Shackle Flip / Move Axle?

[carter2772]

I am going to be redoing my suspension on my 74. I will be installing new rockcrawler coils, and doing a shackle flip on the rear. I want to move my rear axle back 1" maybe 1 1/2".

So my question, dont kick me in the nuts..... Is there a way to relocate the pin in the leafs, to move it that small amount? Really not going to change the dynamics of the springs. Thinking of pulling that pin, repairing the springs where that hole was, and redrilling for that pin in its new location. Are leafs heat treated to where i shouldn't weld on them? That would be my only thought why i shouldn't do it..

Am I crazy, or should i go for it...???

And I know some of you say dont do the shackle flip, but some say its fine. Thats the way I am going to go. I would just rather not move my mounts for that small amount.

 

[broncnaz]

Well I got to kick you in the jimmies anyhow. But springs are heat treated and heat kills them. Dont believe take a spring and heat it up so how long it lasts. So drilling another hole and welding up the old one will only weaken the springs. That said here's some ice for you. Since your moving the axle back and doing a shackle flip in most cases but not always different springs are usually used in both instances so all you have to do is find springs that have a centering hole 1 1/2 farther back than your current springs. Not wanting to move your mounts doesn really compute since your removing the rear ones anyhow. Now I have heard of some people redrilling the centering hole on the axle perch but I'm not sure I would go to 1 1/2" maybe 1" at most. another idea is a offset block but still your creating a weak point either way you go there.

 

[carter2772]

My jimmies hurt. There are a few guys i know that have done the flip with using the stock leafs. I was not sure about the heat treat, why i asked. I would not even think twice about it know that they are treated. So i guess i will move the mounts.. Sucks with the body on. Boooo.

Thanks for the info broncnaz..

 

[Hal9000]

... Now I have heard of some people redrilling the centering hole on the axle perch but I'm not sure I would go to 1 1/2" maybe 1" at most. another idea is a offset block but still your creating a weak point either way you go there.

I did this (among other things) myself. It's actually a pretty popular move among the crawler crowd. Moving 1" back is no problem, but you'll also need to redrill your upper spring plates, or buy aftermarket plates that have relocated holes. The axle I bought had the perch redrilled already, and I just added some laser cut upper plates and now I can move my axle from center, to 1" back, to 1" forward at will.

 

[blakerj10]

Yep, I have also moved an axle back 1" by re-drilling the perch and upper plate. Works great. This was on my 78 k10 short box.

I plan to also do this with my current 77 bronco. This will give me an inch more drive shaft. Also, The 77s are tight with the fender flare and auxil tank door. This should give me just enough extra to center the wheels in the cut-out flare.

 

[reynard101]

Off Road Design sells a plate that relocate the axle 1" back or so. http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/Zero%20Rates.htm

Maybe this will give you some ideas.