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Armor Tech Offroad 2005 - 2015 Tacoma Universal Shackle Flip Kit Install

Discussion in '5 Lug' started by Kavik, Nov 25, 2017.

  1. Nov 25, 2017 at 2:49 PM
    #1
    Kavik

    Kavik [OP] Kavik

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2012
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    Texas, DFW
    Vehicle:
    Not your everday 5 lug
    Lowered: 3 inch drop blocks (Beefed Taco),Satoshi Grill, Morimoto bi-xenon H1 Retrofitted headlights, Flowmaster exhaust, Blue LED interior and exterior, blue LED dome light, Anzo black LED taillights, Hifonics Brutus 1100w Mono Block, Bazooka 300w Amp, LED license plate lights. Lifited: Fat Bob's rear shocks, Fat Bob's 3" spacer and rear AAL, Nitto Terragrapplers, weldertaco wrap around rear tube bumper, TrailWorx Fab tube front bumper
    How to install:

    2005 - 2015 Tacoma Universal Shackle Flip Kit

    http://www.armortechoffroad.com/2005--2015-Tacoma-Universal-Shackle-Flip-Kit_p_334.html

    I will start by saying that this is no easy feat and I would recommend those that don't have tools or equipment available to them to have it professionally installed.

    Estimated install time: 12hrs

    Tools needed:
    -Full face shield, gloves and a long sleeve shirt (safety first!)
    -Grinder w/ grinding wheel and cutting wheel
    -Jack and jack stands
    -Drill w/ 1/2 bit
    -4 lb Sledge
    -Punches of various sizes
    -Lights
    -19mm wrench and socket
    -Grade 8 bolts

    Optional Tools:
    -Dremel w/ cutting/grinding wheels
    -Air hammer w/ punch and chisel bit
    -Air Right angle die grinder w/ grinding/sanding wheels
    -Pry bars
    -hopes and dreams

    1. Start by jacking up your truck on level ground.

    2. Place jack stands under the frame rails as far back as you can. (Do NOT place jack stands under the rear axle)

    3. Position your jack under the center of the rear axle and lift it till the rear wheels are slightly off the ground BUT the jack stands should never leave the frame rails.

    4. Now that your wheels are off the ground and the weight of the axle is resting on the jack.

    5. Remove the bolts on both sides that are holding your shackle to the leaf pack. (19mm)

    The rear of the leafs should be completely free from the hanger.

    6. Remove the bolts that are holding your shackle to the shackle hanger. (19mm) Put the shackles somewhere safe and out of the way if you are reusing them.

    7. Now starts the fun part! (Once you start this part there is no going back until you are finished)

    Locate the four frame rivets holding your shackle hanger to the frame on both sides of your Tacoma. (8 total)

    8. Once you have located the rivets and determined which ones need to be removed, take your angle grinder with a grinding wheel and begin to grind down the rivets flush to the shackle hanger plate (Be sure to cover your gas tank so sparks are not shooting against it). You will have to be in several awkward positions to get to some rivets. So get used to this position below.

    When you are finished it should look something like this.


    9. Once they are ground flush to the shackle hanger you can try the following to punch the rivets through. Keep in mind this is NOT an easy thing to do and will take a long time.

    -4lb sledge and a punch
    -Air hammer with a punch tip
    -Drill the center of the rivet to weaken it and then punch it out
    -Grind both sides flush and hammer/air hammer it out.
    -Step drill the rivet until the rivet is no more.

    Be prepared to get tired and frustrated but I am telling you now, IT IS POSSIBLE! Take breaks and come back if things are getting frustrating, you don't wanna rush this. This is what my rivets looked like after removal.


    10. After you punch them out, remove your shackle hangers and celebrate! The hardest part is now behind you and you are even closer to installing your kit.

    11. Drill out the frame holes to 1/2" to accept the new bolts for the shackle flip kit. ( make sure you use with grade 8 bolts)

    12. Remove any rust behind your old shackle hangers and paint it.

    13. Mount your shackle flip kit and fasten it up nice and tight. Make sure you use washers and lock washers.

    14. Install your old shackle or aftermarket shackle to your leaf springs and then mount them to your new shackle flip kit and tighten them all up (you can use factory bolts for the leaf spring to shackle bolt). (19mm)


    15. Lift your truck back up and remove the jack stands. Lower the truck back down and you are DONE!

    16. Enjoy your new lift in the rear! :bananadance::bananadance::bananadance:






    Possible issues:

    -Exhaust is rubbing leaf hanger.


    This happened to me when I used an aftermarket shackle that is longer than the factory shackles. Here are possible solutions.

    1. Bend your leaf hanger down to lower the exhaust.
    2. Cut the leaf hanger and weld in a longer leaf hanger.
    3. Cut your exhaust after the axle.









     
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2017
  2. Apr 14, 2019 at 1:18 PM
    #2
    Tempest151

    Tempest151 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 17, 2017
    Member:
    #219249
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    First Name:
    Joseph
    Fresno CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Tacoma 2.7 4x4
    6” procomp. Large coil springs. Cold air. Port and polished head and throttle body. Exhaust. Positraction. Shaved and reinforced tailgate. Camper shell. Piaa fog. 5% tint all around. Stereo 2-12” 2-6x9” 2- 5 1/4” 4400 Watts 20 ferrets. Much more
    Great job on the pics and explanation, thanks for taking the time to show people this is possible.
    Why did you go with the shackle flip and put your leaf spring under your axel?
     
  3. Jun 6, 2020 at 4:30 PM
    #3
    TacomaFitz

    TacomaFitz 2nd Gen 5 Lug

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2018
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    #251232
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    Male
    First Name:
    Rion
    North Bay CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 2.7 Manual Tacoma base model
    Shackle flip Add a leaf Spacer lift 3/4" bora wheel spacers 265 75 16 Mickey Thompson A/T LCE Header LCE Clutch Power Inverter Yellow Top Battery Air compressor install Hood struts Plasti dip Skid plate Bull Bar Waterport
    That's factory 5 luggers.

     
  4. Jun 6, 2020 at 4:33 PM
    #4
    TacomaFitz

    TacomaFitz 2nd Gen 5 Lug

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2018
    Member:
    #251232
    Messages:
    30
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rion
    North Bay CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 2.7 Manual Tacoma base model
    Shackle flip Add a leaf Spacer lift 3/4" bora wheel spacers 265 75 16 Mickey Thompson A/T LCE Header LCE Clutch Power Inverter Yellow Top Battery Air compressor install Hood struts Plasti dip Skid plate Bull Bar Waterport
    The axle that is
     
  5. Jun 23, 2020 at 8:13 PM
    #5
    TacomaFitz

    TacomaFitz 2nd Gen 5 Lug

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2018
    Member:
    #251232
    Messages:
    30
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rion
    North Bay CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 2.7 Manual Tacoma base model
    Shackle flip Add a leaf Spacer lift 3/4" bora wheel spacers 265 75 16 Mickey Thompson A/T LCE Header LCE Clutch Power Inverter Yellow Top Battery Air compressor install Hood struts Plasti dip Skid plate Bull Bar Waterport
    Just wanted to say thanks for this post. I'm almost finished and would advocate for cobalt step drill and a huge shot of patience. Adam @ Armotech was a huge help and let me know you can torque up to 90ft/lbs.

    20200622_083138.jpg
    20200622_192147.jpg
     

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