ORD 4" Shackle Flip and 4" shackles w/56s - shackle is sometimes flat when parked

[Snoozer]

Here's the synopsis:

The truck is a 1976 K10 SWB that had 52" rear springs. I did a 56 swap.

ORD 4" shackle flip brackets (mounted "backwards" for the longer springs)
DIY4X 4" shackles
Leaf springs are 6" lift 56s

Twice now, I've noticed that when I back the truck up sorta quickly (speed-wise) and park it either in the street or in my RV parking area, I'll get out and see the shackle looks like this:

The thing is, the shackles don't always do this. I'll move the truck forward again, the suspension will unload, and the shackles will return to their normal 45° again. Here's proof:

So is this a simple solution of needing a longer shackle? And if so, how much longer can I/should I go before the inherent negatives creep up? -I've read Chris and Stephen's warnings about "roll steer" and handling issues with the 4" flip brackets and long shackles.


Thanks guys!

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Pictures didn't show up

 

[Snoozer]

Weird... They're showing up for me.


Moderators,
I uploaded the pics to my User Albums, then I clicked the 'Insert Image' button and copy/pasted the picture links from my album. Is this the correct method?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Can you post a link to your album?

 

[Snoozer]

http://coloradok5.com/forums/album.php?albumid=902

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

It says invalid album specified, maybe you have it setup as private? I honestly don't know.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Feel free to send pictures to [email protected] as well, those go straight to me.

 

[Snoozer]

Fixed the pics!!

You were right, Chris. The album was set as Private. Took me a while to figure that out.

 

[Kay86K5]

You probably need a longer shackle. I just did the same 56 swap with my ORD brackets swapped, but I have diy4x's 6" shackles (and I have stock 56's, not lifted 56's). It looks like your shackle angle is a little too flat when it's sitting normal with those 4" shackles. By going to a 6", it should be a slightly more viticle shackle angle which should eliviate the problem you are having. But I have not yet driven mine with the 56 swap, so hopefully mine doesn't do that same thing . Take a look at my build thread in my sig. The last page shows what my shackle angle is with it sitting on the tires. As you can see, yours looks just a little bit flatter than what mine is. Maybe some other guys who have done the swap too can chime in and tell their experience, but I think a 6" shackle should help you out. Good looking truck by the way
(P.S., by going with a 6" shackle, you will most likely be about 1" taller than you are sitting right now with the 4" shackles, just fyi)

 

[Snoozer]

Dang it. I need to learn to post replies faster so that my account doesn't time out and log me out.

In short, I might try the 6" shackles. That seems to be the cheapest solution. But that means more lift (about 1", like you said), which the rear already doesn't need. The truck actually sits nicer with flat-shackle-syndrome.

Man, your Build Thread has some nice flex pics.

Are you getting any "roll steer" or handling quarks with the long shackles + 4" shackle flip? ORD warns against that setup.

 

[Kay86K5]

Thanks! Yeah, it flexes pretty well. I have never had any "roll steer" problems. I haven't had a chance to get the 56's flexing quite yet though, but there have been so many people that have done these swaps and I have never really heard that many people complain about that. I went with 3/4 ton 56's on purpose to get a little stiffer spring rate to hopefully help out with things like that. Who knows if it really matters though.

You could try getting some 4" lift 56's (I think you said you have 6" lift 56's right??), that would help out with ride hight in the rear even after the 6" shackles. Just something to think about.

Let us know what happens with the different shackles

 

[Snoozer]

Will do. Thanks for the insight.

 

[Snoozer]

Update

Last night, I installed some new DIY4X 6" UDSR shackles...

Mods: if this thread needs to be moved elsewhere, please do so. It feels weird showcasing DIY4X parts in Offroad Design's forum. I don't want to step on anyone's toes.




The shackle angle definitely looks better, but I'm anticipating a pretty good "rake" stance once the truck sits on level ground. Eventually, I'll get some lower springs on my truck all around.

Here's some before/after shots

On a plus-side, my driveshaft angle got a little better. I have plans for a CV shaft in the near future.

I haven't had a chance to drive it yet, as my truck's interior is currently in shambles and I have tools scattered all over the floor board. (I'm in the beginning stages of a TH350 to SM465 swap). But once I drive it, I'll post another update.

 

[Kay86K5]

Shackle angle looks great now. Should work really well. I have now driven mine on the street quite a few times and it rides like tits now . And wheeling it's even better . Your driveshaft angle looks really good for a CV shaft. You might get some vibs with the current 2-joint shaft, but if you are planning on a CV in the future, it should be about perfect. Looks good dude!