2" Shackle install....

05_GMC_SLT · June 12, 2006

Ok so I go the 2" Bellteck drop shackles this weekend, got under my truck to start the install and got a little overwhelmed and gave up. Partly because it was like 95 degrees outside with 80% humidity but also because I don't know where to jack up the rear, were to place the jack stands, and how to get the bolts out of the stock shackles because it looks like the head of the bolt wont clear the frame. Am I overreacting? Should I have a pro do this?

team3-8 · June 12, 2006

I'm going to be doing the same thing on my 03. I took of the trailer hitch and now it looks like all shackle bolts will clear.

smooth68 · June 13, 2006

Dude...it's not that big of deal. I did mine yesterday in about 1-2 hours. I jacked up the truck where the wheels were about 3 inches off the ground and placed jack stands under the frame about where the front of the bed starts. Then just lower the tires back on the ground and unbolt everything. The only extra thing I had to do was to drop the tow hitch down - 8 bolts and its down.

Don't give up - its an easy mod.

mkp211 · June 13, 2006

Don't fret yet, it's easy, use the tow hitch as a jack point, I used a 4x4 piece of wood under a jack to support it. I gutted out the stock shocks (not necessary), remove 7 of the 8 tow hitch bolts (this allows enough play to move the hitch around when the truck is lowered down again), then removed the old shackles. Replace with new shackles and stocks (if desired) tighten up the tow hitch and be on your way. I had to lower and raise the truck slightly several times when I was putting the shackles in because I didn't want to take the tow hitch out completely (i'm lazy) anyways I'll put up some pics soon, it turned out pretty good. I had to cut off about an inch from the bump stops because of the bouncing, but all in all, well worth it. Total work time: 1 hour 40 minutes.

05_GMC_SLT · June 13, 2006

Alright, I will give it another shot, This weekend is not supposed to be as hot as last weekend. I will take pics of the process for future pessimists out there.

smooth68, got any pics after install?

Thanks all!

smooth68 · June 13, 2006

Alright, I will give it another shot, This weekend is not supposed to be as hot as last weekend. I will take pics of the process for future pessimists out there.

smooth68, got any pics after install?

Thanks all!

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I'll try and get some posted up soon

mkp211 · June 17, 2006

2 hours of blood, sweat, tears & beers:

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05_GMC_SLT · June 18, 2006

2 hours of blood, sweat, tears & beers:

Looks good! Thats what I am going for!

babb · June 18, 2006

2 hours of blood, sweat, tears & beers:

Looks good! Thats what I am going for!

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mkp 211.......what kinda of bed cover is that?

mkp211 · June 20, 2006

Honestly I can't remember, I got it put it on the same place that did my Rhino lining, I'll have to call them and ask. I love it though, water tight, locks every 12 inches as needed, and it has that low profile look that I'm going for. It was pricey though, about $1550 with installation.

ILuvJDM · July 7, 2006

Honestly I can't remember, I got it put it on the same place that did my Rhino lining, I'll have to call them and ask. I love it though, water tight, locks every 12 inches as needed, and it has that low profile look that I'm going for. It was pricey though, about $1550 with installation.

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looks like the "Roll N' Lock", I've got the same thing, and I love it-expensive though, but it came already on the truck

Dragon Slayer · November 29, 2006

Dude...it's not that big of deal. I did mine yesterday in about 1-2 hours. I jacked up the truck where the wheels were about 3 inches off the ground and placed jack stands under the frame about where the front of the bed starts. Then just lower the tires back on the ground and unbolt everything. The only extra thing I had to do was to drop the tow hitch down - 8 bolts and its down.

Don't give up - its an easy mod.

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with lowering it 2" in the rear are you still able to use the hitch???

Wingnut · November 29, 2006

Dude...it's not that big of deal. I did mine yesterday in about 1-2 hours. I jacked up the truck where the wheels were about 3 inches off the ground and placed jack stands under the frame about where the front of the bed starts. Then just lower the tires back on the ground and unbolt everything. The only extra thing I had to do was to drop the tow hitch down - 8 bolts and its down.

Don't give up - its an easy mod.

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with lowering it 2" in the rear are you still able to use the hitch???

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Yup. I've done it (not on this truck).