Shackles/hangers, not to sure what you call em

Im looking at One Up traction bar/block for the rear and 3" shackle extensions up front. Anyone used the extension. Pro/Cons. And where would be a good place to get em.

 

I got blocks and a levelling kit here:

2.5" 00-04 Ford F250/F350 Super Duty (Diesel) Leveling Lift Kit

and 3" blocks - which went down to 2.5" when I took the fat-short rear leaves off - and then could re-use the same U bolts (still got the long U bolts lying around)
3" 99-09 Ford F250/F350 Pickup 4x4 Lift Block and U-bolt Kit

As with anything, freight is the issue. It's heavy stuff, I think I ended up paying the same again to get it Fed-Ex'd to Oz via the Viaddress.Com freight forwarding service.

BTW, I am very happy with the result, huge improvement to the ride and handling with the levelling kit - amazing what a few extra inches of suspension travel does for the ride!

 

I have 1 inch shackels in the front along with my leveling kit, and Im not seeing any problems. You have 3 things that deal with your alignment, toe, camber, and caster. The shackels really have no affect on the toe or camber, but they do affect the caster. Basically the shackels will go on the rear part of the leaf spring which moves the caster to a positive setting. What that does, and I dont consider it a bad thing, is makes the truck more stable in straight line movements. It may make turning a little harder, but I havent noticed it.

 

can that castor be adjusted at a shop if needed

 

That I really dont know. Mine wasnt much so I didnt mess with it. Basically the shackles will be moving the front wheels down and a little foward, but not much. With the front suspension being in place by the tabs on the blocks, I cant think of much they could do except for some spacers or something. Your front leafs do not have that much curve to them, so adding that bit in the rear shouldnt move them to much.

But a question....

Why are you thinking about shackles instead of full leafs, leveling kit, or add a leafs? Is it the money Issue or what?

And at the 3 inch mark you will prob be getting close to needing a different track bar, and maybe a drop pitman arm. Not saying you will, just saying to watch it all with the install.

 

Yes, I have factored a trackbar extension bracket and pitman arm. I already have 2" lift via spring packs. So another 3 will give me 5 all up. Now over here anything above 2" is illegal. Not that they pounce any every lifted truck, but if they do I can take the rear block and front shackles off, get it cleared then wack em back on.

 

in Qld I was told they were classed as a light truck and in that case there was no rules on how high you could lift it. This came from a guy who had lifted his 6". better check ya rules in NSW

 

I went to a major off road suspension mob last week to get a price. They told me. Due to there relationship with the RTA they wont even supply parts for anything over 2".

 

I got the shackles for my wife's truck here Sky's Off-road Design - Products