Drop Shackles

jrrod2004 · January 24, 2008

I actually did the install of these drop shackles back on 01-13-2008 (My birthday) and even though I know most of you all have done this (some more than others), it was my first time really tinkering with the suspension. Anyway, here are the pics that I took:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/fb77078f.jpg

Original Stance

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/cb39aa0b.jpg

Modified Stance

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/3e0be81c.jpg

Original Wheel Well

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/3ca159b9.jpg

Modified Wheel Well

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/33298a33.jpg

3/4 View

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/7244d093.jpg

Had to remove spare tire and hitch (Had to remove the spare tire in order to remove the hitch)

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/094cb790.jpg

OEM Drop Shackle from the rear facing forward

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/fb22a66e.jpg

Leaf Spring Disconnected (Rear Facing Forward)

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/43ddb407.jpg

Another Pic of the leaf spring disconnected (Rear Facing Forward)

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/3054b22e.jpg

The minimum clearance in order to remove the top bolt

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/1e4f063f.jpg

The minimum clearance in order to remove the top bolt (wider shot)

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/1a24d43a.jpg

The minimum clearance in order to remove the top bolt (widest shot)

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/85186587.jpg

2" Drop Shackle being installed (Facing Rear)

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/f9232c38.jpg

2" Drop Shackle being installed (Facing Front)

Comparison of the two:

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/9699fc05.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/aba6b0ae.jpg

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff89/jr...os/573676e2.jpg

Total time to install was approx 1 hour and 55 minutes due to the spare tire and hitch having to be removed. After disconnecting the leaf spring completely, it was simply a matter of getting a hammer and a wooden block to tap the new drop shackle into position. I took someone's advise and did not tighten the bolts until the truck was fully dropped (to keep it from binding). Now she takes corners better and I can really feel the difference (coupled with the loss of the spare and hitch). Thanks to all for the suggestions and tips on how to get this done the right way and safely. By the way, I broke my d**n torque wrench in the process and had to buy a new one to complete the job....that sucked.

tobias · January 24, 2008

Looks much better leveled, much better.

Daddy

jrrod2004 · January 24, 2008

Thanks Daddy

y2kz71 · January 24, 2008

Nice write up, looks great.

Are you gonna put your hitch and spare back in?

The hitch doesnt need to be removed. I allways just remove the frame bolts, then just loosen the 2 bolts at the bumper till it pivots down enough to clear the lower shackle bolts......found this out after doing installs a few times.

three twos · January 24, 2008

Looks good. Nice job.

Where did you get the parts for the fender/wheel interior lining modification? What is the part number? I like that and would like to do that to my 06 truck. I have only seen the parts for the 07-08 from GM Accessories.

jrrod2004 · January 24, 2008

Hey mark, I have not done anything to my wheel wells, those are still stock (I keep em clean as possible though) - Rich (MS3DALE) may be able to help you out though...(he is the one with access to all the part numbers)

Bostonsfavson · January 24, 2008

Looks good Mike!

three twos · January 25, 2008

Hey Mike,

Thanks for your reply. I figured it out after reading your post. Due to the difference in the camera anlge in relationship to the wheel well between the two pictures, it looked liked you had added a wheel well liner.

Thanks for clairifying it for me.

Still looks good! Now only if I could find a set of wheel well liners.

jrrod2004 · January 25, 2008

PM Rich (MS3DALE), he has access to most (if not all) GM Part numbers and things GM

jrrod2004 · January 25, 2008

and by the way, I stuffed this into the wiki for future reference (Gotta do my job)

LF Motorsports · January 25, 2008

Hey, I gotta ask. How much did you pay for the shackles? A local dealer (who gave me a deal on a cover) said $150-$175 for a pair. I thought I read somewhere they were under $75 bucks but that could have been apiece. Which is stupid IMO because you would not buy 1 unless something broke.

Want to level my '08 NBS Silvy and wonder what the cost will be.

Lance

jrrod2004 · January 25, 2008

This is from the Summit Racing Website (My truck specific) :

Part # Item Box Status Price Qty Price

BEL-6400 SHACKLE KIT RR GM PU 2IN DROP A Shipped on 01/02/08 $47.95 1 $47.95

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Final price total may vary on foreign orders, items shipped directly from the manufacturer, hazardous materials, or in other special circumstances—call Customer Service at 1-800-517-1035 if you have any questions.

Parts Total: $47.95

Handling Charge: $10.95

Total Charges: $58.90

and by the way, I actually wrote up the install as I did it step by step about 45 mins ago (updated the article in the Wiki)

jrrod2004 · January 25, 2008

Next is the jump seat (That sucker is going as soon as I can find the correct color console to replace it) and when I make the swap on the jump seat, I am gonna write it up too and post it...........