I just picked up my 2 inch BDS leveling kit for my 2001 SD. Any one put one of these shackle kit on befor. I could use some helpful hints if anyone has any. Will I run in to any unseen problems with the instulation. I will not be using a lift, because I don't know anybody with one. Looks like a good jack and a set of stands.

So anyway I'm just looking for a little help if any one has installed a shackle type kit on their ride.

Thanks for any help you may have!!!!!!!!!!!

Will


Oh!,and I type very poorly so be kind.

 

What is this BDS leveling kit? Who makes it and can you give me a link to a web site?

Thanks
Scott

 

From what I have been told BDS Suspension is what is left of the Trail Master staff that did not move to CA. The kit is a shackle replacement, basicly it adds a lower spot on the frame where the front spings attach.

The web site is BDSsuspension.com or do a serch for BDS Suspension thats how Yahoo finds it.

Well I hope someone has someone has some info. for me,it would really help.

Thanks!!!

 

I will write you in the morning got to leave right now. But if it is the old Trail Master kits you need to make sure you have a steal hanger in the front and not a cast one.

 

Sorry it took so long to write you I was out of the office.
1. disconnect the front shocks.
2. jack the truck up as high as possible by the front axle and place stands under the frame just behind the shackle.
3. unbolt the front leaf spring bolts then lower the axle to remove the bolts.
4. the stock hanger is bolted on by the bolts that hold the tow hooks on to the frame. remove the hanger.
5. there are two holes you need to drill into the stock hangers to bolt the new hanger to them.
6. bolt the extention completely together then reinstall.
7. jack axle up and bolt back on leaf spring.
8. for the rear, unbolt the shackle from at the frame(not from the leaf spring)
9. unbolt the the two bolts at the bottom of the bracket and the 2 on the side which the shackle bolted to.
10. using the plate included in kit flip the bracket upside down and bolt on. make sure to install all four bolts back onto bracket.
11. jack the axle up to reinstall the shackle to the bracket.
12. lower truck off stands and bolt back on shocks.
It really is an easy job but is alot easier if you have a friend help you and use two jacks and two tall jack stands. This kit may or may not include a track bar drop down bracket. Get one, or the axle will be pushed over to one side. Also if you have problems attaching the leaf springs back up you may need to disconnect the track bar. Just unbolt one side. After everything else is installed, rebolt the track bar by turning the wheel to align the bar. You also will need to adjust the steering arm to align your steering wheel. Simply loosen and turn cupler until steering wheel is centered. May take a few times of centering then driving down the block. Good Luck.

 

I just looked at the BDS website. The kit is not the old Trail master kit. It is a better kit. You don't need to do any drilling. Simply unbolt old hangers and install new ones. Unbolt shackles and install new ones. Unbolt bump stops and install extentions. It is an easy kit to install. Good luck.

 

Bad news gang, I went to put my leveling kit on my truck yesterday afternoon and I found that my buddy and I both don't have tall enough jacks to lift my truck up. Big problem. Any body know someone with a lift in the St. Louis area. I guess if I can't find one I'll be having a shop put it on. Any one know what that will cost me?

Well thank for all your help,
still have to wait I guess!

 

Good news gang I had my kit installed today. I think it looks great. Maybe some day I'll make it taller but for now I'm happy with it. I'll try to get some pics up if I can figure out how to get them on the site.

Thanks for all your help!

Will-