Some-Guy Posted August 20, 2007 Share Posted August 20, 2007 I got this idea the other day to flip the shackle mount over to move the spring down to gain a few inches. I searched around to see if there was any info on this swap and there is but not a whole lot looks like most people buy a new bracket or use a spring hanger from an F350 to raise it even more. The average hight gain was apparently 4-6 inches I didn't get that much. I also didn't move the bracket down I just flipped it and reused the original mounting holes. I drilled them out to 19/32" first. I Just used grade 5 plated bolts should be more than enough for this setup. Heres the pics This is the 'original ride hight' The original shackle setup: The shackles are riveted to the frame. The easiest way to get them off I thought was to grind the heads off and then hammer them out. The brackets didn't come off after the heads were ground down and I couldnt hammer the rest of the rivet out either. So I grabbed the trusty air hammer and the bracket came off easy and I managed to shoot the rivets about 15 Feet out the side of the truck! I got em off then cleaned them up for reinstall. I also drilled the holes out too 19/32" on the brackets so there was lots of room to move the brackets around. The washers also easily cover this size hole. Got underneath wire brushed those spots on the frame and spray bombed them black too. Then mounted them back up you can do this without dropping the tank BUT be prepped to have a hell of a time getting the nuts and washers on the nut. Anyone walking by while I was reinstalling heard a few choice swears. Then my daughter walked up smacked me and sternly said DONT SAY THAT WORD DAD. Then walked back in the house Hilarious! The only problem with the shackle this way is when there is alot of flex the bolt holding the spring on interferes with the mount so I hacked it off. Looks good from the back and I gained about 2 3/4" which was less than I expected But I drove it around for abit and the ride is alot nicer with thisflip. Lemme Know what you guys think. Eventually I want to try and Move the mounts at both ends of the springs down 3 Inches each. Mount a plate up there or something havnt decided on a plan of attack yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v8wannabe2 Posted August 20, 2007 Share Posted August 20, 2007 Good job, I love those low cost / no cost improvements. What type of bolts are you using? Are they hardened steel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeatrpi Posted August 20, 2007 Share Posted August 20, 2007 Good work! Though, I can't imagine using an angle grinder without earmuffs! Do you have plans to lift the front a corresponding amount? BTW that's a real nice truck, love the two tone paint! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Some-Guy Posted August 20, 2007 Author Share Posted August 20, 2007 I used just regular 1/2 inch grade 5 plated bolts. I had ear buds in! I work in a loud environment I gota protect my ears. I want to raise the front eventualy but it has coil springs in so it will a hell of alot more work. Thats a project for a long weekend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v8wannabe2 Posted August 20, 2007 Share Posted August 20, 2007 Thanks Some-Guy, I'd seriously consider upgrading to a grade 8 at least. I hate to think of what might happen after a few years of bumping and banging under there. Just my 2 cents worth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
v8dats Posted August 20, 2007 Share Posted August 20, 2007 good job! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Some-Guy Posted August 20, 2007 Author Share Posted August 20, 2007 Theres no way that grade 5 bolts will fail there (well they shouldn't anyway). it takes about 14000 lbs per bolt to sheer them in that position. should be fine for years to come! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 I love ingenuity, especially when it doesn't cost a thing except for a little time and elbow grease. NICE! Thanks for posting that. Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Some-Guy Posted August 22, 2007 Author Share Posted August 22, 2007 So I have been driving it for a few days now and the ride is alot better with the shackles set up compression style. Its alot firmer makes for a better drive and burnouts hehehe. I also sold the canopy I never liked the way it looked anyway so that worked out good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillZ260 Posted August 23, 2007 Share Posted August 23, 2007 Nice, what are your options for the front? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Some-Guy Posted August 23, 2007 Author Share Posted August 23, 2007 I was reading that you can buy the F350 coil springs to raise it up for cheap or you can switch to leaf springs which is the way Iam going to go. Its alot more work but I think the product is alot better in the end. Basically Iam going to copy the rear setup in the front and all I should have to buy new is a drop pitman arm or modify myne at work. Then ill goto the scrap yard and cut the shackle mount and spring hangers of a similar year truck grab the the springs and I should be good to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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