Ok so I go the 2" Bellteck drop shackles this weekend, got under my truck to start the install and got a little overwhelmed and gave up. Partly because it was like 95 degrees outside with 80% humidity but also because I don't know where to jack up the rear, were to place the jack stands, and how to get the bolts out of the stock shackles because it looks like the head of the bolt wont clear the frame. Am I overreacting? Should I have a pro do this?

 

you will need to unload the springs in order to get the bolts out and ultimately the shackles out. first break the nuts/bolts loose from shackle(s), then with a floor jack use a 2x6 a couple feet long and jack up the truck from the spare tire just enough to unload the springs and get the bolts out (one side at a time), pull the shackle out and pop the new one in. i would just snug 'em up with the springs unloaded and then put the final torque on them after you drop the truck.

 

You're over-reacting.....

Do one side at a time.....jack up the truck and put a jackstand under the frame in front of the tire you're working on, loosen the bolts on the shackle that attach it to the frame and spring, support the axle with a jack and remove the bolts (you'll have to play with the axle height to free the bolts), remove the shackle and bolt the new one loosely to the FRAME, jack up the axle until it will line up with the shackle and bolt the shackle to the frame, leave everything hand-tight at this point and tighten everything down snug once both sides are complete and the truck is back on the ground

 

yea, what okie said. i did it the same way. very simple to install, less than a hour.

 

I had to get the bottom bolt out first, but had to take off the hitch to get it out, the jacked up the rearend and the top bolt came out over the top of the frame. I used 2 floor jacks. 1 floor jack to lift the truck, and the other to move the axle up and down.
I am happy with the results.

 

Alright, I will give it another shot, This weekend is not supposed to be as hot as last weekend. I will take pics of the process for future pessimists out there.

Thanks all!