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  #1  
Old 08-03-2017, 03:52 PM
WVJefo WVJefo is offline
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Default Question on shackle flip

Did the shackle flip on rear leaf springs. Actually had bolts, the original shackles had been replaced. JUst unbolted the shackles from frame and flipped them over so spring is above.

Question is: Now the rear wheels are now further back not centered on bump stops. Is this normal?

Got pics on my build thread "Lil Red Ford"
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  #2  
Old 08-03-2017, 11:41 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Question on shackle flip

be easier with pics here or at least a link to your build thread in your sig
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  #3  
Old 08-04-2017, 03:01 AM
EaOutlaw1969 EaOutlaw1969 is offline
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Default Re: Question on shackle flip

Quote:
Originally Posted by WVJefo View Post
Did the shackle flip on rear leaf springs. Actually had bolts, the original shackles had been replaced. JUst unbolted the shackles from frame and flipped them over so spring is above.

Question is: Now the rear wheels are now further back not centered on bump stops. Is this normal?

Got pics on my build thread "Lil Red Ford"
To answer your question, yes this is normal when lifting or lowering your truck incorrectly you rear axle will move and change the geometry.

When flipping the shackles you are lowering the suspension incorrectly.

Yeah yeah yeah bla bla bla many people do it, but this is not the correct way to lower your truck.

Because of the Shackle flip your rear axle and driveshaft has been moved back and your drive shaft angle has changed as well.

Spend the money and put in a proper lowering kit or leave your truck at stock height.
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  #4  
Old 08-04-2017, 04:04 AM
johnday johnday is offline
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Default Re: Question on shackle flip

There is a correct way and a wrong way to raise/lower a vehicle, shackles are an instant gratification type of thing, quick, cheap, and WRONG. You'll likely get away with it, but your pinion angle has changed now, in other words, Ujoints thrown at more/less of an angle, potential of driveshaft not having enough clearance for the spline to contract without binding.
I've been on this site for awhile, and it's always amazed me how many think using shackles to raise and lower a vehicle is a "good" way.
Here is a thread that went on for awhile where a member did just the opposite of yourself. Result, axle moved forward.Rear axle not centered in wheel well
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  #5  
Old 08-04-2017, 05:16 AM
JAMMANICA JAMMANICA is offline
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Default Re: Question on shackle flip

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Originally Posted by EaOutlaw1969 View Post
Because of the Shackle flip your rear axle and driveshaft has been moved back and your drive shaft angle has changed as well.

+1

Severely incorrect pinion angle will cause vibration with even brand new universal joints and the best of driveshaft balances.You have shock placement and driveshaft length to consider also both not immediately obvious but will cause damage. Just be safe and don't hit any speed bumps LOL might bottom out your shocks.
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  #6  
Old 08-07-2017, 02:41 PM
WVJefo WVJefo is offline
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Default Re: Question on shackle flip

Well Darn, Checked ten or twelve posts before I did this and not one word about damage.

So which kit would lower/level the Ranger without damage??
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  #7  
Old 08-08-2017, 12:17 AM
EaOutlaw1969 EaOutlaw1969 is offline
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Default Re: Question on shackle flip

lets start over.

What if anything have you done to the front of the truck to lower it?

What size tires and wheels are you running?

What are the specifications of the wheels?

How low from factory do you want to go?

Are you still needing to use your Ranger as a truck and not lose load capacity?

Provide specs of your truck, Year, engine size, standard cab, extended cab etc, spring or torsion bar front suspension.

What is your budget for this project?

Make sure to plan for a thrust angle alignment when the truck is at its final ride height.
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  #8  
Old 08-08-2017, 06:30 AM
WVJefo WVJefo is offline
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Default Re: Question on shackle flip

Thanks for the interest & any help you can give Outlaw


What if anything have you done to the front of the truck to lower it? Nothing

What size tires and wheels are you running? Full stock not changing

What are the specifications of the wheels? Stock

How low from factory do you want to go? Just level the truck no lowering of front

Are you still needing to use your Ranger as a truck and not lose load capacity? Not worried about losing load cap. May haul once in a while but nothing near load limit

Provide specs of your truck, Year, engine size, standard cab, extended cab etc, spring or torsion bar front suspension. 95 3.0 extended cap Splash, Coil/shocks front, Leaf/ spring rear

What is your budget for this project? not a lot. but doing right is important

Make sure to plan for a thrust angle alignment when the truck is at its final ride height.
OK

Thanks again
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  #9  
Old 08-08-2017, 07:53 AM
EaOutlaw1969 EaOutlaw1969 is offline
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Default Re: Question on shackle flip

You have a few options. ( depending on how low you want to go )

You could purchase new rear lowering springs and a new set of u bolts. ( you may lose load capacity with lowering springs )

You could have a new set of springs made by a spring shop.

Or you could even c notch the frame and mount the springs below the axle, which may drop the ride height much further than your intending.

What ever path you choose I would install either air shocks or load assist air bags to help keep the truck level once loaded.

When you calculate how much lower you want the rear measure the truck with a full tank of fuel.

You may have to add a adjustment shims to correct the pinion angle.

Here is a link that explains about pinion angle.

http://www.quickperformance.com/Pini...ent_ep_45.html


Here is a link of what I am talking about, I did not look up the correct part for your truck since we do not know what size adjustment you would need to make.

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...ypes-_-keyword

Before you start it is a good idea to know exactly how much you want to lower the rear of your truck.

I would park the truck on a level surface with a full tank of fuel, and measure the ride height make sure the measurement is the same on both sides before you start.

Then just add weight to your truck until the truck is at the desired ride height.

Now you have your measurement and data to work with so you can shop for a solution that works for you and your budget.

It is also helpful to know this information before you contact a spring shop.
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Last edited by EaOutlaw1969; 08-08-2017 at 07:57 AM.
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  #10  
Old 08-15-2017, 07:50 AM
nja89 nja89 is offline
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Default Re: Question on shackle flip

I did the shackle flip on my 08 probably has been almost 3 years, no issues at all still rides the same as it did. I am constantly hauling scrap metal 600 to 800 pounds at a time and even have hauled a ton of topsoil quite a few times. Cut a coil off the front too. I know its the cheap way cost me 5 bucks for some bolts but it works.
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  #11  
Old 08-15-2017, 10:37 PM
Undrstm8ed Undrstm8ed is offline
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Default Re: Question on shackle flip

Quote:
Originally Posted by nja89 View Post
I did the shackle flip on my 08 probably has been almost 3 years, no issues at all still rides the same as it did. I am constantly hauling scrap metal 600 to 800 pounds at a time and even have hauled a ton of topsoil quite a few times. Cut a coil off the front too. I know its the cheap way cost me 5 bucks for some bolts but it works.
Cutting coils may sound like a good idea but.. cutting a half a coil on car springs, at least in the Honda world nets you a 230lb reduction in weight capacity reducing control of weight & weight distribution/transfer..

Most people swapped out for real lowering springs either after their first real scare or at least after the 1st accident if the car survives it....

Knowing that you tow heavy loads really makes me feel uneasy that you would not only put your own life at risk should you have a road failure but other peoples lives at risk...
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  #12  
Old 08-16-2017, 02:09 AM
EaOutlaw1969 EaOutlaw1969 is offline
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Default Re: Question on shackle flip

Quote:
Originally Posted by nja89 View Post
I did the shackle flip on my 08 probably has been almost 3 years, no issues at all still rides the same as it did. I am constantly hauling scrap metal 600 to 800 pounds at a time and even have hauled a ton of topsoil quite a few times. Cut a coil off the front too. I know its the cheap way cost me 5 bucks for some bolts but it works.
These type of modifications are like a cancer that spreads throughout the internet and into our streets because of people like you.

Modifications like this are almost always done by untrained, uncaring, unprofessional people that have no business working on a vehicle let alone modifying a vehicle.

I am pretty sure everyone that owns a Ranger and wants to adjust the ride height has considered these type of short cuts.

But not everyone will put up with the consequences of a poorly thought out lift or lowing modification.

Just because the only consequence your truck has suffered so far is a poor alignment and excessive tire wear and not centered rear axle , does not mean your truck is immune from tossing the drive shaft down the interstate hurting or killing innocent people behind you.

When and if a death or serious injury happens you can bet your ass there will be a investigation, and it will not be hard for the prosecution to prove your modification was the cause.

Now that you posted on the internet that it was you that did the modification you cannot even try to claim it was like that when you purchased it.

What really gets under my skin is the blatant disregard for the safety of people around you.

As a former motorcycle enthusiast, I can tell you if your drive shaft got spit out because of a modification or lack of maintenance and took out a group of my fellow riders you would have a lot more to worry about than a lawsuit.

Here is just one example of what could be your future. ( this truck is not even modified but most likely poorly maintained )

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Last edited by EaOutlaw1969; 08-16-2017 at 02:18 AM.
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  #13  
Old 08-16-2017, 04:15 AM
johnday johnday is offline
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Default Re: Question on shackle flip

Quote:
Originally Posted by EaOutlaw1969 View Post
I am pretty sure "EVERYONE" that owns a Ranger and wants to adjust the ride height has considered these type of short cuts.
Uh, NO!!! Do it right and safely the first time.
The rest, you possibly could be right.
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  #14  
Old 08-16-2017, 04:31 AM
ranger024x4 ranger024x4 is offline
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Default Re: Question on shackle flip

Quote:
Originally Posted by EaOutlaw1969 View Post
These type of modifications are like a cancer that spreads throughout the internet and into our streets because of people like you.

Modifications like this are almost always done by untrained, uncaring, unprofessional people that have no business working on a vehicle let alone modifying a vehicle.

I am pretty sure everyone that owns a Ranger and wants to adjust the ride height has considered these type of short cuts.

But not everyone will put up with the consequences of a poorly thought out lift or lowing modification.

Just because the only consequence your truck has suffered so far is a poor alignment and excessive tire wear and not centered rear axle , does not mean your truck is immune from tossing the drive shaft down the interstate hurting or killing innocent people behind you.

When and if a death or serious injury happens you can bet your ass there will be a investigation, and it will not be hard for the prosecution to prove your modification was the cause.

Now that you posted on the internet that it was you that did the modification you cannot even try to claim it was like that when you purchased it.

What really gets under my skin is the blatant disregard for the safety of people around you.

As a former motorcycle enthusiast, I can tell you if your drive shaft got spit out because of a modification or lack of maintenance and took out a group of my fellow riders you would have a lot more to worry about than a lawsuit.

Here is just one example of what could be your future. ( this truck is not even modified but most likely poorly maintained )

https://youtu.be/dkzc1xNsFoc
lol internet tough guy
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  #15  
Old 08-17-2017, 02:24 AM
EaOutlaw1969 EaOutlaw1969 is offline
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Default Re: Question on shackle flip

Quote:
Originally Posted by ranger024x4 View Post
lol internet tough guy
I wonder how passive and forgiving you would be if your Wife or family member gets injured or killed because of some jerk that wanted to look cool and cut corners doing so.

Tough Guy LOL, Oh hell no!!

I am absolutely the biggest wimp on this forum, with my bad neck and back I couldn't fight my way out of a wet paper bag.

But my physical limitations would not prevent me from the serving up needed justice to those that do me or my family wrong.
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