Lowering Shackle Question
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New User
Joined: Jan 2005
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Lowering Shackle Question
Hi everyone, I have a set of ground force lowering shackles on order and they should be here soon. I have a question about the install. Is it possible to install one side at a time? Or do I need to do both shackles at the same time keeping the rear axle level? I will be doing this on my 04 Scab FX4. Thanks!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 185
From: Dedham, MA
I haven't done it yet, but based on my experience working on vehicles, you will need to do both sides at the same time. Get the vehicle up on jack stands, under the frame, not the axle, and you should be fine. This way you can manipulate the live axle as needed with the jack to realign any attachment points for the suspension. It may be possible to do it one side at a time, but I don't think it would be a good idea.
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 591
Likes: 37
From: Groton, MA
I have done an installation and the previous post is right. You should support the truck with jack stands under the frame and both rear wheels off the ground. I don't know if it's possible to do one side at a time but it would be alot more difficult with weight on one wheel than with both wheels up.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 924
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From: Fuquay Varina,NC
I have done the swap to about 7 trucks, you CAN do one side at a time. It helps to have 2 jacks and a buddy, and if you dont have a hitch, a strong piece of wood that you can set across your spare tire to jack up the body.
Basically, youre going to jack the frame (by the hitch or across the spare) until the load comes off the leaf springs, then its just a matter of nuts and bolts to change out the shackles.
You can also do the shims when you have the load off the axle, though, there has been some debate in the past on the use of shims.
It has really only been supercab models with the 2 piece driveshaft that have needed it (possibly the supercrew too) But on a 4x4 im not sure if you have a 2 piece rear shaft. You have 2 options, you can try it without the shims, and if you get a little shuddering, put the shims in. Or put them in and if you get a shudder, take them out. Personally, I would recommend installing them.
Youll enjoy the ground force shackles! I used them on my truck to level it, and even carried them over to the Eibach Pro Kit I ended up using.
Basically, youre going to jack the frame (by the hitch or across the spare) until the load comes off the leaf springs, then its just a matter of nuts and bolts to change out the shackles.
You can also do the shims when you have the load off the axle, though, there has been some debate in the past on the use of shims.
It has really only been supercab models with the 2 piece driveshaft that have needed it (possibly the supercrew too) But on a 4x4 im not sure if you have a 2 piece rear shaft. You have 2 options, you can try it without the shims, and if you get a little shuddering, put the shims in. Or put them in and if you get a shudder, take them out. Personally, I would recommend installing them.
Youll enjoy the ground force shackles! I used them on my truck to level it, and even carried them over to the Eibach Pro Kit I ended up using.
New User
Joined: Jun 2004
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This is great y'all. I've just searched the internet for F 150 rear lowering kit for supercab FX4's and I like the ground force kit. It has an installation illustration, 8 steps or so. Any way my spirits have been lifted by your comments. I don't want to do the lift in the front and change the geometry on the output shafts, everyone claims that its no big deal but common sense tells me that this is extra stress on the rubber boots not to mention the angular stress on the shafts in a left or right steer when using the 4WD. I think the 3 " + lift kits are ok because they drop the front differential and IFS suspention to keep the axle shaft geometry the same. Anyway the FX4 looks like crap unless leveled and looks worse if you go to 285/65/18 tires without leveling. I like the idea of a 1.5 inch drop in the rear by ground force. I agree with one of the guys saying not to change the leaf springs and using the ground force shackles looks easier to install. I'm on the road right now as I use my truck for a lot of travel but I can't wait to order the kit and install it. If your not going to put tires larger than 32.5 on an FX4 it will look and probably perform better with the ground force rear lowering kit. I'll let you know.
New User
Joined: Jun 2004
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Lowering FX4 rear.
If anyone installs one of these ground force lowering kits on an FX4 please post it. Thanks.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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I installed the GF shackles on my 04 F150 FX4. It was easy and it is a good idea to only do one side at a time in order to keep the axle in its original position. My Super Cab needed the pinion shims due to a low speed vibe i got when I tried it with out them. I have since traded the 04 for my 06 F150 Super Crew.
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New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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i got my ground force shackle kit for my 06 f150 ant it took me about 30 to 45 minutes doing one side at a time because it was dark and i only had one jack and 1 jackstand i like the kit so much im putting it on my wifes truck too