I was going to put leveling springs on my 97 RWD but then I got this idea today. What if I was to do a shackle flip to lower the rear then put a 3" body lift on the truck. This would keep the front suspension stock without the resulting camber issues and give me about 1" inch more lift than the leveling springs.
So what do you guys think? What are the pros and cons of doing it this way? Would my load capacity be reduced for some reason as I do use the truck for the occasional heavy load?

 

Its a fine idea, shackle flip makes it ride smoother but load capacity wont change

 

I didn't know it would make the ride smoother. Sounds like it might be a win/win. I might even be cheaper when you factor in the cost of an alignment being eliminated.

 

Yea, shackle in tension (flipped) is the proper way to begin with. It just lowers ride height, which is why most dont do it. In your case, it is a win/win

 

Yup, that is a great way to lift your truck. It just doesn't get done a lot because most guys want it higher.

 

I'd like to go higher but my wife is handicapped and will have a hard time getting into the truck if it's too high.

 

in fact the load capacity will increase with the shackles inverted

the reason is that the F series 250 and up pick-ups utilize inverted shackles

the leaf spring eyes pull on the shackles and frame mounts rather than pushing on them