there is about 6* of difference between the rear shackles. Is it worth cutting them off and getting them equal?

Is it better to have them closer to the frame(less angle)for more drop and a softer ride, or closer to 45*.

what exactly are u asking?

there was approx 6* of difference between the rear shackles, is this a problem?
say one shackle measures 56* off the frame, the other measures 50*.

If ur not having problems y change it? I bet you that my rear stock shackle in no way is still at a 45*. sags a little. there kind of like boobs on chicks as they get older. head for the ground. Are u sure that ur square when pulling that angle?

It sounds like your springs have sagged on one side compared to the other side - unless the frame is broken, that is the only way that shackles can get to different angles (figuring that you measured them on even ground).

As for running them at some angle - shackles NEED angle to work. If you run them straight up and down you have basically NO suspension - they have to move so that your springs can flex.

Do a search - this topic has been covered tons of times - with one thread running to around 15 pages of shackle tech.

As was pointed out, if your shackles are at different angles you have a problem other than shackle angle. You need to either replace your springs if one has sagged, redistribute your load if one side is heavily loaded, or repair your frame if it is cracked. Measure the distance between the two hangers on each side to rule out a broken frame. They should be the same. You should never have to move a shackle hanger to correct shackle angle unless you are running non-stock length springs.

As for running them at some angle - shackles NEED angle to work. If you run them straight up and down you have basically NO suspension - they have to move so that your springs can flex.

I'm not sure that you meant what you said here Fred. While it is true that shackles are generally showing some angle when static, generally in the area of area of 5 to 10 degrees away from the spring, running them straight up and down in no way will keep them from flexing.

Lonn

Running shackles straight up and down will definately incease harshness of the ride - they need a rearward angle to make the initial movement easier.

If they are straight up and down, the initial movement is straight up into the shackle hanger - not in a rearward arc. Yes, they will move - but at what cost to your ride?

If they point to the rear - and you can cycle your suspension all the way without them hitting the frame - then you are probably good to go.

If they point to the front of the spring (or straight up and down) it is possible to invert them on a hard flex and you'll spend the rest of the day getting them back where they belong.

The more reaward they point (as long as the springs can fully compress) the more droop you will get while in a flex situation.

If what you are looking for is max lift - there are better ways to get it than to make the shackles straight up and down.

They would be off because I had to move them back when I put the chevys on. I got one of the front hangers 3/8" off from the other. I was wondering about the shackle angle because if I have to move the rear mount I can play with it. I am already going to have to put a 1.5" block to level the truck, another .5" wouldn't matter that much.

Angles were taken while truck was unloaded and static with a magnetic anlgefinder.

Running shackles straight up and down will definately incease harshness of the ride - they need a rearward angle to make the initial movement easier.

The more reaward they point (as long as the springs can fully compress) the more droop you will get while in a flex situation.

If what you are looking for is max lift - there are better ways to get it than to make the shackles straight up and down.

Personally, I didn't notice any big difference in ride when I remounted my spring hangers to change the shackle angle from 90 to 45 degrees back, but it did make a big difference in the amount of droop which is worth it.

They would be off because I had to move them back when I put the chevys on. I got one of the front hangers 3/8" off from the other. I was wondering about the shackle angle because if I have to move the rear mount I can play with it. I am already going to have to put a 1.5" block to level the truck, another .5" wouldn't matter that much.


If you had told us this stuff right up front...

If you know the front hanger is off, grind it off and move it. That way your truck won't crab down the road, you won't wear tires so fast, and you will correct your shackle angle issue.

Before using blocks, try swapping springs from side to side. Sometimes that helps.

I am in the process of getting the front hangers fixed.