I am looking for a way to get rid of the 4" block in the rear of my 02' 2500 Dodge, the axel wrap is crazy. The truck is stock right now with 285's on 16x8 rims. I would like to use a shackle flip, does anyone make one for this truck? If I use a shackle flip, how can I modify the overloads to work properly again? Airbags seem to be out of the question, due to suspension travel tearing the bags. I just ordered new Bilsteins for it, but havent installed them yet. Any thoughts/suggestions? :smokin:

There is not one made for the 3/4 and 1 tons because the springs are 3 inches wide. BDS makes a great shackle flip but it only fits 2.5 inch wide springs.
I would not suggest a shackle flip on a tow rig, anyway. It "can" be done properly where your load rating is not diminished but shackle flips are just not meant for somebody who needs a good solid rear suspension for towing or hauling heavy stuff in the bed.
Your best bet, as you probably know, is to just get some new leaf springs. Just get some springs that are for a 4 inch lift. Skyjacker has some that you can order from any dealer, or you can get some made by Deaver springs or your favorite leaf spring manufacturer.

If you go with new springs, can you have a block milled to space the overload up 4 inches to remain in the stock position?

Why not just go with traction bars?

I think traction bars would be a band-aid. Plus traction bars are gay. I want a long term solution that will give good ride quality, plus good load handling characteristics. The truck gets used (towing, wheeling, hauling etc) Traction bars will limit suspension travel. A 4" block to me is unacceptable for a stock supension.

Only company that produces a shackle flip for a 2500 is AIM. There stuff is garbage. I do have a shackle that was fabbed up for my truck. I was able to ditch the block and retain the OEM overloads. That said, I dont like towing with the shackle flip.
Pics of overloads with flip. Also I had a 3"AAL in the rear in this pick.
http://www.pavementsucks.com/forums/attachments/200402/attachment-441883.jpg
http://www.pavementsucks.com/forums/attachments/200402/attachment-441881.jpg
Pic of the flip bracket
http://www.pavementsucks.com/forums/attachments/200402/attachment-441861.jpg

What dont you like about towing with the shackle flip?
I am open to other suggestions, if there are any.... Looks like I will have to go with a 4" lift spring as the best solution.

Truck seems loose in the rear.It can haul a heavy load in the bed, but put the same load on my 18' trailer and there rear feels like it moves around alot.
I know of one other person who runs a shackle flip on the rear of a 2500 and doesnt have an issue towing.

i hate my factory lift block in the rear...with a grabby clutch and lots of torque you can watch the axle jump up and down a good bit when just easing the clutch out at idle. i watched someoen else move my truck once, and when in reverse i could not believe the insane amount of rotation the axle has. i hope to get some ladder bars soon to prevent this from happening

I spoke with Deaver Spring awhile back and they would be more than happy to have set me up. I just didnt and dont have the cash for it right now, but that is somehting I would like to do for all around driving - camping -fourwheeling - etc.

How much did Deaver want for a set of springs? Would you still need to use your overloads? I agree with GetBlown, if you watch the rear axel, there is alot of movement. I can feel it alot when I am backing up a heavy trailer. I moved a 10k pound trailer the other day. I had to back it into a lot that was muddy, so I had it in 4low from the pavement into the mud. My buddy said just letting the clutch out he could see the springs in the back flexing something terrible. I could really feel it too in the truck.

we all know its caused by the torque of the cummins tho!!!

id like to get a set of 6" leafs or go to a smaller 2" block with 4" leafs so i can get a little lift in the rear and eliminate some wrap, hop, shake, shimmy etc

I just finished putting Bilstein's on the Dodge. I'm not gonna lie, it was a BITCH. EVERY shock had something in the way. I had to lower the spare tire for one, take the exhaust hanger off for the other. The front shock on the drivers side was the easiest, the other side was the hardest. I had to take the airbox off to get it out.