Confused - Shackle and Lift increase Q's (Newbie warning)

[Hesh]

Hey guys, I have a 76 K5 with a 4" lift (springs in the front, blocks in the rear), riding on 35's but aiming towards 37's. To do so Im planning on picking up the Bushwacker Cut Out Fender flares to open the wheel wells up a good bit, but I was thinking it wouldnt be a bad idea for a couple more inches of lift all around.

Now, Im likely gonna go with the Zero-Rates for my first inch, but ideally I'd love to to obtain one more inch (or just over), but I really dont wanna change my pinion angles too much, nor lengthen my driveshafts, and from what Ive heard about the terribly rough rides that actual add a leafs create, Ive shied away from those...

My question is, with this in mind, what would be the best way to obtain roughly 1-2" more without having to buy a whole new lift kit? Ive seen DIY4X offers what looks to be a longer shackle called the "USDR Shackle" and they describe it as: [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]

[/FONT]

GM Factory style shackles. Designed to fit a 2.5" wide spring. Comes complete with Greasable poly bushings and sleeves.
These are available in 4,5,6 and 7" lengths.
3/8" thick sides, 5/16" center gusset and a 2" x .25" wl. DOM bushing. Fully welded and ready for abuse.

would a combination of these in all four corners in combination with zero-rates help me get the lift I want, or would I be best with just the longer shackles in the front, and increasing the block size in the rear, and still doing zero-rates all around?

Also if anyone has pics of a 4" or 5" lift setup (with cut-out flares) and 37's Id love to see how it looks.

Thanks!

 

[6.2Blazer]

Since shackles only "raise" the springs on one side, it will only lift the vehicle half of the increase in shackle length.......1" longer shackle will only raise the vehicle 1/2", etc...

The problem is that in the front if you put on a long enough shackle to make any real difference in overall lift you will mess with the front wheel alignment and pinion angle.

In the rear a longer shackle won't do you any good unless you have a shackle flip kit installled. It doesn't sound like you do since you mention the rear blocks.

The zero-rate in the front is a good idea, especially if you move the axle forward an inch. The main tire clearance issue is at the lower rear of the wheel well, and moving the axle forward makes a big difference in clearance.

The Bushwacker cutout flares don't seem to offer a whole lot of extra tire room. Certainly no where close to what some mild to moderate fender trimming can allow.

 

[moneypit_K5]

Since shackles only "raise" the springs on one side, it will only lift the vehicle half of the increase in shackle length.......1" longer shackle will only raise the vehicle 1/2", etc...

The problem is that in the front if you put on a long enough shackle to make any real difference in overall lift you will mess with the front wheel alignment and pinion angle.

In the rear a longer shackle won't do you any good unless you have a shackle flip kit installled. It doesn't sound like you do since you mention the rear blocks.

The zero-rate in the front is a good idea, especially if you move the axle forward an inch. The main tire clearance issue is at the lower rear of the wheel well, and moving the axle forward makes a big difference in clearance.

The Bushwacker cutout flares don't seem to offer a whole lot of extra tire room. Certainly no where close to what some mild to moderate fender trimming can allow.

Right on all counts...

You might look into the rear shackle flip for 4" total lift, then replace your 4" block with a 2" block.

as for the front, do your zero rate, and shackle the rest up, shouldnt be enough to effect your pinion angle etc.

 

[Stomis]

Hey guys, I have a 76 K5 with a 4" lift (springs in the front, blocks in the rear), riding on 35's but aiming towards 37's. To do so Im planning on picking up the Bushwacker Cut Out Fender flares to open the wheel wells up a good bit, but I was thinking it wouldnt be a bad idea for a couple more inches of lift all around.

Now, Im likely gonna go with the Zero-Rates for my first inch, but ideally I'd love to to obtain one more inch (or just over), but I really dont wanna change my pinion angles too much, nor lengthen my driveshafts, and from what Ive heard about the terribly rough rides that actual add a leafs create, Ive shied away from those...

My question is, with this in mind, what would be the best way to obtain roughly 1-2" more without having to buy a whole new lift kit? Ive seen DIY4X offers what looks to be a longer shackle called the "USDR Shackle" and they describe it as: [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]

[/FONT]would a combination of these in all four corners in combination with zero-rates help me get the lift I want, or would I be best with just the longer shackles in the front, and increasing the block size in the rear, and still doing zero-rates all around?

Also if anyone has pics of a 4" or 5" lift setup (with cut-out flares) and 37's Id love to see how it looks.

Thanks!

Heres my truck. Its 4in front springs with a zero rate pushing the axle forward 1in and 6in shackles from DIY4x. The rear is a 4in shackle flip with a zero rate and 6in shackles and 36's

I would say the truck has right around 5- 5 1/2in of lift and I think its way too much for 36's. I have to get my 52in front springs in first but I think the zero rate will be coming out.

Crappy picture but all I have