Boomerang Shackles ?

[440sixpack]

I want to raise my '78 CJ7 up a little, what about the 1 1/2 " boomerangs ?

If I do this am I going to have to modify anything else ? I really don't want to get into that .

 

[JeeperChris]

Because shackles only lift one end of the leaf springs you may need to adjust the shims under your axles. I could see this being a problem more on the front than the back but it also depends on if you have a lift or you're running stock right now.

Some of the other guys here know the axle angle stuff way better than I do. Maybe they'll chime in soon.

Also.... are you talking about 1 1/2 extra lift or 1 1/2 extra length shackles which would give you about 3/4 lift? The lift gained by the shackle is half the length added to the stock length of the shackle.

 

[440sixpack]

That's a good question. they say lift but it could be length in reality.

along those same lines, what about a 2 1/2" lift kit? is that goin to require driveshaft and steering alterations ?

 

[JeeperChris]

I've looked into the 6", 4", 2.5" lifts and what I've found is that with the 2.5" there is nothing to change except maybe the rubber brake lines for a few inches longer. After 2.5" is where everything needs to start being changed. I'm hoping to do my own 2.5" lift in a month or so, at least before Christmas so I've been looking.

Now, the kit I've been looking at does come with a Transfer Case drop kit, longer brake lines, and axle shims. Many of these kits I've seen do not.
https://www.morris4x4center.com/tuf...nsion-lift-kit-without-shocks-tuf-42701k.html
This is the kinda stuff I'm glad to change out even with such a short lift. So it's possible to do this without these things but they never hurt.

Also, on intended use, I'm just driving mine around town and making sure it can get me out of snowbanks in the winter, I don't wheel it in the wild.

 

[Scout1067]

That's a good question. they say lift but it could be length in reality.

along those same lines, what about a 2 1/2" lift kit? is that goin to require driveshaft and steering alterations ?

I went from stock springs to the BDS 2.5" lift kit last year. I did not have to change anything on the steering or driveshaft. The driveshaft pulls out a little more is all. My kit came with new sway bar links but they are actually not needed. The only thing I had to do was adjust the connecting rod to the pitman arm to straighten my steering wheel out. The alignment was still good when I was done.

 

[440sixpack]

I'm thinking the 2 1/2 kit is the way to go. I thought it was a lot more involved than that

Did it hurt the drivability much? not that CJ's ever drove great.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

That's a good question. they say lift but it could be length in reality.

along those same lines, what about a 2 1/2" lift kit? is that goin to require driveshaft and steering alterations ?

Take your jeep to a frontend shop and get a print out before the lift, and do it again after the lift.
Your Camber will change......
LG

 

[Belizean]

I'm thinking the 2 1/2 kit is the way to go. I thought it was a lot more involved than that

Did it hurt the drivability much? not that CJ's ever drove great.

Did a 2 1/2" 30 years ago. No big deal. Still goes down the road smooth as silk. 35 years later still have not needed a front end alignment. I think it will depend on how it rides now and what condition the jeep is in. I've replaced a couple tie rod ends is all.

 

[Scout1067]

I'm thinking the 2 1/2 kit is the way to go. I thought it was a lot more involved than that



Did it hurt the drivability much? not that CJ's ever drove great.

No, it drove the same but I have to say the BDS springs seem a little stiffer than before. I had alignment checked by a shop before and after and there was no change. It was a fun job, if by fun you mean teaching my 23 year old son who helped new ways to curse at time. My CJ needed it though, my old springs were shot.
If you go with the BDS, I would reccomend taking the pack apart and putting good paint on or getting them powder coated. One german winter, and I wash my Jeep weekly in the winter, and thry look 30 years old.

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[Montanaphilly]

I have extended shackles. just Beware. They deffinately have a good purpose for lift and articulation in offroad. But the drivability on the road can be a little scary. It will change your caster angle , making the jeep want to wander, it also affects drag link angle which can affect bump steer. Both correctable with the right part combos

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[Montanaphilly]

Then again with 11/2 " shackles , you may not notice a difference at all. That's 3/4" of lift

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