transamz9 wrote:
Wadcutter wrote:
Take a look at these from Sulastic.
Sulastic shackle replacement
We tried a set on one of our Dodge 3500 pickups we use as the farm truck. Empty it was a really rough ride. We decided to give the Sulastic shackles a try. The difference was like night and day. Now empty it rides like a soft sprung 1/2 ton pickup. No more rough ride when empty and it doesn't affect the load carrying when hauling weight.
What the Sulastic does is replace the rear shackle with a pivoting shackle that has a rubber tensioner. When empty the rubber tensioner flexes an inch or so. When you add weight to the truck the tensioner flexes until it hits the stop and then the regular springs are used like normal. We've run with some pretty good weight in the 3500 and the Sulastic works like designed where the stop engages and the regular springs are used. Remove the weight and it's a soft ride. It's a pretty simple design and one of those 'why didn't I think of that." It takes all of about 15 minutes to swap the shackles on each side. I've got a set for my F-350 Ford coming. I'll swap out the shackles on every heavy duty truck from now on. Best $400 alteration I've made.
There may be other companies making similar type shackles. The reason we tried the Sulastic is a neighbor had a set on his truck. I have no affiliation with Sulastic other than being a very satisfied customer and get nothing from anyone for recommending Sulastic.
Have you noticed any extra side to side flex with them? I've thought about trying them but I'm scared they would make my truck feel loose in the rear.
Z,
If you go to my post a attached a link to Big Truck Big RV who attached them to his F450.
