Shackles should be fairly simple if you replaced with V's not long ago(so they aren't rusted) and the bolts were put back in going the right direction which I imagine they were. You'll just have to jack it up as if you were replacing the springs--with pressure off of the springs as much as possible. I think it takes more time to get it jacked up and place jack stands than it does to undo 2 bolts per shackle.

 

Heck I think it looks good. Just put some 18 inch rims on--maybe 20's and you're good to go


I wonder if you can put air shocks on the front if you are only worried about it dropping more when you are using the plow. You could maintain your current ride and then pump it up for the plow--not as cheap as shackles but then you have all that extra money you must spend. It's America--you can't have any extra money!!!!!

 

If you are happy with the ride, I like the shackle idea.

I think you will get more than you're looking for with an add a leaf, height wise. And certainly a lot stiffer ride.

Maybe a way to get that plow on there ahead of time to check the drop?

It's looking great.

 

You have lots of options & I'm not real clear on what you are wanting to do


You should post your measurements. (Or at least know where you want to end up)
Go down in the rear 2" (remove blocks).
Go up in front 1" (2"shackel)
Increase front spring rate pretty much keep the ride as is while going up 1/2", add the stock rear overload springs from a F-250 to the bottom of the front spring pack.
Keep ride EXactly the same, front mini spring pack the EXact height you want to go up.


ALL of these are VERY inEXpensive and easy.

 

PS: Just installed the front springs from my old F-250, 7.3, Tow package Super Cab that had 10,000 miles on them (I have no idea what the code is).
I added the rear over loads from a rear pack to the bottom & netted a 3 1/8" lift (From 23 1/4" to 26 3/8" center of axel to fender). RIDE is GREAT


Now it's on to the rear, once I know where I want it to sit

 

LMAO Extra money!!! WTF is that!? LOL I have a list of ways to spend every dollar that comes in. Then I say to the DW...."Honey, we could really use the $ if you worked some over time this weekend." LOL

 

Thank you all for the responses.
Harley4JCS-Really I would say that I am looking to level her off for the shortest amount of Jing at this point. I have no problem if that route takes my to a stiffer ride that more resembles the X's. If it did, bonus with the plow this winter. If it doesn't, bonus with a slightly better ride. Either way it really is going to come down to money this season I would say. That said, I think that points me towards the Shackles. It will be something I can do myself with a little help from a friend.
I will definitely give it a week to see if there is any settle. This weekend I will be hauling the camper. I am not going far so I am not going to make any adjustments to the hitch. I don't want to do it twice.
I definitely don't want to go down in the rear. (That just sounded wrong as I re-read this.) I like the height I have gained, in the rear and would rather bring up the front than drop the rear.
A-Rodder, I will be able to mount the plow and see what I get after this weekend. Right now it is buried in my side driveway behind travel trailers, 35' and a 30'. Next week they will be back at the lot we store them so I will have a straight shot at the plow.

I really appreciate all the input....I will update when I throw the plow on early next week.