New Shackles + V/B Codes?
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 916
Likes: 1
From: Reno, NV
New Shackles + V/B Codes?
I'd like my Ex to sit a little higher as well as be able to put slightly larger tires on it. I also tow a 8000lb trailer during the summer and this is my daily driver.
I've been thinking about putting both new 2" shackles on the truck as well as V/B code springs and of course, new shocks.
Do I need to worry about getting a new pitman arm or changing the geometry of the truck drastically? Also, excuse my ignorance but do you just get a single set of shackles that attach to the rear of the front leaf springs?
Thanks!
I've been thinking about putting both new 2" shackles on the truck as well as V/B code springs and of course, new shocks.
Do I need to worry about getting a new pitman arm or changing the geometry of the truck drastically? Also, excuse my ignorance but do you just get a single set of shackles that attach to the rear of the front leaf springs?
Thanks!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,595
Likes: 17
I just did the 2" hangar kit, V/modded B codes on my X a few months ago. The kit I got from Carey at CT Performance included a new adjustable track bar, and that was all that needed to be replaced for how higher I went (his 33" tire kit, I'm running 315/75's and they fit fine). Pitman arm, swaybar links, brake lines, all the stock components work just fine. Carey also includes Bilsteins 5150's with his kits, and I'm very pleased with the overall ride and handling.
Two main reasons I went with a full lift was A) I wanted more height all around and, B) stock springs and their rates sucked. I was slamming into bump stops all the damn time, the pitching and rolling, everything about it I hated. Just throwing a shackle up front would have gotten me some more height, but kept the same craptastic suspension. Now it rides a bit firmer, but not uncomfortably so (I went with single shocks up front instead of duals), the truck is much more composed going down the road, and handles better that it did stock.
Two main reasons I went with a full lift was A) I wanted more height all around and, B) stock springs and their rates sucked. I was slamming into bump stops all the damn time, the pitching and rolling, everything about it I hated. Just throwing a shackle up front would have gotten me some more height, but kept the same craptastic suspension. Now it rides a bit firmer, but not uncomfortably so (I went with single shocks up front instead of duals), the truck is much more composed going down the road, and handles better that it did stock.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
I just did the 2" hangar kit, V/modded B codes on my X a few months ago. The kit I got from Carey at CT Performance included a new adjustable track bar, and that was all that needed to be replaced for how higher I went (his 33" tire kit, I'm running 315/75's and they fit fine). Pitman arm, swaybar links, brake lines, all the stock components work just fine. Carey also includes Bilsteins 5150's with his kits, and I'm very pleased with the overall ride and handling.
Two main reasons I went with a full lift was A) I wanted more height all around and, B) stock springs and their rates sucked. I was slamming into bump stops all the damn time, the pitching and rolling, everything about it I hated. Just throwing a shackle up front would have gotten me some more height, but kept the same craptastic suspension. Now it rides a bit firmer, but not uncomfortably so (I went with single shocks up front instead of duals), the truck is much more composed going down the road, and handles better that it did stock.
Two main reasons I went with a full lift was A) I wanted more height all around and, B) stock springs and their rates sucked. I was slamming into bump stops all the damn time, the pitching and rolling, everything about it I hated. Just throwing a shackle up front would have gotten me some more height, but kept the same craptastic suspension. Now it rides a bit firmer, but not uncomfortably so (I went with single shocks up front instead of duals), the truck is much more composed going down the road, and handles better that it did stock.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 206
From: South Eastern Michigan
Dumb question: Do the shackles, say 1", raise it 1" or is there a ratio involved as you are only moving one end of the spring? I may not want to go the full 1" is why I ask. Looking at the 305 tires and dont want rubbing in the front.
Or, should I do the front and rear?? Hmmm......
Or, should I do the front and rear?? Hmmm......
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Dumb question: Do the shackles, say 1", raise it 1" or is there a ratio involved as you are only moving one end of the spring? I may not want to go the full 1" is why I ask. Looking at the 305 tires and dont want rubbing in the front.
Or, should I do the front and rear?? Hmmm......
Or, should I do the front and rear?? Hmmm......
1" is a a true 1" lift and the shackle is longer than 1".
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Linden, MI
I would think that if you just do the rear you would not get the full 1". The easiest and probably not completely accurate would be to take a level and drop the back down an inch. My guess is you will probably end up gaing around 1/2".
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 206
From: South Eastern Michigan
All the dumb questions never seem to be dumb, I don't think there are any. We don't all know everything in fact I was pondering that same thing and asked the maker of the shackles. ........They take the hinge effect into consideration so
1" is a a true 1" lift and the shackle is longer than 1".
1" is a a true 1" lift and the shackle is longer than 1".
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
My Ex was sagging 1.5" in the front and bottoming out but I added 1.5" shackles and now it measures 39" to the wells all around, sits level, looks like a 4wd, again, never bottoms out, rides like it did, and the best thing I ever did to it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 852
Likes: 12
From: Billings, MT
They are probably thinking the public won't think about the hinge effect so they don't mention it.
My Ex was sagging 1.5" in the front and bottoming out but I added 1.5" shackles and now it measures 39" to the wells all around, sits level, looks like a 4wd, again, never bottoms out, rides like it did, and the best thing I ever did to it.
My Ex was sagging 1.5" in the front and bottoming out but I added 1.5" shackles and now it measures 39" to the wells all around, sits level, looks like a 4wd, again, never bottoms out, rides like it did, and the best thing I ever did to it.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 30,595
Likes: 1,236
From: N. IL
That's right. Thus a 2 inch longer shackle would yield about an inch of lift where the axle attaches to the spring.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
From some guy with gross teeth...................nah, from Ebay, they all seem to be about the same in there as long as they are using 3/8" plate.