Stuck between a rock and a hard place

[greatwhite]

ok well here's my problem i have headman longtube headers and the collecters are like an 1/8 of an inch away from the bolt of shackle for my front leaf springs.so when i start the truck they rattle against the bolt and which not only sounds obnoxious but will eventually wear a whole through the collecter.  Im pretty sure there isnt anything i can do but i thought id give it a shot.  Oh and i tried to give the headers a little "tweak" thats how i got the 1/8 inch  

[Txstruck]

Maybe get longer shackles? Or longer leaf springs and relocate the hangers, or different headers....  

[greatwhite]

thanks, i was thinking of longer springs.  I want to probably do a 6'' lift so i need new springs anyway i wasnt sure if i could find longer springs and if i could if i could use them.  I know there are alot of things you cant really mess with due to messing up the geometry of the front end.

[Txstruck]

I dont think getting longer or shorter springs would actually change the geometry since the axle location will not change. I believe the two different lengths are 52" and 56". I want to put an 8" lift on mine but money is tight this time of year, and my tranny decided to start giving out on me last week.  Glad I have already done most of my xmas shopping. Now to find a decent tranny shop for a rebuild.  

[Blazin]

Do you have access to porta power with a clam shell attachment? If so I would use that to give your self some real clearance. Do it while the headers are hot they will bend allot easier and wont stress the metal as much.

[77 K30 Crew Cab Dually]

When you bought the headers, were they for a 2wd vehicle, or were they designed for a 4wd vehicle? I would verify that. If they were designed for a 4wd vehicle, I would also call headman and give them ten million question speech about your problem. Good Luck  

[79 stepside 4x4]

i had the same problem with heddman and i resolved to cutting the extra length off the bolt and it allowed enough clearance so they woudn't touch.  if it still does i would check your motor mounts they may be worn and allowing too much movement.