Lowering Shackles but with towing/hauling?

[JeepTherapy]

I've read here about the 2" rear lowering shackles & would like to do something like that. The problem is, there are occasions where I really need to use my truck too. (2005 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended cab 2wd)

 

The loads I need to carry are one or two 400# motorcycles, or one 800# motorcycle - only occasionally. Also, I tow on occasion, but am flat-towing with no tongue weight - I'd imagine the motorcycle hauling would be worse.

 

What's the best way to accomplish this without being nose-high when I have a bike in the back? Are there air bags for lowered trucks?

 

If it's too expensive or too much of a hassle, I'll just leave it factory.

 

And what about rear shocks when the lowering shackles are on - what do you use?

 

Thanks all.

[Larry07]

air shocks.

[smokindenali]

Agree with Larry07. Airbags would be a great option for this.

 

Check out http://airride.com/index.asp

[JeepTherapy]

Air shocks or air bags? I didn't think the shock mounting points were up to the extra stress.

 

I've done the airbag thing before & was generally pretty happy.

 

But I don't see any applications for 2" lowered trucks, let alone any 05's.

 

Has anybody done this before?

 

 

Agree with Larry07. Airbags would be a great option for this.

 

Check out http://airride.com/index.asp

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

[JeepTherapy]

BTT

 

I know someone on this board has to have done this before - is it do-able, or am I asking for trouble?

[Stylin]

I've read here about the 2" rear lowering shackles & would like to do something like that. The problem is, there are occasions where I really need to use my truck too. (2005 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended cab 2wd)

 

The loads I need to carry are one or two 400# motorcycles, or one 800# motorcycle - only occasionally. Also, I tow on occasion, but am flat-towing with no tongue weight - I'd imagine the motorcycle hauling would be worse.

 

What's the best way to accomplish this without being nose-high when I have a bike in the back? Are there air bags for lowered trucks?

 

If it's too expensive or too much of a hassle, I'll just leave it factory.

 

And what about rear shocks when the lowering shackles are on - what do you use?

 

Thanks all.

 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

[Stylin]

This is very easy. You can use a 2" drop shackle and run stock stocks as is or you could use an shock extended but it is not needed for a 2" drop. Air bags are not a problem to add and they will work with the 2" drop no problem. I would recomend getting the double convaluted bags from airlift. They will take being off center more than the tapered bag type. I would install the shackle first and se how your truck handles the load first. you may not need to add the air bags.

mike

[SactoGMCSierra]

My 1500 Sierra 2wd Ext Cab was stock height and I installed the 20" 2007 Yukon wheels.

 

I also installed Belltech 2" shackles, part number 6400 to level it out in the rear.

 

I pulled a trailer last weekend that weighed about 2K lbs. and noticed some slight driveline vibration when accelerating from a stop. I'll be installing some driveline pinion shims. Just not sure if I should go with the 1 or 2 degree shims.

 

Also, looking to replace the stock shocks on my trucks that have 56K miles on them.