One other suggestion. Use a lot of grease on your shackle bushings. Also, be sure that you don't over tighten the shackle bolts. Tight shackles will give you an awful(stiff) ride. I have my shackles loose enough that I can slip a playing card between the bushing and shackle. I have all of the bolts double nutted with all metal locking nuts. This allows the shackles to ride free, but eliminates the possibility of the bolts loosening up. Sounds like you are lucky to be so close to Suplee's shop.

Later,
Tom