Someone please walk me through a drop shackle install, step by step? There is no way I see these two bolts coming out, what do I need to do to make it happen. I have read that the hitch needs to come off, but I don't see how that helps any. 2005 RCSB Z71 if it matters.

 

Take the bottom bolt out, then loosen the u-bolts. Loosen them enough to where you can move the spring over a little bit, enough to get the top bolt out. Reverse for install.

It's funny you posted this when you did, I'm installing my Joe Gibbs drop kit as we speak.

P.S. The hitch does need to come off.

 

Yes, there is no need for the Hitch to be removed!

Yes, like said above loosen the bottom bolt and then remove the top bolt! It's pretty easy form there I did mine like in 30 minutes. On the stepsides its a little more complicated because the stepside being in the way!

 

on my 02 stepside i had to0 remove the hitch to get one of the bolts out. if you dont then you are lucky.

 

Yea I have a stepside, maybe that's why I had to take the hitch off.

 

man I wish my stuff was that nice and new, took me a few hours to install mine, had to use an air chisel with a punch on it to get the top bolts out!!!!!

 

the hitch has to go. slightly loosen the nuts/bolts on the shackle, put a jack under the spare tire and jack up the body of the truck just enough to relieve the pressure on the leaf springs. remove the nut/bolt from the lower part of the shackle, then just push up on the leaf spring to get to the other bolt. installation is the reverse. snug the blots, then lower the truck and move the back of the truck up and down a little to make sure the leafs aren't binding and them torque the bolts. that's it.