SULASTIC SHACKLES REVIEW

DENALIHD66 · October 4, 2017

Wasn't able to take any pictures yet, but just wanted to post my impressions after getting the Sulastic Shackles installed. For those of you wondering what they are, here is the product link:

http://www.sulastic.com/truck-shackle-suspension-sa-04

So basically, they add an extra spring mechanism by replacing the OEM bushing that holds the frame to the leaf spring pack at the rear of the truck. By adding the additional spring movement, the leaf spring is no longer the only thing providing the suspension flex in the rear axle. They help with going over bumps, towing, hauling, and eliminating the harshness that leaf springs are known for. They also help to eliminate when going over bumps when the rear axle hops or sidesteps in turns.

I noticed them on my truck immediately. Everything as advertised is 100% correct. It still rides like a truck of course, but potholes, large bumps, anything that before would cause a good amount of jolt into the cab and the seat has been greatly reduced. The rear end no longer hops around when unloaded and going over bumps, especially when cornering. Over small bumps there really is no difference, so upgrading to better shocks will be my next step. But when it comes to being thrown or jarred around in the cab when you hit uneven pavement or a big hole, there is a gigantic difference.

I took measurements before and after to see if there would be any change in ride height, and amazingly there was. The rear end measured 1/2" higher than stock at the middle of the wheel well fender. For those of you running leveled trucks and want to get back some rake or towing/hauling height, then this is a much recommended addition as opposed to going with 2" blocks. Might not give you as much height as what you are looking for, but the ride improvement is worth it.

I tested them out off road (mildish) tonight, and they shine there as well. Since the axle now has more suspension flex, the axle moves with the terrain, and doesn't transfer that movement as much into the cab.

I'm glad I didn't try to install them myself... my local master mechanic spent 3 hours installing them. Said he had to remove the rear trailer hitch and unbolt 4 of the bolts holding the bed down just to raise the bed high enough to get at the bolts secured to the frame. Not a design issue of the Sulastic, but more a limitation of the factory design which is not engineered for anything to be upgraded later on.

I can post pictures later and answer any other questions you guys have. Maybe I can finally splurge for a GoPro that I want and make a video showing it in action as well.

tyke · October 4, 2017

Seen these before and I'm on the fence for them. I'm worried about their reliability.

Chevyguy85 · October 4, 2017

A youtuber I watch had them installed on his F450, and then I think his F350, and maybe he'll put them on his F450? Anyway they looked interesting and seemed to noticeably help. I'm just cheap and the $350 or so for them has me hesitant to buy. I think they were $350 for a 3500HD anyway.

DENALIHD66 · October 4, 2017

$430 shipped. And 3 hours of install labor. Time will tell how long they will hold up. Brochure said with normal use, roughly 5 years. I'm guessing the bushing is the part that goes, I wonder if the ride starts to get loose if they wear out.

sdeeter19555 · October 5, 2017

If they are like the old BFG velvet rides, they will just lose their lift (i.e., collapse). Life span has a lot of variables, hauling frequency being one of the most prominent.

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BullShark. · October 5, 2017

Hello,

Did the Shackles help on expansion joints . My truck seems so tight and hits expansion joints hard and is jarring. It does the same thing over where the road is pushed up from whatever and has a two inch ripple.

Eddie 70 · October 5, 2017

$399 is what I was seeing. You can add on 1.5" lowering if you want for an additional $69.

DENALIHD66 · October 5, 2017

Hello,

Did the Shackles help on expansion joints . My truck seems so tight and hits expansion joints hard and is jarring. It does the same thing over where the road is pushed up from whatever and has a two inch ripple.

Yes for sure. Before it would hop or sidestep even when going highway speeds, now it just flexes and handles them easily.

$399 is what I was seeing. You can add on 1.5" lowering if you want for an additional $69.

$399 plus shipping. I had them two days later.

BullShark. · October 5, 2017

Would you tell us how you found out about Sulastic’s please?

L86 All Terrain · October 5, 2017

If it cures or minimizes Chevy Shake, let a guy know would ya?

BullShark. · October 5, 2017

I was able to get rid of the Chevy shake after the third set of tires. I put Michelin Premier LTX on after the original Goodyear Eagles , then Michelin LTX ms2,. I now have a very smooth ride at 80 mph as long as the road is smooth.

Now, the second problem is still there, which is a harsh bump,bang, or whatever you want to call it when hitting expansion joints and road imperfections. I am strongly contemplating the Sulastic product. It gives me a glimmer of hope the truck can provide a less harsh bump. My old back can’t take it . Traded a 2014 that had a very cushy ride. Don’t get it.

L86 All Terrain · October 5, 2017

^^^ If you are running 20-22" wheels, that is probably where the issue is. My 2010 was night and day nicer with 18's. I put a heavy 33x12.5 on these 20" wheels and that seems to have helped a bit over the Passenger car stock tires. No sidewall = rough bumps.

Chevyguy85 · October 6, 2017

https://www.youtube.com/user/CorpusChristiGuy/search?query=sulastic+shackles Couple of videos with the guy I mentioned in my last post. He seems to like them a lot.

DENALIHD66 · October 8, 2017

Would you tell us how you found out about Sulastic’s please?

Can't recall actually. Maybe on the Silverado/Sierra forums?

If it cures or minimizes Chevy Shake, let a guy know would ya?

There is no one issue that causes this. Mine was a result of a bad torque converter. It felt like running over rumble strips with light throttle input going mid to highway speeds.

^^^ If you are running 20-22" wheels, that is probably where the issue is. My 2010 was night and day nicer with 18's. I put a heavy 33x12.5 on these 20" wheels and that seems to have helped a bit over the Passenger car stock tires. No sidewall = rough bumps.

Wheel size definitely plays into it. I drove a 2016 Denali 1500 that had 22's and the magnetic suspension, and it actually rode way better than my 2015 Sierra with 20's on it. Mine has the Max Trailering Package so I expect that to be the reason it is a bit firmer. I have driven a couple loaners that each had 18's with oem "Rancho" shocks and the ride was much softer.

sdeeter19555 · October 9, 2017

Sulastics have been around for at least ten years or more, maybe closer to 20 now as they were available for my 99 Dodge...they came out to compete with, and ultimately replace, the BFG Velvet-Rides that were discontinued. I don't doubt the quality of their product, but do expect them the have a finite life.

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