Trouble installing Toytec shackles

So I installed Toytec shackles yesterday but I was only able to get them installed on the 1" setting. I first tried getting them in on the 1.5" setting, but even with all my body weight on the spring I was unable to get the bolt in. This hurt my brain because the videos I watched showed people just lowering the axle down easily, but mine stops after lowering the spring just a bit. The tires aren't touching and I don't have a sway bar. What the hell else could be stopping the spring from coming down?

I will try again when I go rent a ball joint press cause I wasn't able to remove the old shit bushings using conventional methods.

 

Did you unbolt the shocks too? Those could be limiting your spring travel.

 

I used a balljoint cup and an impact wrench and mine pushed right out on my 2013. Can you raise the truck higher and then lower your axle more? I did mine back in May and I'm trying to remember what I did.

 

That may actually be it. I was going off the Coachbuilder video and he didn't mention disconnecting shocks, but I just checked the video again and he doesn't even have shocks installed.

This makes me wonder, with the lift, should I be getting new shocks too?

EDIT: Shit, at 1:42, he does say that he pulled the shocks off. Although in my defense he says he was also going to do some other work on it, so I think that's where my brain took a fart.

https://youtu.be/zmJ6Xjjtpe8?t=102

 

Yes, disconnect shocks at the axle. Disconnect the brake line brackets as well....on my 13 there are 3 of them. You may need extension brackets for them as well. I have them but I am on a 2 inch lift in the rear. Toytecs at 1.5 and 1/2 axle shims. Ideally you will want new shocks since your down travel is now reduced. You can get the original Toytec Boss for 0-2 inch lifts for about 200 for the pair.

 

Did you have any luck getting them in?

 

I left them in the 1" slot for now. Ordered the Coachbuilder brake line relocation kit and OME rear shocks. That way this weekend I can just remove the shocks, drop the springs, replace the bushings with the Toytec ones, and get the bolts in the 1.5" holes all in one go.

 

I used a little bottle jack between the end of the leaf and frame to put my schakle on

 

Sounds like a plan.

 

I had some trouble installing mine, too. Disconnected the shocks and had to unbolt my dual exhaust so the leaf springs would drop enough. Also had to stack 2X6’s for the jack stands to get the rear of the truck high enough for the axle drop( didn’t feel like taking the tires off)

 

I did have to unbolt mine as well because I was hitting the leaf springs. Now I have to cut my exhaust and dump it behind the axle.

 

I think I’ll be ok now got about an inch and a half of clearance between the springs and exhaust pipe now. We’ll see!