CK5 - The Full-Size GM Off Road Community

OK, these will be available in two weeks but we are taking orders now. Need to complete a couple fixtures for quicker reproduction but other than that they are ready.

DIY4X version of the shackle flip with a switch to regular shackle sides to eliminate the weak stamped GM shackle. These will be offered with or without the shackle sides so if you want to make your own shackles, have at it. We will also be coming out with an HD shackle for this with the sides tied together.

This also will come complete with 3 backer plates for inside the frame rails to spread the load evenly across the full span of the bolt holes. I don't have pictures of the inside of the frame rails but will post them up later.

On to the pics

http://www.diy4x.com/images/shflipkit.jpg
(0lder picture, website needs updating but who has tim for that!)

These will also come with the necessary hardware and bushings. as shown in the photo. RED BUSHINGS ARE NOT INCLUDED. Just want to be clear about that.

Pricing for 73-87 fullsize chevy truck and 73-91 k5/suB. $155.00. W/shackle sides $180.00.

never got why no one came out with something that used an other than stock shackle setup. Nice work Kert, too bad I'm going 4 link. Love the backing plate idea too.

Thanks for the compliments. This one has been rattling around upstairs for at least six months. Just never seemed to be able to find the time to really get down to doing it till just recently.

Special thanks goes out to STOMPER. He managed to keep my sanity in check! Much appreciated.

Looks awesome Kert! :thumb: :waytogo: Does it use the factory rivet holes on the side and bottom?

Absolutely. No drilling required. :grin:

something else I forgot to mention and it can't be seen from the photos but the shackle angle is corrected as well.

how much lift do you get? 4" like ORD?

He managed to keep my sanity in check!

HAAAAAAAAA! At 3 a.m. sanity had left the building :D

Hey guys, I gotta say these things are some serious BEEF!! It was very impressive getting to see Kert take his designs from cad/cam to finished product in one day. Not to mention doing some trick custom parts for me at the same time! Thanks alot Kert :pimp:

By the way, I got home at 4.....some how I cut a half hour off the trip :blush:

Yep, 4" lift approx. Provided shackle sides that are the same length as factory is used.

This will make it easier to experiment with different length springs and shackles beings the shackles are just the regular side plates.

How far forward is the mounting position from stock? Same, 1.5", etc?

HAAAAAAAAA! At 3 a.m. sanity had left the building :D

Hey guys, I gotta say these things are some serious BEEF!! It was very impressive getting to see Kert take his designs from cad/cam to finished product in one day. Not to mention doing some trick custom parts for me at the same time! Thanks alot Kert :pimp:

By the way, I got home at 4.....some how I cut a half hour off the trip :blush:

You still beat me home. I stayed till 4:30 and worked on a few other things. It is a huge advantage being able to go from concept to completed part that quickly. Now if I can figure a way to beat the ideas out of my head that fast I'll be good to go. :grin:


Thanks for the assist. Are you coming for the next release? HA Ha!

How far forward is the mounting position from stock? Same, 1.5", etc?

It's actually an inch forward. Provides just a few degrees of shackle angle. This should be good for keeping the springs setup for optimal stuff at ride height.

feel free to post up more questions if you have any. I'll get back to this thread tonight yet. Got to sneak off to the shop while the wife is napping. :grin:

Just let me know when :cool1:

Very nice work! :bow: :saweet: :thumb:

Will you sell the back plating separately for those of us that already have other brand flips? I assume they would work fine since the bolt pattern is the same as OE.

I can't wait to see the replacement shackle. :thinking:

How about one big hole through the support plate to run an exhaust through? :thinking:

Very nice set up. Wish you came out with that before I bought my sky kit. Just ordered my 2" longer rear shackles (chevy style) for 40 bucks. Could have made my own with your set up. Good lookin work :D . Any other products? :dunno:

Very nice work! :bow: :saweet: :thumb:

Will you sell the back plating separately for those of us that already have other brand flips? I assume they would work fine since the bolt pattern is the same as OE.

I can't wait to see the replacement shackle. :thinking:

I hadn't even thought about it really. Pretty simple piece to make but if you want mine with the flange nuts welded on I'll get something figured up.

How about one big hole through the support plate to run an exhaust through? :thinking:


Do you mean through the center plate with the 3 holes in it? It'd have to be fairly small exhaust to have any kind of clearance unless it would be mounted solid and the exhaust allowed to flex elsewhere.

Very nice set up. Wish you came out with that before I bought my sky kit. Just ordered my 2" longer rear shackles (chevy style) for 40 bucks. Could have made my own with your set up. Good lookin work :D . Any other products? :dunno:

Definitely some new stuff coming out this month. 3 or 4 for sure. :grin:

Just let me know when :cool1:


You bet I will! Maybe the crew cab conversions should happen simultaneously?!? :D

So if I wanted to run 56s would you just swap sides like with ord's shackel flip?

Yes, you can go about it that way. You'll end up having a bit more shackle angle but it should be OK.

You bet I will! Maybe the crew cab conversions should happen simultaneously?!? :D

That sounds like a mess :yikes: .....I'm all for it :thumb: :woot:

You never know what you might end up with. You'll have to keep your eyes on me! :grin: :p:

Can you work out a USPS shipping cost to England for me?
PM me if possible. Thanks :grin:

Can you work out a USPS shipping cost to England for me?
PM me if possible. Thanks :grin:

I'll see what I can get figured up. It's not the shipping its the friggin customs stuff that is a pain.

cybrfire if i sent you some johnny joints or orbit eyes could u weld them on the hangar instead of the bushing mount??? if so how much could u guess this would cost?

I can't wait to get mine... Thanks man.

cybrfire if i sent you some johnny joints or orbit eyes could u weld them on the hangar instead of the bushing mount??? if so how much could u guess this would cost?

I don't see why that couldn't be done as long as the OD is the same as the bushing.

2"

If it is then it should fit with the other brackets the same. As far as pricing I don't see it effecting much. Shoot me a pm or email. Whichever you prefer, with some dimensions and we'll go from there.

I can't wait to get mine... Thanks man.

NO< thank you!

alright thanks cybrfire i might b awhile before i order anything i was just curious. i think i might try to sell the shackle flip i have now for that one. your design looks like it would allow alot more flex. but ill get back to you on the flex joints for the ends thanks again i love your work. i should be ordering a few things as soon as i get back to working on my truck again

Sounds good. Thanks for the compliments. Give me a shout.

Hopefully thats a donor frame just used to display the product!

:cool1:

Hopefully thats a donor frame just used to display the product!

:cool1:


Pretty bad aint it. You shoulda seen the box that was on that truck. I literally ripped one box side off by hand. It wasn't difficult.

Once again here I am "beetchin" about 1st gen stuff. But hey I used to visit relatives in Iowa to help with hay bailing during the summer it's not like you can sleepp at nite with all that humidity. Might as well dream up something new like shackle reversal for my old heap :D








god, please don't tell my wife about all the changes being done to the old "72"

I'm with you on a 1st Gen version.

Once again here I am "beetchin" about 1st gen stuff. But hey I used to visit relatives in Iowa to help with hay bailing during the summer it's not like you can sleepp at nite with all that humidity. Might as well dream up something new like shackle reversal for my old heap :D








god, please don't tell my wife about all the changes being done to the old "72"


Here again I have access to the older frame however, I'm not sure he would want me to change the suspension! Guess it could always be put back but the grinding rivets on his newly painted show quality frame might not work out. :grin:

dang it, man why couldent you have come out with that 1 year ago?
very very nice
any one want to buy a set of ORD 2 1/2 inch flips??? :D

just got my kit with the 6 inch shackles :woot: once installed I will post some pics.....freakin awsome quality welds Kert you have made a seriously beefy set up here. :waytogo: thanks.

Glad you like it. We are quite proud of it. Do post some pics. So far I've only seen one kit installed other than our own test kit. MTMike's.

Glad you like it. We are quite proud of it. Do post some pics. So far I've only seen one kit installed other than our own test kit. MTMike's.

And even I went and threw a loop into it by going with 56's instead of stock 52's :D

It's a great product and I like it alot.

Kert - Are you working on one for the 1-ton frames? My buddy likes mine alot and was wondering for his rig.

we will develop a kit for the one tonners in the near future. No projected release date though.

are the bolts for the greaseable bushings included?

Sorry, I don't have the greasable bolts available at this time.

Hey kert, i was wondering if you could use this shackle flip on top of a 6 inch lift spring :confused: Also if you could do they make a front shackle flip kit as well.... and if all of that worked what all else would you have to do to make it work :D

Back from Powder

http://coloradok5.com/photos/data/500/22634Shackleflip1.jpg http://coloradok5.com/photos/data/500/22634Shackleparts.jpg http://coloradok5.com/photos/data/500/22634Shackle2.jpg

Install coming sooooooooon! :D

Kert which angle goes in the front and which angle goes in the rear? I don't want to install it backwards and would like to install it only once :D

the have an offset to the front so when you put them on either side the offset should be towards the front of the vechicle.

Hey kert, i was wondering if you could use this shackle flip on top of a 6 inch lift spring :confused: Also if you could do they make a front shackle flip kit as well.... and if all of that worked what all else would you have to do to make it work :D


Sorry, been pretty busy lately trying to get caught up from a week off.

I'm sure you can put the 6" springs on top of them. Lost me on the last part?

Back from Powder

http://coloradok5.com/photos/data/500/22634Shackleflip1.jpg http://coloradok5.com/photos/data/500/22634Shackleparts.jpg http://coloradok5.com/photos/data/500/22634Shackle2.jpg

Install coming sooooooooon! :D

Looking nice!!! What color is your truck?

Kert which angle goes in the front and which angle goes in the rear? I don't want to install it backwards and would like to install it only once :D

Yep, offset goes to the front in normal configuration. If your installing longer springs you'd set the offset to the back to make up for the longer springs like MTMike did.

Looking nice!!! What color is your truck?

truck is Silver...and Now Grabber Green as a secondary color for all the suspension parts. kind of partial to the green due to my Sand Rail is the same color. :D

Sounds like an interesting color combination. Let's see some photos!!!

I'd like to see some 56" spring and flip pics :D What length shackel was used and what the pinion angle ended up at.

I'd like to see some 56" spring and flip pics :D What length shackel was used and what the pinion angle ended up at.

I believe MTMike is running this very setup. Check out his gallery.

I'd like to see some 56" spring and flip pics :D What length shackel was used and what the pinion angle ended up at.

Here's some pics....

Rear driveshaft/pinion:
http://mdhines.redlinebillings.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010003%7E6.JPG

Flip & Switch turned "backwards" (left on right side, right on left side), 6" shackles, stock 56" springs turned around (front eyes in the rear, rear eyes in the front - this allows for 3-4" of extra wheelbase)
http://mdhines.redlinebillings.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010016%7E1.JPG
http://mdhines.redlinebillings.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010017%7E1.JPG

What happens when you run 56's and don't turn the flip kit "backwards":
http://mdhines.redlinebillings.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010013%7E2.JPG

Ride height with stock 52s with 7.25" shackles up front, 3" body lift and 38.5" swampers, and mild fender trimming:
http://mdhines.redlinebillings.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10001/normal_P1010010%7E6.JPG

Hope these help

awesome pics, definitely helpfull...

j

MTMike,

I am running near the exact setup. I have finished the 52" front, moved hangers forward with 7.25 shackels. I have the 56 rear installed with a flip kit (from a member here long time ago, they bolt to the factory bracket) I had to install a longer drop bell-tech shackel and just DO NOT like the way it looks on the stands. I don't want to even get it on the ground.

I am running one less leaf then yours in the rear and my springs are near flat with the weight of the truck now. Are you running a cv rear driveshaft? This rig will never see the pavement but I think I will have to run a cv shaft. I am also 4" back on the rear and installed a 205 so my 203 shaft is way to short without flex.

Could you get me a measurement from the bottom of frame to center of spring hole on the rear shackel (lowest mounting point). Mine is at 13 3/8 right now and it is a bit much. I have a great angle just don't like the setup. I am running a 6 1/2 bell tech shackel to get the angle good. Ride height is near perfect with 1" rise to rear but I would think I could run the DIY and a zero rate to get a much nicer setup and get ride of the dang factory style shackel at the same time.

MTMike,

I am running near the exact setup. I have finished the 52" front, moved hangers forward with 7.25 shackels. I have the 56 rear installed with a flip kit (from a member here long time ago, they bolt to the factory bracket) I had to install a longer drop bell-tech shackel and just DO NOT like the way it looks on the stands. I don't want to even get it on the ground.

I am running one less leaf then yours in the rear and my springs are near flat with the weight of the truck now. Are you running a cv rear driveshaft? This rig will never see the pavement but I think I will have to run a cv shaft. I am also 4" back on the rear and installed a 205 so my 203 shaft is way to short without flex.

Could you get me a measurement from the bottom of frame to center of spring hole on the rear shackel (lowest mounting point). Mine is at 13 3/8 right now and it is a bit much. I have a great angle just don't like the setup. I am running a 6 1/2 bell tech shackel to get the angle good. Ride height is near perfect with 1" rise to rear but I would think I could run the DIY and a zero rate to get a much nicer setup and get ride of the dang factory style shackel at the same time.

My rear driveshaft is a typical u-joint on each end style. When it has 12" lift it vibrated something fierce at 45mph, but now it's got more like 5", it's much more willing to cooperate. It was custom built for the 12" lift, and bringing it down made it too long, so turning the rear springs "backwards" made the length just about right.

The front shaft is a custom job by Jesse over at HAD

My springs, as you can see are near flat as well

With my 6" shackles, I've got (on the left) about 8.75" from the bottom of the frame to the middle of the bolt that holds the shackle to the spring eye, and on the right 9.0" The .25" diff could very easily be my uneven driveway.

Mike

Thanks for all the great info Mike. Make sure DIY sends you your commision check promptly :D I just got down paying for my flip and switch w/ 6" Hope they are instock. I am getting sad looking at the "bucket" sitting on stands.

kert just shipped my flip and switch today. i had an idea about using a ord flip kit and installing a tube and standard bushing about 3 months ago, before i even knew that diy4x existed. then i had the idea to install a currie johnny joint/aor orbit eye in place of a standard bushing. i emailed kert about a month ago (after reading about diy4x on ck5) about doing the work and man am i happy with the results. can't wait to see them in person. if the welds look half as good as they do in the pictures, ill probably just sh*t myself.

ryan

kert just shipped my flip and switch today. i had an idea about using a ord flip kit and installing a tube and standard bushing about 3 months ago, before i even knew that diy4x existed. then i had the idea to install a currie johnny joint/aor orbit eye in place of a standard bushing. i emailed kert about a month ago (after reading about diy4x on ck5) about doing the work and man am i happy with the results. can't wait to see them in person. if the welds look half as good as they do in the pictures, ill probably just sh*t myself.

ryan


Ryan,

Thanks for posting up the pics and pimpin the stuff!

These are a custom built item. I could see them being a production deal in the future but for now its strictly custom work. I have a couple customers beating on my door pretty regular for some First Gen flip and switch kits so that will be next up! Sorry for the wait guys and thanks again for being patient and understanding.

Kert it has already been like 8 hours since my order went in and I still don't have my "regular" production flip. Stop all this awesome custom work so I can get my plain-o stuff.....

You do some great welding. I am saving change in the jar again to get a set of those XD doors from you also. Glad to see some new inovative K5 products to wish for.

Kert it has already been like 8 hours since my order went in and I still don't have my "regular" production flip. Stop all this awesome custom work so I can get my plain-o stuff.....

You do some great welding. I am saving change in the jar again to get a set of those XD doors from you also. Glad to see some new inovative K5 products to wish for.

:doah: Yours will ship Tuesday if everything goes the way its supposed too.

Thanks for the compliments. I do appreciate them.

No problem. Thanks for a great product. I'll post pictures when they get installed which will be same day they arrive :D

DHL brought me goodies today :D So I took a break from making the dual battery trey to bolt up the shackel flip and switch from DIY4x4.

First off let me say that this is one of the nicest kits I have seen, I choose the 6" shackel. The welds are flawless and everything was a perfect fit. I have used other kits and most needed a bit of fine tuning. Nothing whatever had to be done to make this kit perfectly line up. I also got some shock tabs in with the order and they too are A+ quality.

I will be getting a set of tube doors from DIY4x4 soon and have no doubt that their quality will once again amaze me.

I can pass on a few tips for the install that I found. As seen in the pictures I took some scrap tubing and tacked them onto the backer plates. This gave me a handle to fish the brackets behind the frame. There was no need for me to drop the gastank. After you get the first bolt started if you will tighten it down until the self locking nut first bites down you can then use a wrench on this installed nut to raise and lower the bracket to lineup the second hole.

Once I had both bolts in each backer plate installed I simply broke the tack weld and removed the tubing "handle" I am pretty sure I could have done this on a K5 without a body lift but it made it easier for sure.

I got both the brackets installed in under one hour. Wish it only took one hour to remove the factory ones :rolleyes: I installed my brackets on switched sides and have a set of 56" rears and 52" fronts installed. The height turned out near perfect with about 1" rise to the rear.

Nice work on the install and an excellent tech tip!! I really like the extents you've gone to on the camo job. AWesome!!

Thanks for a great product. Let me know when the half price tube doors come up :D

Got to get around to masking the shocks :rolleyes:

Not meaning to hijack, but BozoWise did you drop your tank to install the flip?

No I did not, but I do have a body lift. I think this is a great place to talk over DIY4x$ flip. It is a great product and I will be more then happy to answer anything I can.

Make sure you check my previous post in reference to the install.

That looks awesome man! Your ride height is identical to mine, and I love it!

Awesome work.

Mike

i currently have 8" bds springs in the rear now. im looking to sell those and do a flip+ 6" springs. since i wanna do the flip, it seems like the perfect time to go to 56"s. what all is required in order to run the 56" springs with the shackle flip? what additional parts? and i just want to make sure it will work with 6" springs :D

sorry for the :doah: dummy question, im still learning :D

thanks

i currently have 8" bds springs in the rear now. im looking to sell those and do a flip+ 6" springs. since i wanna do the flip, it seems like the perfect time to go to 56"s. what all is required in order to run the 56" springs with the shackle flip? what additional parts? and i just want to make sure it will work with 6" springs :D

sorry for the :doah: dummy question, im still learning :D

thanks

I tried to use my flip with 56" long 4" TC springs and it wasn't much difference in ride height than my 12" lift kit(8" springs + 4" block, stock shackle setup) Also, my shackle angle was less than desirable with the flip in either direction, which I attribute to the extra arch in the lifted springs.... You should be prepared to move the bracket around on the frame from stock location to acheive a good shackle angle and be prepared for 11"+ of ride height over stock.

With stock 56" springs all I had to do was "reverse" the flip brackets - run the left one on the right side and the right on the left. With lift springs, the added arch adds a level of complexity to the shackle angle.

Good luck

Mike

guess i shoulda put my flip install in here. i used a magnet to put the brackets in place. i didnt drop the tank and no body lift. it was a mutha but i figure it was still easier then droppin tank. oh and my hands are huge so it complicates things a bit more.

BTW i love em and have done some flexin and abusin and still in love :D

I have an 89 suburban and i was wondering What the difference is between the 4.5" and the 6" shakle? How much lift does each one provide with the shackle flip kit? Thanks.

You'll get approx. 4" with the shorter and 5" with the longer. They can be done with any length shackle you want within reason of course. Those listings on the website are the shackles that we keep on hand.

I love the looks of theese and I will be buying a set soon!!!!!! :bow: :pimp: :waytogo:

kurt any chance you'll be coming out with a 2'' or 2.5'' shackle flip. look great my friend got his in the other day qualift 100%

kurt any chance you'll be coming out with a 2'' or 2.5'' shackle flip. look great my friend got his in the other day qualift 100%


So far the demand for the lower lift shackle flips has been pretty low so its difficult for me to set time aside for something like this. Maybe in the future but no definite plans as of yet. Thanks for the interest though and the compliments.

alright thats understandable. i prefer ur flip over the others cuz of the design and two piece shackle. i can homebrew the flip though. urs just looks cleaner

hey amigo, dig the design. Would it be possible to add a couple of "speed holes" to the top and bottom of the hanger though? The ones in the piece that connects the two are sweet... I was thinking of something like this...

http://coloradok5.com/photos/data/500/2540DIY_with_speedholes.jpg

don't worry about my crappy mouse skills on photoshop... you get the idea. :) The current design definitely has thick enough material and seems pretty overbuilt... I don't think a couple of speed holes would be a problem. I'm not an engineer though. lol!

j

That's easily doable.

awesome, once I'm done fiddling with the body/cage/dash and I can start messing with the rear suspension again, you can expect an order. :grin:

j

just ordered mine today. can't wait to get them in and on. :D

first i see the black kit with the two gussets.
then i see the nicer one with the three holes.
then i saw the really nice ones withe the diy4x cut out.
i got a 88 3/4 sub which one do i order?
4.5 with shackles.

We haven't made one with three holes in the middle for some time now. We like to review the appearance and function of products and some get small changes and some don't. Of course customization is available on just about anything!

what about a flip that sits 2" lower?

would only ned to move the under frame suport up 2" and extend the side frame plate up 2" and re aline the holes, useing this would get closer to 6" with a longer shackel.

Your pinion angle would be nasty bad!

Oh yeah, Update payment for my flip was sent last wednesday. Meant to let you know. Cant wait to get the flip, hehe like a little kid waiting to open gifts on Christmas morning.

Haven't seen it yet but will keep an eye out.

Christmas has come again. Got my flip kit. Now biggest problem is picking a color to paint it. Very nice piece by the way Kert. My Father is a welding instructor/inspector and said it was a good job. Can't wait to get it installed. Also a bump for ya. Thanks Kert.

Santa Kert made a special delivery today! I got everything I ordered and it all looks great........but....my 14FF shock tabs came squared off instead of curved to match the axle tube. Was this a mistake or is this how they come now? The ones in the pictures on your site are "notched".

Everything looks great though! The quality of the shackle flip brackets are amazing! The spring pearches look really beefy, and the disc brake brackets are very nice too! You do good work!

Thanks,
Mike

They should be radiused to the axle tube size. Prolly just an oversite I am sure Kert will make good on it.

Ira

Santa Kert made a special delivery today! I got everything I ordered and it all looks great........but....my 14FF shock tabs came squared off instead of curved to match the axle tube. Was this a mistake or is this how they come now? The ones in the pictures on your site are "notched".

Everything looks great though! The quality of the shackle flip brackets are amazing! The spring pearches look really beefy, and the disc brake brackets are very nice too! You do good work!

Thanks,
Mike

They are available in both styles. Depends on what buy it now button was clicked. I'll look into it. Call me at the shop tomorrow if you'd like and we can figure out what will work best for you.

Kert

Just got off the phone with Kert. What a nice guy! He took care of the shock tab situation with no questions.

This is a "stand-up" business that is turning out some high quality parts! I highly recommend them! :)


Mike

Just got off the phone with Kert. What a nice guy! He took care of the shock tab situation with no questions.

This is a "stand-up" business that is turning out some high quality parts! I highly recommend them! :)


Mike
Gotta agree with ya! I just got my 1st gen shackle flip and 14bolt spring plates:eek1: Almost too embarassed to put them on that little frame!



But I will:wink1: Thanks again Kert! Nice work!

Thought I would post an action shot of the DIY shackle flip this is the first time I had it out since the install. I am also running 56s with no clamps.
http://coloradok5.com/photos/data/500/Ira_Notch_1.jpg

Ira

Maybe I missed this reading through everything earlier, but will these fit on the Burbs with stock 56" springs without having to swap sides?

Thought I would finally get around to posting some pics of my shackles and shackle flip from Kert. Thanks for the nice product. Any chance you could start building some 52" spring brackets for the front similiar to what I made maybe with a few different positions to mount the springs depending on how far forward you want to relocate your axle?
Cant wait to finish the project to see how they perform!

It didnt attch them all. Oops!

Isnt that what the B52 is for?

Isnt that what the B52 is for?


yep he has done that and found a small problem and is or has fixed it .

Guess I hadnt been to the website in awhile. Those were not available when I was making mine. Wish they would have been. Got to get back to work welding some new quarter panels.

hey can you use that shackle flip for the front

hey can you use that shackle flip for the front

no, the shackles are "flipped" from the factory...

j

hey Kurt... I wanna run 64s in the back of my K5... but I don't want to move my front hanger any more than i have to (ie I want wheel base and I don't want to hit the body mount that is right there). Could you make a version of your flip where the rear hanger (ie the center of the shackle bolt hole) is centered on the flip brackets rear-most bolt holes? I'll draw something on CAD... I need the practice with it anyway. :grin:

j

Thats not a bad idea. I know people that have just drilled new holes for it....is that a possibility for you?

I only have about 2" of frame left behind my flip... and I want to use that to mount my rear bumper / recovery points etc. I'm trying to get every inch I can by having the shackle hanger as far back as possible relative to the place on the frame it normally bolts too. Heck, a slight cantilever would be nice. Considering how overbuilt it is, I don't think strength would be a problem for the DIY flip. :thumb:

j

Rookie question here, I am about to purchase some 8" BDS springs for the front and some 56" BDS springs for the rear, here is my question I already have Kerts shackle flip with 6" shackles, how much lift on the 56" springs should I get to match the 8" springs in the front?

Also will all I have to do to make the 56" springs work, is switch the hangers from one side to the other (left to right / right to left)?

I would get 3"-4" lift springs for the rear. And all that is needed to run 56's is to swap the flip to the opposite side.

Yep,3- 4" lift spring ought to work out for you just right. 4" may be your only option or perhaps a 2" with a zero rate.

Switch the hangers form side to side and call it good!

Don't forget to flip your shackle for christmas!

Can you run a stock length shackle and 56" springs? What would my lift be?

Can you run a stock length shackle and 56" springs? What would my lift be?

Yes, you can. I usually recommnd a 6" shackl but you can do it. Still approx. 4" lift dpending on spring condition.

"E" ky is dying sorry!

I'm so geeked... can't wait to see my custom flip. :) btt for ya!

j

Yes, you can. I usually recommnd a 6" shackl but you can do it. Still approx. 4" lift dpending on spring condition.
Just some friendly advice...

All one ton trucks had 56" springs, so why not have a little note on your website that says "I recomend using the 6" shackle with the 1-ton Flip-n-switch"

I got the 1-ton flip with the 4" shackle because I did insufficient research into shackle flips, just thought you might be able to save someone else the same headache. [I want to repeat, this is NO fault of Kert's, I called up trying to sound like I knew what I was talking about :haha:] Here's the 1-ton flip with the 4" shackle...obviously I'll be changing things up in a bit to get a better shackle angle / longer shackle.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/MrK5/Nick%20Projects/DSCF1539.jpg

Just some friendly advice...

All one ton trucks had 56" springs, so why not have a little note on your website that says "I recomend using the 6" shackle with the 1-ton Flip-n-switch"

I got the 1-ton flip with the 4" shackle because I did insufficient research into shackle flips, just thought you might be able to save someone else the same headache. [I want to repeat, this is NO fault of Kert's, I called up trying to sound like I knew what I was talking about :haha:] Here's the 1-ton flip with the 4" shackle...obviously I'll be changing things up in a bit to get a better shackle angle / longer shackle.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/MrK5/Nick%20Projects/DSCF1539.jpg

I've learned my lesson about saying "all". Just about the time you figure out what GM did, You are proven wrong. I could surely put some note on there though saying something.

are you having any christmas specials on you shackle flip kits???

are you having any christmas specials on you shackle flip kits???

They're on special everyday!

Just some friendly advice...

All one ton trucks had 56" springs, so why not have a little note on your website that says "I recomend using the 6" shackle with the 1-ton Flip-n-switch"

I got the 1-ton flip with the 4" shackle because I did insufficient research into shackle flips, just thought you might be able to save someone else the same headache. [I want to repeat, this is NO fault of Kert's, I called up trying to sound like I knew what I was talking about :haha:] Here's the 1-ton flip with the 4" shackle...obviously I'll be changing things up in a bit to get a better shackle angle / longer shackle.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y177/MrK5/Nick%20Projects/DSCF1539.jpg

On another thought. 4" shackles will work and your shackle angle is better than factory in this photo. 4" shackles would work better for somebody carrying a load or pulling a trailer.

I think mine are on backwards

I think mine are on backwards

Yep, yours are on backwards!

Is this a pickup, suburban or a blazer? Lots of pickups and suburbans have two sets of holes to mount the bracket set in the frame. One set for 52's and one set for 56's. They have two sets due to the fact that they may have came factory with either length spring.

You may also be in the wrong set of holes. Worth looking at.

just wanted to give more mad props to Kert... the custom flip brackets he made for me kick ass. so sexay! :thumb:

http://coloradok5.com/photos/data/500/holy_flip_1.jpg

j

Yep, yours are on backwards!

Is this a pickup, suburban or a blazer? Lots of pickups and suburbans have two sets of holes to mount the bracket set in the frame. One set for 52's and one set for 56's. They have two sets due to the fact that they may have came factory with either length spring.

You may also be in the wrong set of holes. Worth looking at.its a pickup theres a small pic to the left:bow:

its a pickup theres a small pic to the left:bow:

I figured that was it but ya never know! Got quite a few customers that are working on several at the same time!:wink1:

I figured that was it but ya never know! Got quite a few customers that are working on several at the same time!:wink1:HIGHJACK ON

Hey Kert, that flip is sweet! I got it installed finally last week. Rides 10X better! Check out my build thread, if you haven`t seen it!

HIGHJACK ON

Hey Kert, that flip is sweet! I got it installed finally last week. Rides 10X better! Check out my build thread, if you haven`t seen it!

Yep, I seen it. I watch all you guys build threads. Mostly just read and lurk. Looks awesome though! Keep up the good work!:wink1:

Searching for a customer photo to be placed on our website to replace the current outdated one.

If you got some good shots of yours installed and in action post 'em up!

just wanted to give more mad props to Kert... the custom flip brackets he made for me kick ass. so sexay! :thumb:

http://coloradok5.com/photos/data/500/holy_flip_1.jpg

j


Kert,

How much do you think this saved in weight, just curious? I wish I would have seen these before I ordered mine, I dig it. Mine are allready powder coated, ohwell.

I don't recall the number. It was noticeable in hand.

Hey guys,

Looking for a customer shackle flip -n- switch review for our website. Or more accurately to be hosted and linked on our website.


If your in the market for a Shackle flip and would like to do the review, i can make it worth your while.

If you have already installed a shackle flip and took some good photos along the way, we can work something out beneficial for you as well.

There are some conditions to be met here. High res photos and lots of them preferably, some sort of time line as to a completion date and so on.

If you are interested, please shoot me an email and we can discuss it a little better.


Thanks!

I love my shackle flip and I think I have some good pics of the install. I will have to dig them up off my other computer. Let me know exactly what you need.

I love my shackle flip and I think I have some good pics of the install. I will have to dig them up off my other computer. Let me know exactly what you need.


Pretty much a start to finish of the installation.

Unpainted as recieved pics.
What you did to paint it is nice.
Pics as installation progressed.
Finished pics.
Text review of how it went together, overall impression of the product, commentary on things you did and DID NOT like.

Make it fair, don't sugar coat it.

Check out the tech reviews here on CK5. They are a good example.

It will be a couple weeks, but the shackle flip is getting closer to the top of my to-do list. :D

I can show pics of removing my SKY flip and installing yours. Or I'll have to order some beef shackles.

Interested?

I can show pics of removing my SKY flip and installing yours. Or I'll have to order some beef shackles.

Interested?


As fun as that sounds, skip the sky stuff and just do the review on ours. Then I'd be interested.

i ordered my 2nd one from ya and am patiently waiting for it :) i love ur design and will put in good words for ya. i even have build pics of it (and on the new project getting rid of the old ORD one :p:

The install writeup/review over at planet 4x4 was really well done. It can be seen at http://www.planet4x4.net/forums/shackleflip.php

He had the same problem I do with the aftermarket hitch (u-haul) in the way of the bracket (pics from the planet 4x4 review below). Kert, would you recommend notching the shackle flip bracket or just ditching the hitch?

Thanks!

The install writeup/review over at planet 4x4 was really well done. It can be seen at http://www.planet4x4.net/forums/shackleflip.php

He had the same problem I do with the aftermarket hitch (u-haul) in the way of the bracket (pics from the planet 4x4 review below). Kert, would you recommend notching the shackle flip bracket or just ditching the hitch?

Thanks!


Yep, I know about that review. Last time I looked it is an unfinished article. He had plans for 56's and the final photos are of the bracketry reversed for the 56's with 52" springs. Making for a bad shackle angle. Not exactly the advertising we're looking for.

You can notch the flip without issue. Personally I'd ditch the hitch simply for the fact, the hitch is nothing but a tail dragger offroad and I personally wouldn't be doing double duty, towing and offroading. Just not the way I build them.

I'm going to have that problem too. My hitch is only temporary until I build a new rear bumper (which could take years :o), but I'm going to need it for a while. The shackle flip is scheduled for next weekend. :waytogo:

Yep, I know about that review. Last time I looked it is an unfinished article. He had plans for 56's and the final photos are of the bracketry reversed for the 56's with 52" springs. Making for a bad shackle angle. Not exactly the advertising we're looking for.

You can notch the flip without issue. Personally I'd ditch the hitch simply for the fact, the hitch is nothing but a tail dragger offroad and I personally wouldn't be doing double duty, towing and offroading. Just not the way I build them.

I knew I'd seen that review before...just browsing thru your site and remembered I found it in your tech tips section...so, umm...nevermind :o

Yeah I hear ya on the tail dragger. I definitely don't do any heavy duty towing but the occasional ability to pull a small utility trailer or aluminum fishing vessel around is nice...I have a feeling the flip will win out.

Thanks again for the quick feedback.

If you are still looking for a write-up how about this one? (http://coloradok5.com/forums/blog.php?bt=666)

The flip is done, I just need to finish writing it up. I'll probably also switch to a longer shackle and maybe add an Easy Inch.

If you are still looking for a write-up how about this one? (http://coloradok5.com/forums/blog.php?bt=666)

The flip is done, I just need to finish writing it up. I'll probably also switch to a longer shackle and maybe add an Easy Inch.

PM inbound.

I have maybe a strange question. I am building another service truck that will have a utility body and lots of weight, but wan't to lift it about 4" because it will travel to remote cabins and thru deep snow.It is an 80 3/4 ton with 56" rear springs. The shackle flip and switch clearly is a beefy piece, but my concern is with the on road manners with an 8-10K# truck.
Does anyone have any feedback for this sort of use?Also does DIY4X sell all the components to get the truck up in the air (lift "kit" similar to ORD)? Same question about the front, I like the idea of the B-52 with a winch mount for this truck but am I going to get to much flex? After much research I would rather spend my money with Kert's company as his products seem superior,personalized service and quick responses on this website have me sold:bow:Also would like to support the little guy(cause I'm a little guy)
The truck is down to bare frame so I guess it's decision time.
Thanks Guys
Mike

I have maybe a strange question. I am building another service truck that will have a utility body and lots of weight, but wan't to lift it about 4" because it will travel to remote cabins and thru deep snow.It is an 80 3/4 ton with 56" rear springs. The shackle flip and switch clearly is a beefy piece, but my concern is with the on road manners with an 8-10K# truck.
Does anyone have any feedback for this sort of use?Also does DIY4X sell all the components to get the truck up in the air (lift "kit" similar to ORD)? Same question about the front, I like the idea of the B-52 with a winch mount for this truck but am I going to get to much flex? After much research I would rather spend my money with Kert's company as his products seem superior,personalized service and quick responses on this website have me sold:bow:Also would like to support the little guy(cause I'm a little guy)
The truck is down to bare frame so I guess it's decision time.
Thanks Guys
Mike

Mike,

Why don't ya give me a shout at the shop and we can discuss in some greater detail.

Write up is all done! Special thanks goes out to BGYK5. Hope we made it worth your while.

Here's a link guys, check it out!!!

http://coloradok5.com/forums/blog.php?bt=666

My pleasure.

Thanks Kert. :bow::bow::bow:

I hope you sell a million of them. Great product. :waytogo:

My pleasure.

Thanks Kert. :bow::bow::bow:

I hope you sell a million of them. Great product. :waytogo:


I think we have...:crazy: At least, it sure feels that way tonight.:haha:

You'll get approx. 4" with the shorter and 5" with the longer. They can be done with any length shackle you want within reason of course. Those listings on the website are the shackles that we keep on hand.

That being the case, and considering my Blazer is a little saggy with the 4" rear blocks as it is, would you recommend 4.5" shackles and a zero rate or just running the 6" shackles?

This is with the standard Rough Country 4" lift springs up front.

That being the case, and considering my Blazer is a little saggy with the 4" rear blocks as it is, would you recommend 4.5" shackles and a zero rate or just running the 6" shackles?

This is with the standard Rough Country 4" lift springs up front.


I'd go the EZ inch route. Longer shackles can have unintended consequences.

I'd go the EZ inch route. Longer shackles can have unintended consequences.
what would those be ??

what would those be ??


Longer shackles will always tip the pinion up more than it currently is on the shorter shackles. If your angle are good now, why mess with them.

Longer shackles will always tip the pinion up more than it currently is on the shorter shackles. If your angle are good now, why mess with them.

Hmm...I actually need to improve the pinion angle a little. How much tip up are we talking? Will the 4.5 and the ez-inch tip it up a little on their own compared to the 4 inch blocks I have now?

As of now the angle is enough that I get a little driveline vibration around 55 mph. It looks like it's about 10 degrees on both ends. Is that the correct place to measure?

With a non-CV shaft that should be about perfect. You might even want the pinion down a degree or two.

With a CV shaft you'll want to go up 8-9 degrees.

With a non-CV shaft that should be about perfect. You might even want the pinion down a degree or two.

With a CV shaft you'll want to go up 8-9 degrees.

Yeah, I stand corrected.

I just read the article over at http://www.4x4wire.com/tech/pinionangle/, and it would appear that is the case. I was under the impression it was more important to point the pinion at the t-case, but mine isn't dropped at all so it's pretty much parallel with the frame.

The pinion is pointing up slightly at the moment, which I would assume gets worse with axle wrap.

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