Shackle Problems
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: ARROYO GRANDE, CA
Shackle Problems
I just finished a Fabtech 8" lift on my 03 Superduty. The new front springs are longer than the stock ones. As a result the stock shackle hits the frame as soon as the suspension compresses. I could fix it by installing a new longer shackle or a shackle with a different cross piece, but I cannot find a manufacturer that makes a shackle for my truck. HELP!!!!!
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Joined: Apr 2000
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From: NorCal
Is your blocker bar still installed? If it is, i'll bet that's what you're hitting. Remove it, but not the plastic air dam, and you'll be fine... Unless your bumper mounts to the blocker bar brace 
.... oh the fun.
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2002 F-350 XLT 4x4 PSD 6spd SC SB SRW
1990 F-150 Lariat 4x4 I-6 5spd RC SB
---Also in Family---
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2001 F-150 XLT 4x4 5.4 AT SC SB
.... oh the fun.__________________
2002 F-350 XLT 4x4 PSD 6spd SC SB SRW
1990 F-150 Lariat 4x4 I-6 5spd RC SB
---Also in Family---
2003 F-250 XLT FX4 6.0PSD TSA SC SB
2001 F-150 XLT 4x4 5.4 AT SC SB
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From: NorCal
Originally Posted by 02superstroker
CGL - The shackle is on the other end of the leaf springs.. towards the rear. The "blocker bar" is in the fornt. This wouldn't be his problem
Thanks for the correction.__________________
2002 F-350 XLT 4x4 PSD 6spd SC SB SRW
1990 F-150 Lariat 4x4 I-6 5spd RC SB
---Also in Family---
2003 F-250 XLT FX4 6.0PSD TSA SC SB
2001 F-150 XLT 4x4 5.4 AT SC SB
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
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From: IL, USA
What motor do you have?
Also, any chance of getting a pic that shows the angle of the shackle when the truck is parked on level ground?
ORU sells replacement shackles (for $50) that don't have the cross brace:
Also, any chance of getting a pic that shows the angle of the shackle when the truck is parked on level ground?
ORU sells replacement shackles (for $50) that don't have the cross brace:
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From: ARROYO GRANDE, CA
DCSpecial, Thanks for the info. I will take some pictures tonight. It also upsets me that Fabtech did not bother responding to my e-mail. I was very nice even starting out by saying how great the kit went together and asking for solutions. Oh well, thats "Corporate America" for you.
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Freshman User
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From: ARROYO GRANDE, CA
OK DCSpecial, here are some links to pics of my shackle problem. In the second pic you can see where it hits the frame.
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data...ts_078-med.jpg
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data...ts_081-med.jpg
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data...ts_078-med.jpg
http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data...ts_081-med.jpg
Posting Guru
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From: Dallas
Looking at those pictures, I think you are still going to have contact wiith the frame under compression. Only it won't be the shackle hitting but instead the springs.
Are you sure that those springs are not mounted backwards? Cause I think they have an offset bolt if I remember right?
Are you sure that those springs are not mounted backwards? Cause I think they have an offset bolt if I remember right?
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
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From: IL, USA
I agree that it appears to be something with the springs.
Can you verify the part numbers on the springs are the correct ones that should be for your truck?
It's hard to tell from the pics, but the military wrap is installed into the hanger correct?
Also, out of curiousity what does your truck measure from the top of the axle tube (front axle, passenger side, next to the spring perch) to the bottom of the frame rail (by the bumpstop)??
Can you verify the part numbers on the springs are the correct ones that should be for your truck?
It's hard to tell from the pics, but the military wrap is installed into the hanger correct?
Also, out of curiousity what does your truck measure from the top of the axle tube (front axle, passenger side, next to the spring perch) to the bottom of the frame rail (by the bumpstop)??
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 9,303
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From: Lyndonville, Vermont
Originally Posted by 02superstroker
Looking at those pictures, I think you are still going to have contact wiith the frame under compression. Only it won't be the shackle hitting but instead the springs.
Are you sure that those springs are not mounted backwards? Cause I think they have an offset bolt if I remember right?
Are you sure that those springs are not mounted backwards? Cause I think they have an offset bolt if I remember right?
