Bye bye blocks
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
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Bye bye blocks
Well, after waiting for the semester to end, and studying drop brackets and my frame, I finally got to go and build drop brackets to eliminate the stock and aftermarket blocks on the axle. Here is the old setup
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=25267&width=2
A year ago, I thought I wanted to do a shackle flip, so I made a bracket. It turned out good, but after reading up, decided I didn't like that idea.
SOOO, out came the 1/4" plate, and the welder.... and the hammer, and the grinder... The rivets were a pain, so I ended up taking off the bed to really swing away
In the end, I dropped the front about 5.75" and the rear 6.5". I hoped to eyeball the drops to make the pinion angle right without shims, and got close, but might still need some small ones. So, without further ado
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...101519&width=2
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...101520&width=2
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...101518&width=2
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=25267&width=2
A year ago, I thought I wanted to do a shackle flip, so I made a bracket. It turned out good, but after reading up, decided I didn't like that idea.
SOOO, out came the 1/4" plate, and the welder.... and the hammer, and the grinder... The rivets were a pain, so I ended up taking off the bed to really swing away
In the end, I dropped the front about 5.75" and the rear 6.5". I hoped to eyeball the drops to make the pinion angle right without shims, and got close, but might still need some small ones. So, without further adohttps://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...101519&width=2
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...101520&width=2
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...101518&width=2
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,236
Likes: 12
From: Senoia, GA
well that looks good but one thing just to clear it up.... you do realize you'd net a few more inches by turning that shackle over? in fact if you bought 2 brackets like you have on the front then you'd gain even more?
i'm just curious, i am sure you know that already but i just wated to make sure
-cutts-
i'm just curious, i am sure you know that already but i just wated to make sure
-cutts-
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
looks good, but why didnt you flip that whole back shackle peice all the way over? like this (kubotas truck) https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=71985&width=0
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Logistics Pro
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Well, guys, like I said, I made a shackle flip bracket.https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...=47481&width=2
The problem is that I didn't want to compromise the load carrying characteristics of the truck. I also could have went with the heavier superduty shackles, but right now comes down to money. I have lots of the 1/4" plate around, so dropping both ends seemed the best option for my needs. The biggest reason to get rid of the blocks was when I saw a video of my rear axle rolling forward about 3-4" from the torque. I don't really drive THAT hard, and it still torqued forward pretty bad.
The problem is that I didn't want to compromise the load carrying characteristics of the truck. I also could have went with the heavier superduty shackles, but right now comes down to money. I have lots of the 1/4" plate around, so dropping both ends seemed the best option for my needs. The biggest reason to get rid of the blocks was when I saw a video of my rear axle rolling forward about 3-4" from the torque. I don't really drive THAT hard, and it still torqued forward pretty bad.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
Likes: 3
From: Spokane, WA
Looks like you did a really nice job on that fabrication Ted. It's clean and works well. You could always throw 1 set of the stock 2" blocks back under there instead of the double stacked blocks . . . not that you'd want more lift or anything. 
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Logistics Pro
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Thanks, Ivan. I looked at your pics extensively when I was designing mine. The main thing I didn't like about copying your setup was welding it to the frame. I like removeable stuff, so I can change it later- you know, like a 12" drop bracket instead of 6" 
As far as blocks, I am not totally against them. I may reinstall the factory ones down the road if I "need" to. 
As far as blocks, I am not totally against them. I may reinstall the factory ones down the road if I "need" to.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 1
From: North of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Looks neat and functional. Good job! Glad to see the heavy duty Grade 5 bolts were used. (Or did you use Grade 8?) Got any rear view pics of the installed brackets?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,945
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From: Spokane, WA
Originally Posted by teds74ford
The main thing I didn't like about copying your setup was welding it to the frame. I like removeable stuff, so I can change it later
It's ALL removable, I just didn't trust bolts to the beating I was going to be dishing out for my truck. But the bolt up setup you have is pretty cool.
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From: GA
yea, the angle with a shackle flip is picky...i have three sets of holes in mine now so i can adjust the angle....from 10* to 30* to about 45....right now im running it at 30, less axle wrap with the 10* setup, but its stiffer...with the 45 theres a ton of axle wrap and its way too soft...with the 30 its a compromise between the two
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Logistics Pro
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Cigar, I used all grade 8. It isn't that much more, and you only buy bolts once, so why not use 8? Here is a pic of the rear bracket
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...101518&width=2
Not sure if that is what you are talking about or not. I used angle iron so it would wrap the bottom and side of the frame, and then welded the plate to that, making it parallel with the frame. Hope that makes sense.
Mark & Kubota, I built the flip brackets without researching it, but after reading up on a bunch of posts that came out before I could get them installed, decided that a flip wasn't for me.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...101518&width=2
Not sure if that is what you are talking about or not. I used angle iron so it would wrap the bottom and side of the frame, and then welded the plate to that, making it parallel with the frame. Hope that makes sense.
Mark & Kubota, I built the flip brackets without researching it, but after reading up on a bunch of posts that came out before I could get them installed, decided that a flip wasn't for me.
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