Are those shackles and the mount strong enough for a Gwag? they dont look nearly as beefy as the stock ones. I like the Idea and I am now seriously thinking about doing this soon. I just want to make sure that it will hold up on the trail.
I looked at using ones for a F250, they are almost identical except wider where the shackle mounts at. Having one in hand they are pretty solid. The bends and such really make a difference, where our stock ones are mostly flat steel. The shackles are stock Wag.Are those shackles and the mount strong enough for a Gwag? they dont look nearly as beefy as the stock ones.
after I posted last night I did some looking into the 80-98 f150-f350 hangers. I found them online for $22 a piece. they are designed to work with 3'' leaf springs and if they can hold an 80s f350 i know the Wag will be good to go. thanks for such a great affordable idea. Im thinking about setting it up like you explained, I only need/want 1.5'' out of the s/f but the real gain will be in spring droop gained by maxamizing the action of the shackle. I was also thinking about pairing the BJs 1'' shackle in the front to help keep the truck level and add some much needed flex to the front end. after this im goint to be looking for 33s
Quote:
Originally Posted by blazer3664
and after
Its not bent, just a different spring all together.Did the shackle flip cause you to bend your leaf spring? or is that from the old shackle bucket?
When you did the SF on the rear of the rear spring, did you lower the front mount(of the rear spring) also?
thanks
I dont see the need to move the front mount down unless you want more lift. And if you want more lift then get a shackle flip kit from BJs. The whole point of this shackle flip is that it provide no more than 1.5-3'' of lift, and you get ALOT more droop (compared to stock) during articulation. Not to mention its hard to beat the price!
My idea was inspired by another member here who used them for a stockish replacement. I shared my idea in hopes of providing a solution, or inspiration, for others here. I know I have "borrowed" a lot from other members, so I need to do my part "loaning"as well.blazer3664 this was a great idea! this is a great mod for guys like me who want to keep the stock axle set up but maximize flex. I made my mind up a long time ago i wouldn't go SOA without upgrading the axles. This Shacke flip is going to allow me to flip the rear shackle and gain all the benefits of flex without all the extra lift that I don't need. Thanks for the GREAT idea
Here is where I got the idea, post 12Blazer I am very interested in seeing more about this SF, so wondering if the other members who you borrowed the idea from have any posts about their swaps.
Like yourself I am not interested in the lift that is associated with shackle flips, I am just looking to replace the old boxes and get a little more flex at the same time. As you mentioned the extra lift in the back can be offset by a set of 1" shackles from BJs so you have me very interested.
I would love to hear how they work for you, and any further comments you have regarding this swap, and any other posts along the same line.
Thanks in advance
I put 4dr Exploder springs in mine and during my research found that F150 springs would probably work too but would give more lift than I wanted.
While it's not any easier to get these out of a U-pull-it, it was cheaper and I didn't have to cut anything off.
If you follow what I did (I don't remember who suggested it, but it's not *mine*), get springs from two different Fords and make sure they're both on the left side. The right side had much, much more corrosion and rust and was so much harder to remove.
ETA: It's right there (maybe why I subscribed to this thread since I never posted in it before?)
Quote:
Originally Posted by blazer3664
I swapped in 97-03 F150 springs (4-5" lift) thinking it would be enough.
____Someone talk to me about the Explorer or F150 spring thing. What years fit? How much lift over stock? Bolt in? Do they move the axle position?
Thanks
__________
Quote:
Originally Posted by jeepfan93
Someone talk to me about the Explorer or F150 spring thing. What years fit? How much lift over stock? Bolt in? Do they move the axle position?
Thanks
I'm happy with the Exploder spring. Yes they bolt in easy enough, I may have had to take the grinder to them slightly, but nothing huge. Axle moves forward a tiny bit, I can't recall off the top of my head, it's not enough to notice once the wheels are mounted.
My only piece of advice is if you're buying used springs, take one from the left side of two different vehicles (unless you live in a country that drives on the wrong side of the road, in which case, two right side springs) because the crap that collects on the curb side makes more rust and thus it's more difficult to remove.
ETA: get new U-bolts, I got mine bent by a local big rig supplier for $28. I had to turn the bolt that holds the leaf stack around and I would suggest replacing that with a new one as well. IIRC these were $3 ea.
Well I'll see. I have a new pair of rear springs, but looking for a bit more flex or softer ride in the rear. I deal with a spring manufacturer directly so prices aren't a concern for new stuff. I thought if the Explorer or F150 had thinner leaves but more of them, I could get a better ride. Then again, I have 2 RC front springs with 2.5 AAL front and rear so I'm sre anything would ride better. But to be honest, my ride is pretty good. All the extra weight helps. Gearing up for an SOA so if anything I would rather the rear axle go back an inch. Just to not cut the door side of the wheel well.
I know bupkis about vehicle suspension.
The Exploder spring has an overload leaf, here's a comparison photo to the stocker for an 82 Limited:
Just curious about the Exploder rear springs, it looks like 1st and 2nd gen exploders would probably all have the same rear suspension ('91-'01)
Is that what these springs came from?