Let me remember exactly how I did it and I will get back to you with instructions.

 

I have the Belltech 2in shackles..... It did not affect ride quality at all.. The load amount could be affected a little because the truck bed is lower in the back....I didnt have to change the pinion angle at all....

 

if you have the new NBS silverado stepside it can be a pain in the @$$. fleetsides can be done in about 30 minutes. ive used 2" drop shackles on every chevy ive had and never shimmed anything and never had a problem.

if you have a hitch just go ahead and remove it before you get started, its in the way. if you have a stepside you might have to loosen the axile to get some play room with the springs. all you need is some good wrenches, a good jack and safety glasses cuz crap will drop in your eyes. and factory shocks are fine.

 

On my stepside, I just loosen the axle u bolts and had enough room to move the leaf to get that top bolt out. Removing the hitch definitly helps get that bottom bolt out too.

 

Also, see if you can remember where you got the small ubolts for your springs. I think you had a great idea to do that. And I believe that I can do that simple mod, even at my age!

 

I got them from Auto Zone, they were about $10 for a set and they did drop it a little more to completely even it out, plus the added traction is really nice. I will try to get a write up for you tonight, I have to get under the truck and take another look at it.

 

i had to cut the top bolts in order to get the stock shackles off. i have a stepside and heard stepsides were harder.

 

noooo you dont have to cut the bolts. loosent he rear end from the spring and pull the spring over a few inches. its no big deal at all

 

Its easier than trying to get a saw or cut-off wheel up there anyways imo

 

When I installed my McGaughys shackles all I had to do was jack the diff up after I removed the lower shackle bolt. This lifts the springs up high enough to take the top bolt out over the top of the frame. Just loosen up the bolt on the front spring mount so that the whole spring/axle assembly will swivel easily. On the 1500HD with the taller frame I did not have to remove the hitch to get the bottom bolt out.