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Shackles or BL?

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  #1  
Old 05-03-2009
silverstreak4x4's Avatar
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From: Brighton, Michigan
Shackles or BL?

I have been thinking about lifting my truck. I want to put 32x11.50s on comfortably. I know I can put those on at stock height but I dont want that jammed in look. What should I do Shackles or 3in body lift?
Does anyone have any pics of 32x11.50s with shackles? I cant seem to find any. Thanks for your help.
 
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Old 05-03-2009
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I just put a 1" BL on my truck. That is what I think you should do. It would look perfect with 32's. It is also easier than a 3" BL because there is a lot less things you have to move.
 
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Old 05-03-2009
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Well, shackles will be easy and much less work, and then all you have to do is max out your torsion bars for it to sit even.

The shackles you want are Belltech 6400. They're about $40 from Summit.

BL would be better if you don't want to play with your suspension, but it's more work and a little more expensive.

My avatar is with maxed t-bars and Belltech shackles with 31x10.5x15 tires.
 
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Old 05-03-2009
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If you want to keep your stock ride go with BL. If you want a harsh ride go with shackles and max the bars.
 
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Old 05-03-2009
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i normally wouldnt say BL, but a 3" BL would be the way to go, maxed out t bars are bad news bears. if you do a 1" BL youll just wish later on that you had gone with the 3" i vote BL!!
 
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Old 05-03-2009
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Here I have maxed t-bars, AAL's and shackles on 32's. If I didn't have the cap it would sit a lot higher with both the AAL and the shackle, but it makes it equal out about the same.
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  #7  
Old 05-03-2009
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Originally Posted by Trigger01
OOOO I love that ride height but I dont want the worn out bj's so maybe i will just go with a 3in bl and 33s.
 
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Old 05-03-2009
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With every bump in the road I feel my balljoints failing me lol. I think I might have to back them off slightly
 
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Old 05-03-2009
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I actually really miss the look of the truck back then, but... I like it now too. As for the ball joints, I have been running with maxed t-bars since the end of 2007 and I don't think I have replaced them yet... I really can't remember for sure.
 
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Old 05-03-2009
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My lowers were replaced in '06 or '07. I've only had maxed bars for about a week or 2 now, but it rides so harsh now. Gotta take it easy over alot of bumps I used to be able to go over with no problems.
 
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Old 05-03-2009
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You know what, I take it back, I've replaced both sets within the last year, the uppers about 6 months ago and the lowers in March when my lift went on.
 
  #12  
Old 05-03-2009
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Ya i would prefer a smoother ride over a rock with bad ball joints lol
 
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Old 05-03-2009
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BL FTW then.

You'll save money on balljoints in the long run.

Hmm,got me thinking. Maybe I'll go and do a 1" BL eventually.
 
  #14  
Old 05-03-2009
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Originally Posted by crazymikey
BL FTW then.

You'll save money on balljoints in the long run.

Hmm,got me thinking. Maybe I'll go and do a 1" BL eventually.
Hell maybe we could meet and bust em' both out at once.
 
  #15  
Old 05-03-2009
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Yea bl with 32 or 33s they both look good.
 
  #16  
Old 05-03-2009
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Originally Posted by silverstreak4x4
Hell maybe we could meet and bust em' both out at once.

Problem is, it would have to happen by May 26 because I'm leaving for Alberta on the 27, and I don't have the funds for a BL, but I have lots of time lol.
 
  #17  
Old 05-03-2009
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Originally Posted by TrucknGolf
Yea bl with 32 or 33s they both look good.
33's would look a lot better. Look at my truck the way it is now with 32's. I know 33's would look so much better on mine.
 
  #18  
Old 05-03-2009
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If you changed from an AT to an MT, the 32s would look much more aggressive. Hence why many people ask me if my 31s are 32s or 33s.
 
  #19  
Old 05-03-2009
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I did my 1" BL on Friday and it only took me 4 hours doing it by myself. It was a lot of physical labor, but it wasn't a lot of work.
 
  #20  
Old 05-03-2009
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so how do you install a BL? you got to lift the body off the frame with jacks and under all the spacers?
 
  #21  
Old 05-03-2009
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3 inch body lift!
 
  #22  
Old 05-03-2009
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3"bl and 33s
 
  #23  
Old 05-03-2009
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Originally Posted by davidw
so how do you install a BL? you got to lift the body off the frame with jacks and under all the spacers?
One side at a time, jack that side up and stick the spacers in. Put the bolts back in on that side about 1/2 way. Then do the other side
 
  #24  
Old 05-03-2009
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Originally Posted by 04blackedge
One side at a time, jack that side up and stick the spacers in. Put the bolts back in on that side about 1/2 way. Then do the other side


do you really have to pretty much disonnect everything to do it? a freind said you have to remove radiator and all that crap. i understand getting to the spacers, but to remove bumpers and radiators seems like a pain in the ***.
 
  #25  
Old 05-03-2009
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You have to un bolt the radiator and move it out of its mounts. Not remove it from the truck just push it out a little bit. Its not hard to do
 


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