'97-'99 Sport Lift Options (LEAF)

[PeteNJ]

Joel_CA said:

I don't have the OME lift kit on my truck...I actually went the extended shackle route as well. I am using the OME shocks though...you can seen the installed shackles in full detail by clicking on the link in my signiture...

Joel, CA

Joel,
I saw a picture of your rig on a site selling OME equipment and it said that your truck was equipped with the leaf kit. Ill try to find that link again. Anyways, so the OME shocks are long enuff to accomadate the lift coming from the shackles? It wont limit travel or snap shock mounts? Also, I am assuming you used the same shackles skidplate did? Thanks for the help and its great to have you around these boards!

[Joel_CA]

The OME shocks are less than 2" longer than the stock shocks- fully extended. They WILL be the limiting factor as far as suspension travel and articulation if used for extreme offroading- I wouldn't recommend them in this case. Skidplates shocks are much better for this type of application. I'm not sure if the shackles we used are the same...it is made for a Toyota Pickup and is 2" longer than stock.

Joel, CA

[skidplate98]

I would disconnect the swaybar first before you jack up the MS.

Yes I used the stock bushings. But I just remembered that other side of the shackle is slightly too small so I had to shave the ends of the bushings to make it fit in there.

And if you are going to run the Stock shocks with the lift. You can probably run around town with the Stock shocks, but I wouldn't go 4 wheeling unless you have the longer shocks.

Steve

PeteNJ said:

Steve,

I really appreciate your valuable information. I am just about to order the shackles but I just want to make sure I have all my bases cover before the install. As you can tell Im pretty much a newbie when it comes to car mechanics and I am having my mechanic friend help me out.

Here is what I have so far:

1) Jack the truck up and place jackstands on the frame near the left and right spring packs.

2) Lower the truck onto the stands

3) Jack up the rear diff so the wheels are still off the ground.

4) Remove the stock shackles

5) Disconnect the swaybar

6) Lower axle until the tires touch the ground again

7) Install the new shackles onto the upper perches on the frame using ( Grade 8 size? bolts and washers )

8) Jack the axle back up so the spring bushings ( Do you reuse your old OEM bushings? ) go in between the new shackle's lower mounts.

9) Put the grade 8 bolt thru the spring and bushing and bolt on using factory torque specs.

10) Lower vehicle


Does that sum it up? Any other pointers? Thanks!

Pete