which shackles do i need?
and whats the procedure to go about changing them out?

do i jack up the axle and then replace the shackles? or do i let it droop and proceed that way

haven't worked much on leaf sprung axles. only coil sprung.

also will i need new u-bolts? if so which ones will i need?

thanks!

 

you're not "supposed to" use the same ubolts.

Support the truck from the frame, and use a jack under the axle to support the weight of it.. slowly unscrew the nuts off the ubolts.. its kinda a balancing act getting it all supported correctly.

 

ahhh okay. sounds fun! lol

 

Belltech 6400 for the shackles.

Check their mounts on the frame for rust. I've heard that its best to change out the mounts too when your doing a shackle it they look rusty since your going to be doing work back there anyways. Taking off the bed is the easiest for that.

Dont forget new spring bushings. I would replace those since your going to have everything apart anyways.

I do believe that its jack it up, pull the tires, jack stands under the axle, and then let the axle drop once you get the factory bolts out so the new one lines up.

I would get new U-bolts since your going to have your old ones off. But that just me. You can reuse the old ones, I wouldn't, just trim the extra hanging off.

I like to replace everything that I am changing/taking off, with new parts. You just dont want to go back there in a month when something brakes and have to take it all apart all over again. Avoid that by using new.

 

rust? in vegas? never heard of it! haha thanks for the tips man

 

dinky *** ubolts like the stock ones.. replace those things..

if you have the beefy *** ones like you get from Ruff Stuff then they'll probably last quite a while.

 

i'll replace them to be on the safe side. last time i was under the truck (earlier today) i noticed i have no rust whatsoever lol. but what the hell might as well while i have that **** apart lol.

 

Thats the spirit! Your going through all this work to put back on old used junk? Pssh... Toss in the bling down there, then go mudding so no one can see the shiny new stuff. lol!

 

mud?? in vegas??
lol you get the point :P

 

Sure you can make mud. Only takes a few easy steps.

1. Wait till neighbor goes to work.
2. Turn on HIS garden hose on his front lawn.
3. Have a few beers. Or six.
4. Go play in the mud till your truck gets dirty.
5. Have more beers.
6. Proudly park your truck in the driveway with its muddy magnificent self and wait till he comes home to show him that you do take your truck off road.

 

^^ Let me know how that works out for ya..

 

lol

 

Why are you getting rid of the blocks?

 

the day before take some pb breaker and hit all your botls your going to be working with.... these ones tend to be sticky.

stands under the frame, pull the wheels, put a jack under the axle(under the diff) and compress the springs just a little, enough were they move but the truck doenst lift. unbolt and replace. if you can replace the bushings and u bolts. u bolts have a tendency to streach like head bolts and can break. when you reinstall the ubolts and plates use the same patten like your diong a wheel. also the next day or two after the install check thoose bolts again.

 

cause blocks bring teh suck.

 

Amazon.com: Belltech 6400 Shackle Kit: Automotive
those good?

and where do you guys suggest i get ubolts and what size do i need

 

bump ^^

 

those are the ones everyone is running get them now

 

Yes! Get them right meow!

 

still not answering my question on which ubolts i need lol

 

i got mine at a local spring shop they cost me 50 bucks but i forget what size they are i want to say 5/8 but im not sure