Highboy lift kits
#31
04-03-2009, 11:58 PM
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Welcome to the site.
This is a pretty old thread, and perhaps some new stuff has come in to play, but after reading a little most is still pretty accurate.
At any rate, as long as you have to install the rear hanger, you might as well install it where you want regardless of which spring you have. If you perform the shackle flip, you will not be using the stock mounting holes anyway. In order to achieve the proper shackle angle, this configuration will require that the pivot be located further foward anyway, so get one up there, and set some weight on the truck and verify the angle. It sounds as though a previous owner started something that is not exactly stock so providing you with the magic answer will be close to impossible. Too many variables here, and maybe the previous owner used a different style spring. Fortunately the rear springs are pretty easy to set up.
This is a pretty old thread, and perhaps some new stuff has come in to play, but after reading a little most is still pretty accurate.
At any rate, as long as you have to install the rear hanger, you might as well install it where you want regardless of which spring you have. If you perform the shackle flip, you will not be using the stock mounting holes anyway. In order to achieve the proper shackle angle, this configuration will require that the pivot be located further foward anyway, so get one up there, and set some weight on the truck and verify the angle. It sounds as though a previous owner started something that is not exactly stock so providing you with the magic answer will be close to impossible. Too many variables here, and maybe the previous owner used a different style spring. Fortunately the rear springs are pretty easy to set up.
#32
04-04-2009, 11:59 AM
I have no problem saying that I am an idiot and am a little confuesd at this point. Maybe you have a pic or two to help explain. I am sure that you worded everything correctly, but again, I am a numbskull.
You say that your current springs are way too short? This is a problem. SInce the axle alignment pin does not change, the axle will stay located properly. This should not be a problem. It is very difficult to say exactly where the rear hanger has to be located, since each and every spring has different rates. What I mean by this is that a spring will become flat when weight is applied, and as it flattens out it gets longer. This will have an effect on the final location of the hanger. What you have to do is locate the hanger temproarrily, and rest the vehicle weighton the springs. Then use an angle finder to verify the desired shackle angle. When it is not correct, make adjustments to the hangerlocation and do it all over again.
Yes, this is a time consuming deal, but it is what has to be done. I often use this time to cycle the suspension as well.
You say that your current springs are way too short? This is a problem. SInce the axle alignment pin does not change, the axle will stay located properly. This should not be a problem. It is very difficult to say exactly where the rear hanger has to be located, since each and every spring has different rates. What I mean by this is that a spring will become flat when weight is applied, and as it flattens out it gets longer. This will have an effect on the final location of the hanger. What you have to do is locate the hanger temproarrily, and rest the vehicle weighton the springs. Then use an angle finder to verify the desired shackle angle. When it is not correct, make adjustments to the hangerlocation and do it all over again.
Yes, this is a time consuming deal, but it is what has to be done. I often use this time to cycle the suspension as well.
#33
04-05-2009, 12:20 AM
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ok this is the forward rear spring hanger. its of a 2wd ford and as you can see it drops the spring mount much lower.
ddd
ok so as i was saying. when i bolt up the spring to the forward mount this is what i end up with in the back-back.. its almost 5 inches away. is moving the hanger that far forward a good idea. seems like that would leave room for alot to go wrong :P.. maybe im just a newbEE. lol
#34
04-05-2009, 12:27 AM
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ok this is the forward rear spring hanger. its of a 2wd ford and as you can see it drops the spring mount much lower.
ddd
ok so as i was saying. when i bolt up the spring to the forward mount this is what i end up with in the back-back.. its almost 5 inches away. is moving the hanger that far forward a good idea. seems like that would leave room for alot to go wrong :P.. maybe im just a newbEE. lol
#35
04-06-2009, 01:34 AM
I would actually be installing a shackle on that and put some weight on it. As you place weight on the spring, it will flatten out, and as it flattens, the shackle will move to a more vertical position.
The unkown variable here is hpw far it will move once the weight is applied.
With that front hanger, I would bee concerned about the pinion angle being to positive (pointed down).
If this truck is lifted, this might be a great candidate for a shackle flip in the back. ANother hanger like the one used up front would provide some mad lift with the stock spring.
Either way you are gonna have to install a shackle on that and put some weight on it to see what kind of angle you end up with.
Then you can determine without guessing.
The unkown variable here is hpw far it will move once the weight is applied.
With that front hanger, I would bee concerned about the pinion angle being to positive (pointed down).
If this truck is lifted, this might be a great candidate for a shackle flip in the back. ANother hanger like the one used up front would provide some mad lift with the stock spring.
Either way you are gonna have to install a shackle on that and put some weight on it to see what kind of angle you end up with.
Then you can determine without guessing.
#36
04-08-2009, 07:21 PM
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oh man you were right. by moving the new rear hanger 2 1/2" forward and adding a shackle i can now use my 6" lift springs. this is quite insane though. this flip netted me about 5-5 1/2" of lift and with my 6" springs and 2" body this truck is going to set very high. thank you for all the help. hope to post pics of it soon
#38
04-24-2019, 06:11 PM
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