rear shackle install

[Damon23]

No where does it cover in the instructions nor in any searchs on how to install the rear shackles. What I mean is their a front and back on the shackle. I have one side that has a back to it and one side that does not. Does the open end face the front or back, or does it matter?

[Mike C]

The open side needs to face forward on the truck. As the spring flattens out and the shackle extends towards the rear of the truck, the open area allows for additional clearance of the spring.

[tinydb84]

You will also need to cut the bed support.

[Mike C]

You might. I did not cut the bed support on my 70 GMC 3/4 ton long bed, but on a 1/2 ton your mileage may vary.

[sKnNyPpY]

Are these on backwards? This is on a 71 longbed 2-1/4 leaf and I ride REAL low after a DJM flip. Another board member thought these were drop shackles but I got the same size as these when I ordered 'stock' shackles. There is also a debate as to whether my 3-1 leafs had some removed from 5-1 or if it came that way, I only see 5-1 as replacements. Thanks.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by sKnNyPpY

Are these on backwards? This is on a 71 longbed 2-1/4 leaf and I ride REAL low after a DJM flip. Another board member thought these were drop shackles but I got the same size as these when I ordered 'stock' shackles. There is also a debate as to whether my 3-1 leafs had some removed from 5-1 or if it came that way, I only see 5-1 as replacements. Thanks.

That appears to be a stock shackle. Most aftermarket (not all) will have extra holes so you can drop 1" or 2".

I am inclined to agree that you might have leaves removed from your spring pack. I don't know specifically how many configurations were available on 67-72's with leaves, but that looks really low for w flip kit with a stock shackle.

[PaPaStewySnipes]

I'm in the same boat, I am unsure if some were removed. Pic of mine below, I am afraid if I do a flip I will be less than an inch from frame. Any info. On looking for a 4-6 drop in the rear, depends on what is possible then I will drop front accordingly to level the truck out.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

You will also need to cut the bed support.

Originally Posted by Mike C

You might. I did not cut the bed support on my 70 GMC 3/4 ton long bed, but on a 1/2 ton your mileage may vary.

Mike is correct. It will depend on the wheel base, and the spring length. On 73-87 trucks you had two different leaf spring lengths as well as wheel base lengths that determined if the bed brace would clear or not.