- Joined
- Sep 9, 2004
- Threads
- 200
- Messages
- 12,548
- Location
- Boise - Idaho
- Website
- www.snlandcruisers.com
- Thread starter
- #221
I did have to run a long shackle in the rear to get the truck fairly level, I think it was a 5 or 6". I did end up having the front driveline (and maybe the rear) rebuilt and balanced. Now you can see there might be a few issues with the set up, shackle angle is not ideal, front springs could invert, lower front shock mount sucks, ect ect. The MAF kit gives you a solid 4" in front using the OME mediums and you really need that much lift to fit 35's with no rub and decent flex. Or maybe I should say you want around 4" of lift to get good up travel.
If I was to do it all over again I might build my own shackle reversal kit. But once again you need/want that 4" of lift to get the front end to really flex. To get the shackle angle better would be easy by simply moving mounts on the frame. A small notch in the RHS frame rail would solve the steering touching at full stuff. A better lower shock mount on the front would not stress the shock so much. I think I would also use a different shock as I didn't like the universal mount on the Bilstein. I had the truck for 6-8 months after all this was done and took it wheeling multiple times as well as DD all winter on snowy roads. It rode excellent, handled superb and tracked as good as a brand new car. I had the truck in 4wd on dry pavement doing 70mph and it had zero vibes, zero bump steer and tracked absolutely perfect, two fingers on the wheel. Best leaf spring truck I have ever owned or driven!
Hope this helps some of the rest of you.
Cheers
If I was to do it all over again I might build my own shackle reversal kit. But once again you need/want that 4" of lift to get the front end to really flex. To get the shackle angle better would be easy by simply moving mounts on the frame. A small notch in the RHS frame rail would solve the steering touching at full stuff. A better lower shock mount on the front would not stress the shock so much. I think I would also use a different shock as I didn't like the universal mount on the Bilstein. I had the truck for 6-8 months after all this was done and took it wheeling multiple times as well as DD all winter on snowy roads. It rode excellent, handled superb and tracked as good as a brand new car. I had the truck in 4wd on dry pavement doing 70mph and it had zero vibes, zero bump steer and tracked absolutely perfect, two fingers on the wheel. Best leaf spring truck I have ever owned or driven!
Hope this helps some of the rest of you.
Cheers
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And a nice build! Looks sturdy, and a nice stance!
