Leveling shackles question.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Columbus, Ohio
Leveling shackles question.
Just finished installing 2 inch leveling shackles. Not bad to install but re-installing the track bar was a bugger!! Has anyone had problems re-installing it? And also is the ride much stiffer after the 2 inch lift? Seems it would make front end pretty stiff.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 178
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From: Maryland
Yes, that track bar is a bugger. Least you were unlike me when i first did mine. I left the track bar in, and tried pulling the leaf springs inline with the frame....HAHAHA that was h3ll. basically a 5 ton com-a-long and rachets straps still couldn't move it over. Took a step back, threw down about 4 cold ones, then realized what i was trying to do.. fixed my problem by removing the track bar. When i went to reinstall it after the lift i had to use a big rachet to pull the frame and axle in line. even with that it was hard because now the bracket attached to the axle is slightly shifted backwards which puts the face side of the track bar cocked and hard to get the bolt in. But long story short, yes, the track bar can be hard to put back in, no problem there, it is normal. As for the stiiffer ride. I personally felt no difference in ride. Really no reason it should change. All you are doing is moving the leaf down. Still utilizing the stock suspension. Hope this helps.
Russ
Russ
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 935
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From: Bowling Green, KY
Yes the track bar is hard to put back in. The ride is a little stiffer for the simple fact that the leaf spring is sprung out as far as it can go. You do however need to get an alignment when you get it all back together.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 935
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From: Bowling Green, KY
you can get by without one. I have installed two leveling kits and both trucks have done fine with out an adjustable bar
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2006
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Ok. Good to know. Thanks. I think it may just make life easier putting it back together with the adj. bar
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I know with my ability i could make one, but for now the stock length one works.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Lancaster, Pa.
I installed my 2 inch something level shackles without even touching the track bar. A small bottle jack between the frame and springs and put the bolts in and done. I have just a tad bit stiffer ride in the front but its no problem, it leveled out nice, even better with my 350 blocks. (Thanks Keith) Congrats Jay, it really makes a difference.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Millbrook Alabama
I installed my 2 inch something level shackles without even touching the track bar. A small bottle jack between the frame and springs and put the bolts in and done. I have just a tad bit stiffer ride in the front but its no problem, it leveled out nice, even better with my 350 blocks. (Thanks Keith) Congrats Jay, it really makes a difference.
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