Hey all-
Just wondering how difficult the shackle flips are that are shgown on offroadexhange.com??? Heres a link to them if someone has not seen them: http://offroadexchange.com/projects/howto_shklflip.htm
I thought they were pretty self explanatory, but after reading some on the message board, on that site, I am wondering. I tried posting on there, but couldnt get it to work. I read alot about "pivot points", "moving pivot points forward for better flex", etc. etc. Just alot of weird stuff that went over my head kind of.
Tell me...can I use the same design, but build them so that when sitting on flat ground, the mounting point on the shackle flip would be at the same point as on a stock dodge shackle? The plans on that site are for an extra 2 or 3 inches of lift. I already have 6 inch springs and dont want to go any more. So...can I make it to where it uses the same holes in the frame as the stock ones, and also, make the mounting point of the leaf spring the same as stock?
What advantages/disadvantages/ideas/suggestions/comments etc.. does anyone have for me?!
Thanks In Advance!
Kyle

I have the shaggy's kit on my Ramcharger and could go into what I think, but you should talk to Bill Cooke on Offroadexchange.com. He is the one who built the kits and came up with the design. Find one of his posts and ask, he'll be more than happy to help. I was more satisfied with his design than the competing one on Ramcharger central.

If you click the link below, it is the same thing using parts you don't have to fabricate and works exactly the same.

http://ramchargercentral.com/index.php?action=howtoshow;id=69

Thanks guys. I am just looking for a shackle flip that DOES NOT add any lift. I already have 6 inches and dont want to go anymore...Can I go ahead and use the Shaggys kit, just make the mounting point in the same location as a stock hanger would be?
Kyle

The shaggys kit does add lift to your truck, it added about 3 inches to mine. You could go with a smaller block in the back if you have one or maybe a shorter shackle. If you do use there shackle and use a smaller block you will have to put a pretty big degree shim in cause that shackle flip will rotate the pinion up quite a bit.

why do you want a shackle flip if you dont want more lift? alot of people do the shackle flip to get rid of the blocks, but if you have 6" springs your blocks are probably already gone. if you dont need more lift, and you dont need to get rid of the blocks, there really is no benefit to a shacle flip, and i think you should leave well enough alone.

thanks wheelie. im glad you said that. there is not more flex or anything achieved with a shackle flip? btw, yes the blocks are gone.
kyle

most improvements in flex come from a increase in how far the axle can hang down. with 6" springs in a dodge its going to be hard to get the axle to hang really low because the springs have so much arch. when the spring droops it has to get shorter. in your case you will actually be able to get more flex with the standard shackle orientation. if you did a shackle flip, when the spring is drooping the shackle would be lined up with the spring. as soon as the main leaf, spring eye bolt, and shackle bolt make a straight line thats it. the spring really cant flex anymore. thats why you see alot of people combine a shackle flip with relatively flat springs, and longer shackles. the shackle flip provides lift, while the flat spring will droop alot more than the arched one, and and when the flatter spring droops the longer shackle will provide much greater range of motion (remember, when the spring droops it has to get shorter). alot of people take it even further than that adjusting spring length, mount locations, and shackle angles. and dont forget, as soon as you really start messin around with all this good stuff plan on cutting your spring pads off your axle and welding new ones on cause your sure to screw up the pinion angle. have fun!

thanks again wheelie! much appreciated. hmmm...would it be an advantage to just do a shackle flip kist and use the stock springs? my stock springs are SUPER flat! HAHA. Would this be better than any lift spring at all??? Cuz even a 4 inch lift spring is going to have an arch...so the less the arch the better?
Kyle

If you are worried about the amount of lift with the shackle flip, I'll tell you this just for reference. I have 4" skyjacker rear leafs, 8" extended shackles with the flip, and no blocks at all. This combo gave me about 5" of lift over the stock height. The pinion is pointing up more than with blocks or springs, but I was kinda looking for that since I will be using a CV rear driveshaft.

I see. So you cant just add all the "inches" up and figure thats how tall your rig will be. Thanks for that info! Greatly Appreciated!
If using the factory springs with a shackle flip to get my lift, would it be better to get rid of the 6 inch springs and go with the 4" springs on the market? If so, how much am I looking at for JUST the four 4" springs? I dont nneed U-Bolts anything else, just the springs! Do you think I could get enough money out of these 6" springs in order to purchase a new set of 4" springs? The 6 inchers are brand new as well, I just dont want to do a bunch of work and not have the thing perform like I intend.
As usual, all help is greatly appreciated!
Kyle