shackle flip
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 74
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From: Corvallis, Oregon
shackle flip
I've been doing some reading about a shackle flip. When I originally lifted my 79 250, the truck shop said the skyjacker 6" springs was the best option for height. They did mention a shackle flip but I blew it off. Now I want some more height am curious about what this involves, it's benefits, drawbacks and how much height I will gain. Will I need to extend drivelines (did this when I lifted it 6"). Will I need to find a crossover steering system? Can this be done for the front springs as well or do I need to buy custom springs? Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
Hey Bigdaddy, (there's something so wrong about me calling you that 
)
Check out my gallery. I have one in there specifically for the shackle flip that will give you some info and some options. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/member.php?u=113895
The drawback to a shackle flip is you can't haul as much weight with the truck. If you don't plan to do a lot of hauling it's the way to go. FWIW you won't be able to haul much with Skyjacker springs either without the rear SAGGING horribly. You cannot use this for the front of the truck. You'll need new springs there. As to drivelines, probably not but you won't know for sure until you do the lift. I've got 16" of lift and haven't had to extend my rear driveline. For the crossover steering, 6" is about where most people start needing it but sometimes you can get away with just a drop pitman arm. I'd suggest buying the drop pitman arm and seeing how the steering feels. If it's not turning the way it should then go to crossover.
Btw, don't forget brake lines and shocks. Let me know if you have questions on it, I'll see if I can help.
)Check out my gallery. I have one in there specifically for the shackle flip that will give you some info and some options. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/member.php?u=113895
The drawback to a shackle flip is you can't haul as much weight with the truck. If you don't plan to do a lot of hauling it's the way to go. FWIW you won't be able to haul much with Skyjacker springs either without the rear SAGGING horribly. You cannot use this for the front of the truck. You'll need new springs there. As to drivelines, probably not but you won't know for sure until you do the lift. I've got 16" of lift and haven't had to extend my rear driveline. For the crossover steering, 6" is about where most people start needing it but sometimes you can get away with just a drop pitman arm. I'd suggest buying the drop pitman arm and seeing how the steering feels. If it's not turning the way it should then go to crossover.
Btw, don't forget brake lines and shocks. Let me know if you have questions on it, I'll see if I can help.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
I'm using 6" springs up front, 4.5" springs in the rear. If you want springs larger than 6" you could look into later model Ford springs. Mine are actually from 2002 Superduty (I believe that's the year). The length and centering pin placement stayed very similar throughout the years so you have a variety of options to swap in there if you want something more than 6". Just check the eye to eye measurements first.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
Custom built hangers and shackles. If you look at my galleries there's a lot of pictures to show you how I did it.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Corvallis, Oregon
Mark, I liked the pictures but I did not see any of the front axle area. It would be cool to see what you did up there. I would also like to see a picture of the cv joint that was installed (my driveline shop threw a fit when I mentioned this to them the first time I had them extended) and if you lowered the t-case or was able to make up the difference with the cv. thanks
p.s. what type of gears are you guys running, and mark, do you have any of the specifics for your truck, engine size, aftermarked parts, tranny and t-case. thanks again
p.s. what type of gears are you guys running, and mark, do you have any of the specifics for your truck, engine size, aftermarked parts, tranny and t-case. thanks again
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
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My springs are Sky Jacker 6" there are pictures of the front in my gallery, there just scattered around. The front hangers & shackels are droped 3". The front rear hanger is droped 3 1/2". I made the rear shackle and hanger, the shackle is the stock length. I lifted the front first then the rear, its just easier to adjust the rear height. The cv came from Drivetrain Solutions they also had the right yoke for the 205 trans case.
Last edited by mark a.; Mar 29, 2005 at 09:11 AM.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Corvallis, Oregon
What (or more specifically where, I'm in the NW) did you guys use for the brake lines? I have the 6" skyjacker set, but it does not look like the rear line has enough slack for this lift.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2004
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Mine are stock length. The front I moved to the bottom of the frame, there was enough steel line to stretch down there. The rear I made a bracket to move it up farther away from the axle maby 6" long. Then I moved the top bracket to the top of the frame pointing it down.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
I'm using the Skyjacker extended lines, ordered from NTW I think but you can buy them from quite a few online stores. I also moved the steel lines down just like Mark did as my lines weren't long enough enough, even with them extended.
Btw, click on the NW Chapter link in my sig down below. You should come join us there if you ever want to meet up with some local Ford guys.
Btw, click on the NW Chapter link in my sig down below. You should come join us there if you ever want to meet up with some local Ford guys.