Lowering/Leveling Question '96 1500

Sorry if this has been covered before.

1996 GMC Sierra SLE shortbed/Ext Cab

I want to level the truck out and have been looking at shackles that say they can drop it 2".

There are currently shackles installed that appear to be original. Distance between upper and lower shackle bolts is 4.5 inches.

Can someone go over the procedure to install "lowering shackles" without removing the hangers, and maybe explain how the shackles work, as compared with the stock(?) ones.

Photo of Rt rear shackle below

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Thanks

Reply to
Alan Nelson
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Jack up truck. Support frame. Support axle. Remove old shackles. Install new shackles, which will be 2" shorter (that's how they work).

GMC Gremlin

Reply to
GMC Gremlin

They are 2" LONGER, which brings the axle of the truck closer to the body, thereby lowering the vehicle.

Doc

Reply to
"Doc"

Alan,

I have a set on my 88' C1500 and have no complaints. They dropped the rear end 2 1/4" and now she sits nice and level. It does not look "lowered" just doesn't look all jacked up in the ass end. Handling, towing and load carrying capacity were all unaffected. For $70 it sure does look better.

Installation is straight forward, BUT (there is always a but) the shackle bolts can be a real bugger to get out of the shackle bushing. Have a 1/2 inch impact wrencg, air hammer and torch handy. The rubber bushing vulcanizes to the bolt itself over time, making it impossible to get the bolt out. Given you have a newer truck, you're should come out easy; I had to cut mine out.

Doc

Reply to
"Doc"

Thanks. Now that it's been explained, I can visualize how they work. I was stumped by the longer/shorter deal.

Now, any recommendations on which brands are best? DJM? Belltech? Western? Performance Accessories? Desert Steel?

Which not to use?

Graspable or non?

I've got the impact tools, and plan to soak them for a few days in penetrating oil before I tackle the shackle.

Reply to
Alan Nelson

Supposed to be "Greaseable"

Reply to
Alan Nelson

Alan,

I used the Belltech shackles and can vouch for their quality; I haven't used the others so I don't really have any valuable input to offer on them.

Regards,

Doc

Reply to
"Doc"

Alan, I've had both DJM and Belltech. Just get the cheapest one you can find. There's little if any difference in the brands.

Kyle

Reply to
KB

I just removed the overload springs on my 95 Sierra 1/2 ton SWB, & it drives lots easier & leveled it out perfectly. I don't haul that much in it so it works out great for me. I have, on ocasion,, hauled approximately 900 lbs & it didn't squat it hardly at all. So,, ya might try that first. Good Luck Rich

Reply to
Rick

Thanks for all the advice. I got a set of SpringTech shackles on ebay. 50 bucks (including shipping). 2 hours in the driveway and the truck leveled out nicely. 32" to the fenders, front and rear.

Had to drop the hitch to pull the bolts out, but that was only a minor setback. The shackle bolts came out relatively easy. Not too much corrosion out here in the desert.

Thanks again for the advice.

Reply to
Alan Nelson

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