My reverse level (lowering) experience using drop shackles

[dkevox]

I get this was a relatively straightforward and simple job, but the amount of debate over the cost is ridiculous. I can tell you from a lot of experience that if you had tried to penny pinch and find a shop who would do it for $50 or $100 less, the headache just wouldn't be worth it. You'd be amazed the stupid simple shit that shops f up, and knowing the owner and trusting in that individual is easily worth that $50 or $100, cause if there are any issues he's gonna make it right.

This is speaking as someone who has had to find alternate transport for months while trying to fix issues f'd up by shops. Who's had to pay a second time for the same work to correct the first shop's mistake. Almost every time I ever tried to find a "good deal" that backfired. Granted I was having more difficult work done, but still. To not have to shop around, to not have to worry about it, to just have an easy experience, I'd 100% pay those rates without hesitation.

As someone else said, literally every shop charges a "shop supplies" fee that is based on percentage of the labor costs. This is a legitimate expense. And a $25 fee for the washers is nothing.

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[MJG44]

I'm about to pull the 4x4 block and install 2" shackles, what's the bed modification?

 

[powerboatr]

i looked at the ubolts on my truck, there is 1.5 inches of extra thread already, so if i do it i could get by with just a few washers .
which brings up a question? are 2wd and 4wd ubolts the same on the trucks with the one long leaf spring the large composite spring under it?

 

[Littlefield82]

i looked at the ubolts on my truck, there is 1.5 inches of extra thread already, so if i do it i could get by with just a few washers .
which brings up a question? are 2wd and 4wd ubolts the same on the trucks with the one long leaf spring the large composite spring under it?

2wd and 4x4 have different u-bolts. 4x4 are longer to account for the 1.25" block.

 

[powerboatr]

2wd and 4x4 have different u-bolts. 4x4 are longer to account for the 1.25" block.

i thought so, but these have enough thread to re-use
i wouldn't recommend re -use ubolts, just found it interesting, especially since there are just 1k miles on the truck.

 

[Zengineer]

i looked at the ubolts on my truck, there is 1.5 inches of extra thread already, so if i do it i could get by with just a few washers .
which brings up a question? are 2wd and 4wd ubolts the same on the trucks with the one long leaf spring the large composite spring under it?

If it's really 1.5 inches you need zero washers. I put a single one in at each location but my measurements at the time said it really wasn't necessary. I was at Tractor Supply earlier in the week and just grabbed them just in case. When a trip to the hardware store for me is $5 in gas I have been buying a lot of hardware and other stuff I know I'll eventually use ahead of time.

 

[Dave541]

Will removing the blocks prematurely where out the rubber stop on the axle? I have a non max tow, but a tow package. Thanks.

 

[Zengineer]

Will removing the blocks prematurely where out the rubber stop on the axle? I have a non max tow, but a tow package. Thanks.

It is unlikely that most people ever have enough load or dynamic driving to ever hit them.

 

[Baddeal]

Are the U bolts the same for 8.8 and 9.75? And it’s just the 2wd/4wd length difference?

 

[Tobstertx3]

Just for reference for others reading. I paid $275, Labor only, to have Blistein Rear shocks installed and MaxTrack Rear Shackles installed. (Have RWD so no Block removal).

 

[Baddeal]

Just did the reverse level. 1” max trac shackles, 2wd unbolts, and 2.5 degree shims. I have a ford dealer as a sister store so the bolts were like $100 and the shackles were like another $100. Shims were like $20-$30. Just did it myself in driveway.

 

[notabot]

Just did the reverse level. 1” max trac shackles, 2wd unbolts, and 2.5 degree shims. I have a ford dealer as a sister store so the bolts were like $100 and the shackles were like another $100. Shims were like $20-$30. Just did it myself in driveway.

Per chance, did you measure before and after pinion angle?

BTW - that is the way the undercarriage should look on every truck delivered by Ford. Crisp and Clean.

 

[AR.223]

Did this last week to my fx4 22. Pulled the blocks and installed max trac 1” shackles. Reused my u bolts. Plenty of thread left.
I took the easy way out on the top shackle bolts and just cut the head off and installed new one the other way.
Did not use any degree shims. Smooth as butter up to 65. (Fastest I’ve been so far)
before measurements was 41.5“ after 39”.
Front is at 37.75.

 

[Baddeal]

Per chance, did you measure before and after pinion angle?

BTW - that is the way the undercarriage should look on every truck delivered by Ford. Crisp and Clean.

I didn’t measure sure before but this is after

 

[RedundanT]

Did this last week to my fx4 22. Pulled the blocks and installed max trac 1” shackles. Reused my u bolts. Plenty of thread left.
I took the easy way out on the top shackle bolts and just cut the head off and installed new one the other way.
Did not use any degree shims. Smooth as butter up to 65. (Fastest I’ve been so far)
before measurements was 41.5“ after 39”.
Front is at 37.75.

To anyone that is contemplating this. You do NOT need new leaf spring bolts. With the tires on the ground you can lower the truck and pull the bolt out over the frame. Easy peasy.

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