar of some sort to pound the sliced area over