Sky Manufacturing shackle Flip w/pics 56k warning

[southrnpride69]

This is a very easy install and cheap wy of gaining lift.
The kit come with everything you need, the new hangers, grade 5 bolts washers and nyloc lock nuts.


first things first youll need to get some paint on the hangers I used automotive primer and flat black paint from a rattle can


A couple of tools that will make your life easier are an air chisel, impact wrench, and a grinder.



The first step after painting is to make sure you have a safe work area

If you dont have a set of those things above BUY SOME they are only 25 bucks and mine are 6 ton stands

Once everything is up and secure you are rady to begin removing the old hangers.


First thing is to remove the axle and rear springs to give you a little more room
this is where the impact wrench comes in those bolt can be difficult.



Once you have room to work it is time to remove the old shackles. They are rivoted on so you will have to get the rivots off. an air chisel works but there is ample room to get a 4.5 inch grinder in there so whatever is convienant for you I like spark so here I am


Once the rivots are all ground off I used a shop hammer to knock the hangers off of the frame and a round punch to knock out the rivots.


The Sky MAN hangers are designed to match the original bolt holes but you will need to run a 1/2 inch drill bit through the hole to ream them out so the bolts fit.

This next part I didnt get pics because I found out I needed a new gas tank and was Pissed sorry guys.

To boly the hangers on you will need to drop the gas tank so you can reach the inside of the frame. This is pretty sinple there are about 6 bolt on the front and rear of the skidplate. remove them and the tank will drop enough to reach the fuel lines disconnect them and move the tank out of your way.

after that simply bolt the hangers through the existing bolt holes make sure it is torqued down and replace the springs on your truck.


Reinstall your gas tank,and axle and youre in business. remember to bleed your brakes when reattach the brake line to your axle.

I didnt reuse the factory ! inch block and my pinion angle is near perfect. The flip does also move you axle forward about 1 inch.

Here is a base line of where I started this measurement is with the factory block


and here is the end result WITHOUT the factory block


Here is a comparison of the factory hangers and the sky man hangers notice tha difference in thickness




Now here are some other opinions / lessons learned
1. I recomend buying extended brake lines

2.I have heard people say they are worried about something breaking If you are worried about that weld the hangers to your frame but I dont feel It is neccassary

3. This is also a good time to replace old bushings in your spring and shackles.

4. if you still have the factory bolts hold the springs REPLACE them with a good new grade 8 bolt mine were severly worn

5. This flip can also be done with hangers from a F-250 or 350 but for the price ($150) shipped to your door These are well worth it they are well made very beefy and you dont have to go to a junk yard and spend all day removing them.

Also there are some more pics on my Superford account. I hope this helps some of you guys

[jrdbronco]

looks good, thanks

[PaulT]

Great shots, thanks for sharing.

"I like sparks" + "need a new gas tank" =

[jrdbronco]

Originally Posted by PaulT

Great shots, thanks for sharing.

"I like sparks" + "need a new gas tank" =

so he likes playing with fire . so do i. although sparks near a bad tank might make me kinda nervous

[southrnpride69]

Originally Posted by PaulT

Great shots, thanks for sharing.

"I like sparks" + "need a new gas tank" =

yeah that sucked I first smelled the gas leaking right after I finished grinding.

[Drilim]

Please tell me instead of the grade 5 hardware that came with the kit, You went and bought grade 8 hardware and hardened washers....

Other then that, It looks good.

[chevytofordconverzon]

great! thanks...im lookin to put those on my beast, looks like my tail pipe is gona be in the way though. I figure ill cut it off right near the springs and add one of those after market chrome deals and point it down and out...

[stangmata]

Nice!

You have any before and after pics of the entire truck?

[jermil01]

I didn't know you had to drop the gas tank to do that...That sucks.

[GearHead]

you dont have to jer, but at least remove the bumper. unless you got really small hands.

[jermil01]

okay, that's what I thought.

[GearHead]

but those two front bolts of that bracket are a lot harder to get to with the tank in the way.

[jrdbronco]

calling all midgets!!!!

[HiLander]

Looks good, man.

What did you use to add lift to the front of the truck?

[TTBlows]

Didn't Phil already do a write-up on this?

[southrnpride69]

Stangmata I have before and after pics on my superford the after pic is in the shackle flip folder, you cant tell much difference though because it already had the 6 inch lift

chevytofordconverzon I had to cut the tail pipe off but it was rusted out any way so I just cut it behind th muffler.


Drilim I used the grade 5 I dont think it will be bad the plate against the frame Is 3/8 plate so it wont flex the pressure will be distributed evenly to all 4 bolts If I ever do think it will be a problem I will go back and weld the hangers in place.


Jermil You probably could go in from the back if you remove the bumper but the Gas tank givs free and easy access to the bolt holes

[badass1tonf100]

when you take off from the light does the wheel hop like its trying to gain traction ? im seriously thinking to do the swap but id like to know more before i do i have read all forum in reguards to it.

[GearHead]

i havent noticed any wheelhop on the street. or the trail for that matter yet.
thats running 36's 4.88's and a locker.

[collinsperformance]

i driven mine about 30 miles now--no wheel hop on the street. it rides great. i hoping the new springs come in to lift the front a couple inches to lessen the rake some.
mike

[csn.rebel]

Hey Southern, mine come in this week and next week i should have my new rear bumper, so what i am getting at is you busy next week? Got a nice warm shop, and a coffee maker