Custom Shackles?

[AustinDiB]

Ive seen a few posts on custom extra long shackles for a bigger lift on the rear end. how would i go about making some and what are some of the tools and materials i would need? also, does anybody know of an easy/inexpensive way to lift the front end besides a torsion bar twist? :roll:

 

[96EXXLTinCO]

Q.)"Does anybody know of an easy/inexpensive way to lift the front end besides a torsion bar twist?"

A.) TT IS the easy/inexpensive way to lift the front. You basically tighten 2 bolts, done. I reccomend soaking the adjusting bolts a few times over different day prior to cranking em up, and lift the front tires off the ground when you tighten em. Was a piece of cake for me doing it this way.
Other options are a solid axle swap (SAS) and an pricey superlift kit.

Q.)"Ive seen a few posts on custom extra long shackles for a bigger lift on the rear end. how would i go about making some and what are some of the tools and materials i would need?"

A.) I just did a TT and AAL in the rear, I had a A LOT of spring sag so will be making and installing my own shackles. You can see how to do it here:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=405431

It will at the minimum require a welder (unless you don't put a brace in the middle, but it is strongly suggested) a band saw, chop saw, angle grinder with a cut off wheel or other similar tools to cut the metal, drill and 9/16" bit (drill press highly recommended) 2"x3/8" flat stock is perfect to use for shackles, use almost anything for center brace, the link should answer any other questions, but feel free to drop any other questions you have not answered in the link.

 

[DoraThe_Explorer]

A.) TT IS the easy/inexpensive way to lift the front. You basically tighten 2 bolts, done. I reccomend soaking the adjusting bolts a few times over different day prior to cranking em up, and lift the front tires off the ground when you tighten em. Was a piece of cake for me doing it this way.
Other options are a solid axle swap (SAS) and an pricey superlift kit.


A.) I just did a TT and AAL in the rear, I had a A LOT of spring sag so will be making and installing my own shackles. You can see how to do it here:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=405431

It will at the minimum require a welder (unless you don't put a brace in the middle, but it is strongly suggested) a band saw, chop saw, angle grinder with a cut off wheel or other similar tools to cut the metal, drill and 9/16" bit (drill press highly recommended) 2"x3/8" flat stock is perfect to use for shackles, use almost anything for center brace, the link should answer any other questions, but feel free to drop any other questions you have not answered in the link.

Great answer! I would also highly recommend welding in a center support if you decide to weld your own shackles.

I have TT up front with Warrior shackles, an add a leaf, and load adjusting shocks in the rear of my explorer and it sits level. It is a bit stiff, but you still can't beat a 3 inch lift for roughly $150 -> $200. A SAS will give you a lot more articulation and durability but costs significantly more.

Let us know what you decide to do!

 

[AustinDiB]

Will do! Thanks a lot for a super informative reply!

 

[96EXXLTinCO]

No problem. Always around if ya have more questions. I was a fab shop foreman for years and loved it. Still do a little here and there when possible.

 

[Flash]

My 2c.

The centre brace doesn't have to be welded, you can use a bolt and a piece of round or square tube or even a bolt with jam nuts.

But personally I don't see extended shackles as a good solution to badly sagged springs but having seen the condition of some of the shackles in the rust belt they would need to be replaced with something.

Without a doubt the best solution is raised, heavy duty springs; they put the load where it's supposed to be. They don't cost all that much.
I used a coil spring between the leaf spring and the chassis, kits can be had between $35 and $45.

The TT lift is the only cheap solution for the front.
The only other solution is a coilover replacement - not cheap.

 

[96EXXLTinCO]

I used a coil spring between the leaf spring and the chassis, kits can be had between $35 and $45.

I'd be interested in seeing a pic of that kit installed. The pro comp AAL I just installed only brought me to what seems like close to stock height. I've seen a homemade hack coil spring add on on a toyota once, wasn't impressed, but I was unaware of any kits for this. Where did you find it? I'm curious about how they're mounted, and if they're that cheap I may go that route. Haven't had any 2"x3/8" flat stock fall in my lap yet, and although I have a donated auto zone kit brand new in the box, I'm not overly crazy about it.

And on a side note, anyone know where to get a bushing kit for the rear leafs? I haven't had any luck.

 

[AustinDiB]

my truck is only around an inch and a half, maybe 2 below stock ride height in the back, im only just now pushing 68k miles on my 01 xlt because my leafs arent that bad, i just want/need some decent size mud tires that a majority of my project money is going towards because im still running stock 235x75r15s and they look mighty ugly lol

 

[Flash]

I'd be interested in seeing a pic of that kit installed. I've seen a homemade hack coil spring add on on a toyota once, wasn't impressed, but I was unaware of any kits for this. Where did you find it? I'm curious about how they're mounted, and if they're that cheap I may go that route.

Try this.
They come in different spring weights.

What I've got is similar to the Toyota hack using BMW M5 springs.
I'll be changing it to the superior spring kit once I figure out what weight spring I need.
I've got the coil spring clamped to the leaf spring and the frame.

 

[96EXXLTinCO]

Try this.
They come in different spring weights.

What I've got is similar to the Toyota hack using BMW M5 springs.
I'll be changing it to the superior spring kit once I figure out what weight spring I need.
I've got the coil spring clamped to the leaf spring and the frame

.

Keep us posted on what you figure out. I doubt I'm the only one interested in exploring another option.

 

[morbid81]

have you looked the Monroe Add a Leaf? or Warrior Shackles? The Shackles will give you the rear end lift you want.

 

[Flash]

.

Keep us posted on what you figure out. I doubt I'm the only one interested in exploring another option.

I spoke to Superior Springs, they don't recommend the coil springs to compensate for sagging springs, they have an add a leaf for that.
The coils are for load control.
They're 7 inches high at rest.

 

[96EXXLTinCO]

I spoke to Superior Springs, they don't recommend the coil springs to compensate for sagging springs, they have an add a leaf for that.
The coils are for load control.
They're 7 inches high at rest.

Oh ok. Thinking I'm going to add another leaf, either F-150 leaf or another pro-comp, haven't decided yet.