I just recently got a 72 3/4 ton 4by and I love the thing. It is lifted like 2 and a half inches but I plan on going higher. I want to run about 6 inches of lift but dont want to run big blocks in the back ar really stiff springs. As of right now it has really worn stockers with 4 inch blocks and some aftermarket overloads. I want to run the shakle flip with mabye a little block and air bag assist since I still toy may toyota with the truck.

I was wondering how many toy with the flip out back and with what springs.


also whats the differance between the 73 to 87 springs and say the 72 springs I have now. I can get a smokin deal on some superlift 6 inch fronts off a late 70's blazer but dont want them if they wont fit.



Thanks
Jeff

This is what I did with my 74
http://pages.prodigy.net/nuttyisme/rearshkle.jpg
Its a front hanger from the rear of a 73 3/4 ton. I have 86 57" Ford 1/2 ton springs with a 2 1/2 in block, shackles have not been lengthened yet. I think I am going to have a set of springs made, 57" 4" lift and move the center pin back 2" further than the Ford units. That should be nice and flexible and no blocks centering my rear dif in the wheel wells.

this is where the axle resides right now.

http://pages.prodigy.net/nuttyisme/74b.jpg

Those are 6" Genuine Suspension (4wheel Parts cheapie) springs up front.

I just installed the ORD Shackle flip kit on a 69 GMC They tow a boat with it, but I have not heard back from them yet. ORD says it does not affect towing in any way and I dont see why it would. The only negative I saw was that in moved the axle forward a bit, but it rode a lot better. When I hear back, I will let you know how well it did towing.

The problem with doing a shackle flip on a tow vehical is you're raising the center of gravity which gives it more body roll and you're using the stock springs. It can be dangerous. Grimmy had problems towing with his shackle flip (too soft) with only 4" of lift.
What I would do is do the 4" shackle flip and get some easy ride 2" lift springs. Then put some fairly stiff or adjustable shocks on it. I think you'd do fine with that and still have a good ride. 6" of lift is too much for those stock springs IMO.

I plan on changing to a new spring, as in re made, mine that I have right now are so thrashed they wrap REALLY bad and don't hold weight very well. I hav a 4 leaf overload set up simular to the ones on new fords and chavys and dodges, but it is coming off for the air bags. I also have a sway bar that might just make its way out back that came from a 73 camper special that will help the leaning.


I onlt tow every so often and will never wheel this thing, I just want to look good while pulling and driving. I do how ever drive this thing 2 hours to and from work every day and want to still rind half way decent.

Thanks for the info and keep the picks and stuff coming

Jeff

"UPDATE"

I just called and ordered a new main leaf 57" long 4"of lift with the center pin drilled 2" farther back than the Ford spring. $115 each, sounds reasonable to me. They should be done tomorrow or Tues. I will let you know how it comes out.