shackle flip vs block

shocker998md

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2007
Location
grantsboro nc
Hey guys,
Im looking to get some ideas floating around for a winter project when I have some shop space open up. Ive got a 70s ford that's a collection of parts. The chassis is a 78 F150 frame with a 4 inch skyjacker lift. Out back its a sterling 10.25 rear with factory 93 F350 blocks, the 78 F150 springs and a skyjacker aal. Up front are the 4 inch springs.

Ive been thinking about doing a shackle flip in the rear and ditching the blocks in the hope to soften up the springs a bit. I know the AAL is killing it and I also realize this truck isn't going to ride real nice for what it is. I use the truck to drive around in the winter, haul firewood, pull small trailers with, and take into the woods to haul deer out with. I don't crawl with it, but that being said would it be worth it to take the blocks out and do a junkyard setup shackle flip to keep the cost way down?

Just looking for some insight from some of yall that have wheeled full size trucks and if they rode better with the shackle flips vs blocks. Heres a run down of the parts and a picture.
78 F150 4x4 frame
Dana 44 front, 4.10s with a lockrite and chevy outers for 8 lug
sterling 10.25 open rear with 4.10s
4 inch skyjacker lift springs, drop pitman arm, all new bushings and aal in the rear
315/75/16 cooper AT3s (in the pic the fronts were some rollers I had)
390 out of a fairlane, cast 4 barrel s code intake and 600 cfm edelbrock
4 speed with np205
73 f250 camper special body
10818261_684746601639544_2833228265216962388_o.jpg
 
I used to have an 85 full size Bronco with a Skyjacker 6" lift. The lift kit came with a big ole 5-5.5" block for the rear. I ran that for a few months before deciding it sucked. The Bronco was my trail rig, and the blocks created horrible spring wrap and hopping. I did a shackle flip using junk yard rear spring front hangers at the rear of the rear springs. I also built a traction bar and beefed up the stock shackles since they were in compression instead of tension. It worked much better like that. I say go for the shackle flip. I also pulled the third leaf out of my spring pack to soften up the ride, but I had removed the tailgate, back seat, and top from the Bronco to reduce weight. You may want to leave your spring pack stock (other than removing the AAL) if you are filling the bed with fire wood.

I can post some pictures of my old setup if you want.

I'm currently dismantling that old truck and would sell you the hangers if you want them. It is going to be a while before I will have them off though.
 
If using it for a "truck" in any way, I'd suggest something like the skyjacker shackle flips. Stock shackles and hangers aren't too well beefed especially if you are reversing their original engineered design. But you can beef up a stock set or make your own as well for a cheaper option. Skyjackers are proven and not too bad to install.
 
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