New shackles needed for 4" suspension lift??

[dinolambchop]

I'm putting a skyjacker 4" suspension lift on my 86' CJ7 . I have the pitman arm and Transfer Case drop. Do i need to get some type of new shackles for the new springs? I've heard that the "boomerang" style shackles are needed because the springs will sit back further than what the stock ones would due to the obvious bend for the lift. Any help would be great! thanks

 

[PaRenegade]

No, you don't need new shackles. But you could put "better" ones on if they're still stock. The mounts for them are now what should be replaced. Not needed to be, but should be. And that's because they are now the weak link in the assembly, especially if you go off road much. The additional torque by the "levered" action of the axles now being further away will tend to bend the stock mounts. An upgraded mount would have side web gussets between the curl and flat section that's bolted to the frame.
Example: stock vs. upgrades

vs.

ps. Don't forget to lube your bushings with a silicone lube, and don't overtighten your nylon lock nuts. These are pivot points and still need to rotate for a better ride and flex.

 

[dinolambchop]

thanks, i just wasnt sure because I've heard using suspension lifts and not getting different shackles will cause it to handle awkward or rough.

 

[Old Dog]

Yes get new shackles. The stock ones take different bushings than your springs will come with. (stock shackles take a bushing that is convexed at the head the springs will use a bushings that is flat on the outer surface.)
Stay as close to stock length as possible.

 

[PaRenegade]

Ya know I've never heard of that, but as I think about it I believe your right. That makes sense. I stand corrected. Sorry dino. The width of the stock shackles won't allow the shoulder of the new poly bushings. It's been many years since I've had my stock shackles on.

 

[Sasquach]

When you have a 4" lift spring they have a lot of arch in them. for the spring to move through it's travel it gets longer as it compresses and the shackle length needs to be correct for this to happen.