TTB's don't need trac bars as the pivot brackets on the opposite end of the spring do the same thing.

Thats the reason why i grabbed those (they are a minimum of 3/8" thick from a truck that we dragged out of our yard headed for the crushers, you would be surprised at how many trucks have them, most older 1 tons to 3 tons use those, probably could get some from some farmer who has an old 1-3 ton sittin behind the barn.

 

Okay, so the first picture one is your stock setup . . . where you are right now. Measure your shackle length and that will pretty much tell you how much lift you'll get if you just flip the whole assembly upside down because, for the most part, the shackle will remain in the same position but the spring will be at the bottom instead of at the top (picture 2). This will probably yield you about 3-4" but you'll have to measure your shackle to see for sure.

Now compare picture 2 to picture 3. As you can see in picture 2 the spring eye is almost even with the bottom of the frame with the stock bracket. In picture 3 with the Sky bracket the shackle is about even with the bottom of the fram but the eye of the spring is now about 2.5-3" below the frame. The 3rd option would be to use the stock hangers which are normally used on the front of the rear springs. If you look at them on your truck you'll see that they put the eye of the spring about 2" below the frame. However in the rear position they'd put the shackle at this height, moving the spring eye almost 5" below the frame. So you have 3 easy choices for height without getting into fabbing any fancy pants stuff.

This all make sense? Keep in mind that when you drop the back a significant amount you will push the rear axle slightly forward. It's not a big concern but be aware of it if you plan to do a crazy high shackle flip.

 

Josh, I would get the track bar relocation bracket, also superlift has an adjustable track bar you can buy, it would be handy to set your truck up when you get it all lifted, like Ivan said you'r leaf spring truck may not need the track bar but I have heard that the newer fords do not drive/handle very well without it, not to mention with the track bar setup properly and the mounting points in the proper location it will help your steering emencely, ie(no bump steer or wanting to wander while driving down the road)

not to badger you but I would deffinatly keep the track bar & set it up properly,

what are your plans for the steering? do you already have a drop pitman arm if so for what size lift?

 

aight well i took some measurements of the shackles in the rear. the front shackles are 9 3/4 top to bottom and the spring eye hangs down 2 inches below the frame. then the rear shackles are 7 or 7 1/8 top to bottom and the spring eye is even with the bottom of the frame. i hope i measured these right, but if i didnt hopefully one of yall can tell me how and ill get some new measurements. i noticed that the front shackle is much bigger then the rear. i think i see what you are saying about putting the ones from the front in the rear. but hopefully i measured them right. one more thing- so are you saying that if i took the front shackles off the rear axle and moved them to the rear and flipped them, that the spring eye would be 5 inches below the frame? if that is the case then what would i need to do in the front? ive read over the post you sent me prolly like a dozen times and im starting to grasp the idea.

-josh

 

can I use this flip the shackle on my 97 crew diesel? Looking for a few inches clearance for larger tires, without spending for a lift. Is it safe for the truck, as well people in the truck?? Please advise any info. you might think of. Thanks Jeff

 

If you do a search in this forum for "shackle flip" you'll find plenty of info on it. It is safe and can be done with your diesel. Just keep in mind you cannot haul as much weight with your truck if you do the flip as the shackles are not designed for compression.

 

jcab,

I have a 95 and yes, you can flip the rear shackles over on your pickup. Believe it or not, all you have to do is drill out the rivets and swap sides then stick 7/16 GRADE 8 bolts through the holes. Heck, I don't even think you have to swap sides....I can't remember.

Cody