Hey all-
As some know, I am soon getting brand new 3/4 ton 44 and 60 for my truck. My father and I are buying his old truck back and he said I could have all of the suspension. He does not remeber how big the springs were, but is pretty sure they are more than 4 inches. I dont want my truck sky high, and just want it lifted 4 inches, MAYBE 6 at the most. Anyways...here is my idea. I think I have seen it before but have searched online for over an hour now with no results.
I am very good when it comes to fabrication and can build just about anything. I was wondering if there was anyway I could make a "pivoting" shackle? It would bolt to the side of the frame rail...and when the truck was sitting still, the front shackle would look like this "/" and the rear like this "\". This would take some of the lift out of the springs and not make my truck so tall, but if added flex was needed, the shackles would pivot to where the front would look like this "\" and the rear like this "/" (assuming you are looking at the truck from the side). I could make some stops to where the shackle could only pivot a certain amount.
As I said, I think I have seen this before but couldnt find any information on these. Are they out there? If so, where? What are your thoughts on my idea?
As always, thanks for everything all of you have helped me with! It is all GREATLY appreciated!
Kyle

You might be talking about "Revolvers"....

If yes, please do a search on "Revolver Shackles".

You may also have some luck searching "Pogo Stick"

:flipoff2:

Look for AOR "Orbit Eye" shackles and bushings. They seem to be a better design than the Revolver shackles and the ones on our Tacoma project flex really well.

Here's an article on an install of the BC Broncos' spring rocker on an older Dodge.
http://offroadexchange.com/projects/springrockers.htm

Not really a shackle, but kinda accomplishes the same thing.

maybe i am mistaken shackles with something else. i am talking about the piece that is bolted to the frame on one side, and then is what you bolt your leaf springs too. i thought they were called shackles, but maybe not.
re-read my first post now that you know what i am talking about, and let me know what you think.
kyle

near the bottom of this page. http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=264720&highlight=shackle+slider


Its a shackle slider that pivots. I was thinking the same think could be done with the front hanger exept with no forward or backward play in it, just allowed to pivot.


Now if both spring mounts can pivot wouldnt your truck want to tip over on side incline?

If you are talking about shackles at both ends of the spring, you'd have to link it to keep the axle located. I have heard of this type of deal, but if your going to the trouble of linking it why not use coils.
Travis..

If you are talking about shackles at both ends of the spring, you'd have to link it to keep the axle located. I have heard of this type of deal, but if your going to the trouble of linking it why not use coils.
Travis..
Thats exactly what I have done. If you use shackles at both ends of the leaf, you are going to have to link it for at least two reasons. First, there is enough lateral play in shackles that your axle would be walking side to side, second is axle wrap or hop. There is just too much give with dual shackles. Both can be countered by adding a four link to the mix. And it is an in-expensive way to do a fourlink. Mine is working well and I have no complaints as far as the leaf/fourlink goes. I do want to bob the rear a bit but cant due to the aft end of the leaf and shackle hanger.