Good value shackle

Sorry if I’m beating a dead horse here. New to the forum and looking for a good value shackle to raise the rear 1.5”. Did lots of reading and decided on Proform Fab with Coachbuilder bushings. Then I discovered the shackle price ($60 to $130) has doubled in the past year or so. Live in Colorado so they’ll get a fair amount of abuse. Are there any other great value options I should consider or should I stick with my initial decision despite the price increase?

 

Welcome,

In all honesty save a few extra bucks and just wait to get the Coachbuilder shackles or another reputable brand. I don’t have any experience with “value” shackles but with that said that definitely isn’t a place where I would want anything value category.

I do own the Coachbuilder’s and they are awesome. There is an increase in ride comfort and composure over rougher roads. No regrets and well worth the price of admission.

 

Thanks and duly noted.

 

Total Chaos
MCM

Not sure on pricing, but they are just shackles. Not really rocket surgery.

I’m not suggesting that they can be built at home and save money, but it’s 3/8” flat bar with a bend and holes.

 

Go look at coachbuilders. They aren't just 3/8" flat bar, and you feel it.

 

You’re certainly correct on the construction, but I am curious what you’d feel different in ride between these and a more standard steel shackle.

Not knocking Coachbuilder’s part at all. They look great. But, I’m not able to wrap my head around how they will ride better when they’re still just a stiff connection between the leaf spring and shackle mount. With poly bushings, can you actually feel any difference? I think it’s time for a new version of the Pepsi Challenge to see if people correctly identify shackle brands.

 

Honestly, ask him. He's very chill and I'm sure he can quantify it better than my butt dyno. @Coachbuilder1

 

Coachbuilder for sure. You get the lube, bushings, carrier drop, beefy aluminum and detailed instructions. Not to mention Dave is easy to reach if you need to.

Only downside is they are so beefy you may have issues with spare tire if it's oversized

 

They all do the same exact job. One “looks” better than the other, if you going to show people under the truck to look at your fancy shackles. Not knocking on any brand but no one can give explanation how ones work better than the other, besides bushings, which again is minimal difference in feel.

 

Go ask Dave why his are better.

 

The old guy from Wendy’s??? Cause the Pattie’s are square!!!


I figured this was a dead subject, but I’ll chime in again. I firmly believe that ANY shackle that is built from material substantial enough to resist excessive lateral movement and with similar bushings will perform identically to another that is of the same dimensions (hole to hole), regardless of the material used. I don’t care what color it is, or if it’s aluminum, or if it cost more, or how well they’re marketed.

I would welcome Dave or anyone else to provide actual proof of how this is inaccurate.
Seriously, I’m not trying to be a smart ass. I will listen to any genuine explanation that can be proven by more than a claim or hunch. I have no need to be right, but I can’t see how I’m wrong on this one.

 

I'm not saying they are better, because I don't have the technical background to back it. I'm also not assuming that they aren't. I'm purely suggesting that those doubting and saying "prove it" go ask the guy that makes them. He'll tell you whatever you want to know.

 

I get what you’re saying, but having someone “tell us” why their product is superior doesn’t mean a whole lot when it is a part like this. I mean no offense toward Dave or anyone else, but with a part as mechanically basic as a leaf spring shackle, I say it’s mere snake oil and marketing.

I read his website. How does a fancy shackle improve strength when towing??? Do they come with a Tap Out tee shirt?

 

Again, talk to David. Ask about his education and expertise. Don't ask him to "tell" you why it's superior, ask him to explain why. Express the doubt to him, rather than throwing rocks into the ether of the internet.

 

Your point is valid on every shackle that isnt daves. Evidence and explanation is not required unless you are blind. Unless you drive in a straight line all the time, there is lateral forces on your truck. Thats where the beef comes in. It doesn't take an engineer to understand that a shackle that is 3 times the thickness of regular shackles and braced in the middle is going to be more robust and have less lateral flex.

 

I would guess you are talking to @Chad D. but I can't be sure because you aren't tagging or quoting, and I don't want to assume.

 

in reality, how much of the lateral flex difference will drivers feel between one and the other?

 

I was, that's my bad.

 

I'm sure there is a way to quantify, and the actual "butt dyno" method may not be the best but I'm sure it is quite a bit, solely based on how much of an exponential difference in material strength is felt on something like a thicker than stock sway bar.

 

I’m pretty sure that most aftermarket shackles are made as a single piece unit; both sides plus a cross bar. This makes them fairly identical in their resistance to lateral movement. Some of them have multiple sets of holes that allow for varying lengths, 1” over, 2” over, etc.
The biggest improvement in ride quality comes from replacing the stock bushings (which are “fixed” with the poly bushings that are “free” to rotate.. this allows the up and down movement to occur without accumulating “wind up” energy at the shackles. Does that make sense?)
I’m pretty sure the poly bushings can be installed in any of them.
When I got my shackles from Dave, in 2015, he was the only one making custom aftermarket shackles for the 2.5 generation tundra. He had then and still does to this day, a well deserved reputation for solid design, good engineering and great customer service.

 

I have the same set up but 2” pro form shackles with ploy bushings I bought them years ago when they were cheap super heavy duty great fitment no issues since install. No need to spend more money. Check my link in my signature I have pics they are super robust shackles not thin or light. My truck is used heavily to off-road, towing, you name it. Never had an issue and definitely a ride improvement.

 

Great last few posts fellas!

While the Coachbuilder shackles look awesome, I like that others can see that there is more to a shackle’s performance than just the beef. Good bushings, correct lubrication, and proper assembly play as much, or more of a role in the overall function.

Back to the OP’s question, there are several great shackle options for our trucks. Look for ones that include quality polyurethane bushings and lube everything before assembly! Put the truck on the ground prior to torquing the fasteners all the way. Choose ones you like at a price point you agree with and rally! Like many things in life, you have options from basic, to really good, to blingy.

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I love it when Im given the opportunity to explain our madness

If you live in a state that use concrete highways, travel the same stretch everyday and can feel your neck doing crunches this post is for you.

Shackles are not created equal and will honestly say our Coachbuilder shackles are the most refined and tested product we have ever designed or built.


My early experience from the late 90's We built parts to make cars go really fast, become one with the road and handle extremely well... But most importantly it had to improve functionality and last longer than the part it was replacing with minimal to no maintenance. Adapting this over into the truck world wasn't an easy task when most truck owners were happy driving a cement truck. I built a set of mock up shackles in 08 similar to every other steel shackle available, something to provide lift and improve the pivot angle and nothing else.... I offered them to other Tundra owners as a method to increase the rear ride height slightly. 2008-2013 Receiving feedback from 100's of tundra owners and even guys working the assembly lines in San Antonio It was clear weight distribution and handling lacked in the Tundra. The rear axle is offset and allowed to flex under torque, the frame is tapered without any real way of trapped energy to make its way out and down to the ground. Considered a variety of materials... 6061 was my alloy of choice. We were able to improve rigidity while saving Pounds in overall weight and using a finish that will last beyond the life of the truck. It all came together nicely but was still not satisfied with ride quality. I personally tested our Billet Coachbuilder shackles for over 7 months making small modifications along the way and driving on ever road surface I could find until I said... They're perfect. We had improved leaf spring functionality, giving a clear path for torque to find the ground under hard acceleration by decreasing friction on both pivots, improved overall handling by eliminating the flex and distortion, offering different lift amounts, addressing Bed bounce all while coming up with a very unique polyurethane compound for our bushings along the way.

As anyone wanting the Best Value or Product for your truck.. Take the time to read reviews, research the companies that are manufacturing these items and ask yourself if you want to invest is something that will fix a problem or save a few bucks and continue using the same technology as the Muscle cars from 1970's?



David
Ekstrom Design.
https://shop-coachbuilder.myshopify.com/

 

For anyone reading this, I installed 1.5” ProForm Fab shackles using Coachbuilder poly bushings. At the end of the day I probably saved around $200 over the CB kit. However, it took six weeks to receive my ProForm shackles. At first they told me the factory was struck by lightning. Then, I was told they outsource the tundra shackles and happened to be out of stock when I placed my order. Following that, the shipment was lost by the USPS. When it finally arrived it was in an unlabeled, plain cardboard box with shackles wrapped in newspaper and no instructions or other paperwork. They work well but buyer beware.

 

Hey David @Coachbuilder1

I'm considering getting rear shackles for my recent installation of the Bilstein 6112/5100 on the #3 1.9 setting. This setup leveled out my truck, but I think it could benefit from a bit more rake, especially when towing a camper or loading up the bed.

I'm looking at the Coachbuilder +1” Shackle Kit, which would provide a slight lift in the back. However, I wanted to get your expert opinion on this choice.

I'm planning to do the installation myself, so if I make the purchase (any discounts would be appreciated), I would need some installation instructions as well, if possible.

 

I think the directions are on the website

https://shop-coachbuilder.myshopify...ilder-3-shackles-provides-1-75-of-actual-lift

 

Hey guys,
Any options on stock height shackles?
I don’t have my original ones anymore, and have currently CB+2. The extra lift is not welcome any more, so need to get stock shackles again. I’d get CB+0 if they would exist. Though David never responded to my email.
Any recommendations?

 

Would the +1" shackle kit bring the overall ride height to or near to stock?
If there was a slide rake beyond what you desire, CoachBuilder has shim kits that could sort that out and nicely balance the truck.

I would also give Dave a call, super busy guy, he's amazing and walked me through my build and a truly great American.

COACHBUILDER +1” SHACKLE KIT (0.625” OF LIFT )
TUNDRA 2007-2021 INCLUDING TRD PRO
https://shop-coachbuilder.myshopify.com/products/coachbuilder-1-shackles-provides-625-of-actual-lift

 

By far, the most common shackle for stock height would be an OEM shackle.

Nothing else comes close to its popularity.

 

+1 cb shackle will bring the height too far. I’m installing dobinsons springs which will provide +2.1” actual lift. That’s about 1/8” higher than needed unladen. So extra 5/8 is way too much.

I don’t care about popularity, as well as unnecessary empty input.