Anyone ever did a shackle flip on there rig and is it ok to do or keeping it stock is better? Thanks in advance.

Aloha,
Kaipo

 

What is it?

Explain... never heard the term before used here at FTE???

I heard of the "funky chicken"... is that close to it??

 

This is really a question that would be much better answered on a forum that deals with four-wheeling. In close to two years of lurking around here, this is the first time that I can recall anyone even bringing up the subject of doing a shackle reversal to a Super Duty.

 

Moved to SD

 

Do a search in the "Offroad and 4x4" Forum. I think I may have read that someone did it to a SD. A quick question. What is it you want the shackle flip to do? Hopefully it's to gain flex. I've never run across an SD with a flip, but several people I know with full-size Blazer's have done it and they've all pretty much said the same thing. That it made the suspension more flexible out on the trail and in the rocks, but that it also felt "softer" towing and made their rig feel a little "squirmy".
Without getting into to much detail. There are basically two types of shackle positions for leaf spring suspensions. Tension and Compression. I'm going to assume that your Ex has the same suspension set-up as a '99-'04 SD. So if you go take a look at the shackles on the Ex's front leaf springs, you'll notice that the spring eye sits below where the shackle mounts to the frame. That's a compression shackle. Now if you go to the shackle on the rear springs, you'll notice that the spring eye sits above where the shackle mounts to the frame. That's a tension shackle. So what Kaipo wants to do is flip that rear mount so that the shackle operates like the front shackles. This has the advantage for off-roading in that it allows for more droop, or flex in the spring.

 

You're right I think I remember someone was going to do it but never posted how it came out and yes I think it was on the super duty forun. Thank you all who replied.
Aloha,
Kaipo

 

I ran a shackle flip in my truck when I had it lifted for about 4 years with no problems. It does a few things though, it will kick the pinion up, so you will need to shim the axle to where the pinion angle is supposed to be, and the shackle flip will push the axle a bit forward, no more than an inch, in the wheel well. This actually works to your advantage because when the spring compresses, it gets longer and pushes the tire back and up into the wheel well.

I just cut a hole in the bottom of the hanger, reversed the shackle and welded a support brakcet on top of the shackle to give back what I cut out. This flip gives you 4.25-4.5" of lift.

I didn't ever have any problems towing, or having a load in the bed, but I don't tow every day, just bumper pull a few off-road/ranch vehicles, 23' boat and what ever else I need to. I know it is supposed to change the deflection rate on the spring, but not enough to notice or change my ride.

 

ag, you wouldn't happen to have a side picture would you? just wondering how that inch forward looks.

how much did you shim it, and was there any vibration still?

i've been contemplating this myself to be able to ditch the blocks.

EDIT: also, do you have a one or two-piece driveshaft?

 

OK - not that I have a need for a shackle flip. Nor do I have the know how to do such a thing if I wanted to. But damn, I learn some cool stuff reading through this forum. I am amazed at what you can learn here.

Thanks,

Greg
2002 F350 CC SB Lariat - Pretty well stock
2000 F350 Dually Lariat - Loaded with performance options

 

That's why FTE is so addicting and I love it. I'm on it everytime I turn on my computer which is at least 3-4 times/day.

Aloha,
Kaipo

 

Yeh the wife gets pissed every night because as soon as the kids are in bed I spend at least an hour on here.

 

Go here for pics - mygallery.ten?id=1491 Any picture of when it had 37's or bigger I have the shackle flipped.

I have a one piece driveshaft with a CV. I have never had any vibration. Go here for driveshaft info - http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/driveline/