1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Coach builder Shackles Question

Discussion in 'Ekstrom Design' started by Chaosx4, Oct 31, 2016.

  1. Oct 31, 2016 at 10:43 AM
    #1
    Chaosx4

    Chaosx4 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2016
    Member:
    #3016
    Messages:
    334
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 White Tundra SR5 TRD
    Hello All,
    I finally got around to installing my coachbuilder shackles and I had a few experiences I wanted to run past the experts on this forum!!! All in all, the job was fairly easy and is a nice upgrade to ride comfort.

    During the installation, I had a hard time getting the driver side leaf spring to line up with the shackle. It seemed like the spring pack was slightly twisted from the factor and pulled inward towards the spare tire. After a few good hits with the hammer and jacking up the truck, I was able to get the two aligned. The driver side shackle seemed to point in slightly more then the passenger side. Also, I choose to leave the bushings in because I plan to change out the rear shocks and add deaver pack in the near future so I avoided the trouble.

    Questions:
    1) did any of you experience similar alignment issues?
    2)does it look right in the picture
    3) did any of you have similar spacing between shackle and spare tire?
    4)short term, will OEM bushings be ok with shackles?

    Thanks for the help and input.

    IMG_1305.jpg
    IMG_1305.jpg
    IMG_1306.jpg
     
  2. Oct 31, 2016 at 1:26 PM
    #2
    Coachbuilder1

    Coachbuilder1 Industry Leader Vendor

    Joined:
    May 27, 2015
    Member:
    #1344
    Messages:
    419
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Salt Lake City UT
    2007 SR5 5.7 Katzkin, LED lighting through out, LED door handles, Color Matched handles & grill surround, CST 3.5" Spindles OME 614 Full Suspension, Coachbuilder +3" Shackles by Ekstrom Design, BHLM,35"/12.5"/20 Nitto Trail Grapplers,BMF SOTA death metal black finish 20"x10" -19 offset.
    Glad to see you had a chance to get your shackles installed :) The Tundra is setup a bit different than most other trucks, the frame rails after the rear portion of the cab are tapered and are not square with the leaf spring pivots. So unless your truck is sitting on a perfectly flat and level surface the rear axle will need a bit of help to get aligned after removing the factory shackles. Also keep in mind the factory shackles allow the axle to move just about where ever it wants, its sitting off center and sways to the left under acceleration. You'll also notice the winch that holds the spare tire up into place sits off the left and will need some help getting centered. All very common with the tundra.

    Please replace the factory rubber rear leaf spring eyelet bushings as soon as you're able to, They are biting into your Coachbuilder shackles and holding the lower pivots locked. I'll attach a pic.
    When you eventually swap out your leaf packs to the Deavers use a center punch and hammer to remove the new center sleeve and then tap the new poly bushings out and install into the Deavers. Our poly bushings are compatible with any aftermarket leaf pack. You'll notice a instant change in ride quality after upgrading to our poly bushings. Hope this helps. David

    Balljointpresstool.jpg
    Ekstrom_Design_Poly_bushing.jpg
    www.shopcoachbuilder.com
     
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2018
  3. Oct 31, 2016 at 1:50 PM
    #3
    Chaosx4

    Chaosx4 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2016
    Member:
    #3016
    Messages:
    334
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 White Tundra SR5 TRD
    Thanks David, I appreciate the quick response. I will put some time aside this weekend to replace bushings. Am I able to run the KING 2.5 front shocks and 2.5 rear shocks with these shackles? Forgive me for my ignorance however do I need the add-a-leaf pack if I have the shackles?
     
  4. Nov 1, 2016 at 3:23 PM
    #4
    Dantwenty2

    Dantwenty2 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2016
    Member:
    #4790
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Santa Clarita, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Crew Max Rock Warrior
    I have the exact same question. I have King 2.5 inch rear shocks. Wondering if going with these shackles will cause them to max out. Anyone know?

     
  5. Nov 1, 2016 at 4:15 PM
    #5
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Member:
    #3246
    Messages:
    12,518
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2012
  6. Nov 1, 2016 at 4:18 PM
    #6
    Dantwenty2

    Dantwenty2 New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2016
    Member:
    #4790
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Santa Clarita, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Crew Max Rock Warrior
  7. Nov 1, 2016 at 6:16 PM
    #7
    Chaosx4

    Chaosx4 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2016
    Member:
    #3016
    Messages:
    334
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 White Tundra SR5 TRD
    David, would the +2 shackles work with the 2.5 king shocks set at 3" and 2.5 king shock rears
     
  8. Nov 1, 2016 at 7:03 PM
    #8
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #8
    Messages:
    7,645
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Don
    -TRS Mini D2S Retrofit on TRD Pro Headlights (Apollo 2.0 Shrouds, 35w XB Ballasts, 5500k Bulbs) -Baja Designs Squadron R Sport Aux lights. -TRD Pro Grill -TRD Rear Sway Bar -BakFlip VP Tonneau w/BakBox -Dipped wheels & bumpers -Iron Cross HD steps -Undercover Swingcase -SunTek Paint Protection film -Tinted glass -Bedmat -OEM Towing Mirrors
  9. Nov 18, 2016 at 2:36 PM
    #9
    Coachbuilder1

    Coachbuilder1 Industry Leader Vendor

    Joined:
    May 27, 2015
    Member:
    #1344
    Messages:
    419
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Salt Lake City UT
    2007 SR5 5.7 Katzkin, LED lighting through out, LED door handles, Color Matched handles & grill surround, CST 3.5" Spindles OME 614 Full Suspension, Coachbuilder +3" Shackles by Ekstrom Design, BHLM,35"/12.5"/20 Nitto Trail Grapplers,BMF SOTA death metal black finish 20"x10" -19 offset.
    We've found with the factory leaf packs the amount of down travel isn't all that great. So with the factory rear shocks measuring 25.75" fully extended you're able to use a +1" / +1.25"/ +1.50" even though you're increasing ride height 1.75" with our +3" Coachbuilder shackles in the rear. Hope this helps.
     
    Gee Dub likes this.
  10. Nov 18, 2016 at 2:36 PM
    #10
    Coachbuilder1

    Coachbuilder1 Industry Leader Vendor

    Joined:
    May 27, 2015
    Member:
    #1344
    Messages:
    419
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Salt Lake City UT
    2007 SR5 5.7 Katzkin, LED lighting through out, LED door handles, Color Matched handles & grill surround, CST 3.5" Spindles OME 614 Full Suspension, Coachbuilder +3" Shackles by Ekstrom Design, BHLM,35"/12.5"/20 Nitto Trail Grapplers,BMF SOTA death metal black finish 20"x10" -19 offset.
    Yes, this works excellent.
     
  11. Sep 10, 2018 at 8:37 AM
    #11
    Big J

    Big J New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2018
    Member:
    #12695
    Messages:
    400
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 4x4 crewmax

    Does this mean even with the +3 shackles the factory rear shocks are ok? Just checking cause I assumed I needed a new rear shock that can go another 2 inches.

    Also do the rear bushings work with all shackles? Or are the specific to the ones you build?

    Thanks!
     
  12. Sep 10, 2018 at 12:12 PM
    #12
    Coachbuilder1

    Coachbuilder1 Industry Leader Vendor

    Joined:
    May 27, 2015
    Member:
    #1344
    Messages:
    419
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Salt Lake City UT
    2007 SR5 5.7 Katzkin, LED lighting through out, LED door handles, Color Matched handles & grill surround, CST 3.5" Spindles OME 614 Full Suspension, Coachbuilder +3" Shackles by Ekstrom Design, BHLM,35"/12.5"/20 Nitto Trail Grapplers,BMF SOTA death metal black finish 20"x10" -19 offset.
    Our +3"s will def "work" with your OE rear shocks but always recommend matching the rear shocks with what ever you're using up front. Chances are the new rears will be offered in a +1" length and will work with any of our shackles. Our Poly bushing kit is specific to our shackles and are both machined to pivot together. We have had some guys use our poly bushing kit with their factory shackles though. if you need a hand with anything please feel free to let me know. 801-635-4872

    https://shop-coachbuilder.myshopify...urethane-bushing-kit-rear-leaf-spring-eyelets
     
    Gee Dub and Big J[QUOTED] like this.
  13. Sep 10, 2018 at 5:31 PM
    #13
    Big J

    Big J New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2018
    Member:
    #12695
    Messages:
    400
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 4x4 crewmax
    Thanks so much! I may call when I get closer. I am thinking to do a nice 3/2 lift with Bilstein 6112’s in the front and using your shims to get a solid 3”.

    Then for the rear your +3 shackles. Wasn’t sure at first if a 5100 “0-1” lift shock was ok. Or if I needed to go to a 5160 that was good for “0-2” lift considering factory leaf pack down travel.
     
    Coachbuilder1 likes this.
  14. Sep 11, 2018 at 9:34 AM
    #14
    Coachbuilder1

    Coachbuilder1 Industry Leader Vendor

    Joined:
    May 27, 2015
    Member:
    #1344
    Messages:
    419
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Salt Lake City UT
    2007 SR5 5.7 Katzkin, LED lighting through out, LED door handles, Color Matched handles & grill surround, CST 3.5" Spindles OME 614 Full Suspension, Coachbuilder +3" Shackles by Ekstrom Design, BHLM,35"/12.5"/20 Nitto Trail Grapplers,BMF SOTA death metal black finish 20"x10" -19 offset.
    Glad to help :) The 3"/2" system is Awesome!!! Either 5100's or 5160s would work with your 6112's up front. Depending on your application the 5100s may be just fine but if you're running your truck hard and need the larger diameter and oil capacity the 5160s would be the shock to use. Excited to see this come together for you. We recently set up one of the TRD Racing Pit trucks with this exact system. Truck looks level but still has a slight rear rake and is very capable on or off road :bowdown:
     
    Big J[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Sep 11, 2018 at 10:06 AM
    #15
    Big J

    Big J New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2018
    Member:
    #12695
    Messages:
    400
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 4x4 crewmax
    Thanks again. Yes this was the idea I’m saving up for. It won’t be used for heavy off-road so maybe the 5100’s are good.

    I felt like anything past 3” upfront probably needs drop brackets/spindles and a bunch more money. Lol

    My thought was a nice 3/2 and possibly the new icon rebound 17” wheels. Little more side wall for comfort and cheaper tires in the long run. :)
     
  16. Sep 11, 2018 at 3:02 PM
    #16
    porkitt

    porkitt New Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2017
    Member:
    #7948
    Messages:
    2,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ian
    Vehicle:
    Tundra Pro Cement
    DAP Tune ESP Storage RCI Skids Icon Rebound ABS Guards AVS Vent Visor FRAC Harness 50 Cal/Antenna X BFG KO2 HID Extra Light Bar White Knuckle Off Road Sliders BAK Industries Revolver X2 Oh Shit Handles Pop and Lock LED Internal and Reverse Lights LED Footwell lights Tuffy Storage Console organizers Viper Alarm and Remote Start
    @Coachbuilder1 Do you have a "how to video" on bushing installation? Do you mind providing one
     
  17. Sep 12, 2018 at 10:14 AM
    #17
    Coachbuilder1

    Coachbuilder1 Industry Leader Vendor

    Joined:
    May 27, 2015
    Member:
    #1344
    Messages:
    419
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    David
    Salt Lake City UT
    2007 SR5 5.7 Katzkin, LED lighting through out, LED door handles, Color Matched handles & grill surround, CST 3.5" Spindles OME 614 Full Suspension, Coachbuilder +3" Shackles by Ekstrom Design, BHLM,35"/12.5"/20 Nitto Trail Grapplers,BMF SOTA death metal black finish 20"x10" -19 offset.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DMvzjVw1VM There a quite a few out there some much better than others but for the most part you can see how helpful a ball joint press tool is. Advanced auto parts or Auto Zone will let you borrow a kit, I normally don't use the bolt in the center like this video shows but def can. Let me know if you you need any other help. 801-635-4872
     
  18. Sep 12, 2018 at 10:55 AM
    #18
    porkitt

    porkitt New Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2017
    Member:
    #7948
    Messages:
    2,201
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ian
    Vehicle:
    Tundra Pro Cement
    DAP Tune ESP Storage RCI Skids Icon Rebound ABS Guards AVS Vent Visor FRAC Harness 50 Cal/Antenna X BFG KO2 HID Extra Light Bar White Knuckle Off Road Sliders BAK Industries Revolver X2 Oh Shit Handles Pop and Lock LED Internal and Reverse Lights LED Footwell lights Tuffy Storage Console organizers Viper Alarm and Remote Start
    @Coachbuilder1 Thanks for video
     
    Coachbuilder1[QUOTED] likes this.
To Top