Help with leaf spring install

[tmr416]

I’m installing new leaf springs and bell tech shackles on my 99 XLT 4x4. New to rangers, even newer to wrenching myself. I fought some bolts up at the front leaf spring perches on each side and instead of doing the install one leaf spring at a time (driver side all the way out, new spring and shackle in, passenger next) I took both springs off before putting new ones on.
This took me a couple of days and in between I left my axle hanging by the shocks and drive shaft although I did support it with some smaller Jack stands. Now when I’m installing the first new leaf and shackle, I can’t get the front leaf eye to match up with the spring perch. Did I screw my self by doing both instead of one at a time? How can I get the leaf and the perch to line up? Anything helps thanks.

 

[MikeG]

Shocks may be pushing it. I'd probably try a ratcheting tie strap in whatever direction it needs to go.

 

[ericbphoto]

Ratchet straps, jacks, pry bars, strong friends. Whatever it takes. Try to avoid beer until the job is finished.

I would get both springs installed in their hangars/shackles, etc. Then just lift the axle into place.

 

[tmr416]

Thanks guys! The ratchet strap worked for the first one. The temptation for beer was real, but now I think I can resist until I’m finished

 

[MikeG]

You deserve a few colds ones once you get finished

 

[tmr416]

Mike or Eric either of you ever run the bell tech’s and do you know if my pinion angle is going to be so affected that I’ll need shims or something to get it back down? Or will I be fine just installing the shackles and calling it a day?

 

[MikeG]

Nope. How much did you raise/lower the truck? A few inches, doubt it would make much difference.

 

[tmr416]

For this truck they’re lift shackles and I think it should do about 2 inches

 

[MikeG]

Never messed with lift shackles, no idea.

 

[ericbphoto]

Wouldn't hurt to check when you're finished. 2" doesn't sound too bad to me.

I installed a Belltech lowering/leveling kit on my F150. The kit came with shims for the rear. But that was for a 4" change.

 

[tmr416]

Thanks guys! This was really helpful. About to be done! Cheers

 

[scotts90ranger]

If you have a dual cardan joint at the transfer case, just look to see that the rear axle U joint is pretty straight IE pinion pointed at the transfer case, a couple degrees either way shouldn't make a huge difference... When I put in belltech shackles I was welding on spring perches so we did everything at the same time and welded the perches where they needed to be...

 

[SenorNoob]

I did end up using the "suggested" shims for the Belltechs myself; but, I'd already converted to a single piece driveshaft on an Ext. cab. So long driveshaft + single joint at each end + lift = driveshaft vibration.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Beer is for after. Vodka before. Slightly more knuckle busters, but much less painful.