shackels or axel over ?

shackels or axel over ?
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cjnewbie

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plainfield indiana
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79 cj7 360 3 speed
ok so this is a two part question first this may be a dumb question but is there any reason i cant make longer shackels im sure not alot longer but what else do i get into at that point besides driveshaft length? also would i be better off with the axel over conversion ? thanks guys
 
The biggest problem with a shackle lift is that it changes the caster angle, or the angle of the steering from verticle, messing with the original steering geomitry throwing off steering stability. Unless you have a machine shop, the idea of building a set of shackles from some 1/2" bar stock just isn't a good idea.​

As for the spring over conversion, read this; http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/spring-over-axle-conversion-3561/​
 
what is diffrent between a shackel lift or just a spring lift ? and yes i have access to machine equipment so that is why i am wondering about the shackel thing becuse it would honestly not cost me anything
 
With a shackle lift you are only adding distance from the leaf spring to the frame on one end of the leaf. That's where you start throwing off geomitry. With a spring lift you are actually replacing the stock leaf springs with springs that are heavier, longer and have more arch in them and are designed to maintain factory steering and driveline geomitry.
 
sorry i was going to move both spring mounts down. thats why i wasnt sure if there was any reason it wouldnt work i have 3 inch square tube 1/4 wall that i was going to use for the fixed spring mounts and i have 1/2 plate and i was going to go three inches and put a bridge are what ever you want to call it half way between the frame and spring bolt
 
ok so i was just looking at the rough country 4 inch lift if i was to buy this would i have to worry about driveshaft length?
 
Are you talking about doing something like this with the square tube?

I would not recommend this, I'm replacing this mess with superlift 4" Lift Springs. I've never owned a Ruff Country Lift, but I've been told this they are "Ruff." I heard it is a pretty harsh ride. They are one of the cheaper kits though, if you're on a budget. What year is your CJ? I would recommend upgrading to wrangler YJ springs if you can. check out Rocky Road Outfitters for some great bolt on kits.
 
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my cj is a 79 and ya that is basicly what i was thinking was is involved in switching over to wrangler springs are they the same length?
 
Not sure on leaf spring length, but the yj springs are wider, so you need wider YJ spring hangers/shackles. Check this link out.
YJ Wrangler spring conversion kit for Jeep CJ, 1976 and newer
Others on this site have been kicking this link around for a little while now. A little pricey, but looks like a well built easy to install kit. Are you still considering dropping the spring hangers 2-3 inches along with 4" lift kit?
 
Craigslist is a great place to find leaf springs. I just picked up a brand new set of 4" Superlift Springs and shackles for $200. They're not YJ springs like I wanted though.
 
If you want to to do a lift via shackles, cut your spring perches, rotate the diff to compensate and re-weld. You need a good protractor too do this but it is not to difficult. It is also not the most practical as your geometry changes upon compression. But, most will never see the effects so, if you have the ability to dial in the new settings, your good to go... :)
 
cjnewbie said:
my cj is a 79 and ya that is basicly what i was thinking was is involved in switching over to wrangler springs are they the same length?
Click to expand...
YJ springs are longer. I had to build a new front bracket to fit the springs.
 
I don't think I would drop the springs down with square tube. I have seen to many people rip the mounts off in the stock position, and droping them down would add that much more leverage.
I made my own stock lenght shackels (3' cl to cl) out of 3/8 4140 half hard stock. they are holding up well. you should be able to go 5" without any steering problems.
As someone else said ruff country lives up to there name RUFF.
 
are you saying i could make 5 inch longer shackles without any problems? and i didnt think about rotateing the spring mounts to get the diff back in the right angle
 
No I'm saying you could make the bolt Center line 5", which would be 2" longer than stock. ( 1" lift )
This seems to be as long as you can go before you get into caster problems.
 
The problem with rewelding the perches is you start getting your driveshaft angle off.
 
cjnewbie said:
ok so i was just looking at the rough country 4 inch lift if i was to buy this would i have to worry about driveshaft length?
Click to expand...

I have a 4" superlift on my CJ7 , I'm still running my stock driveshafts
BUT they are extended to the max when flexed out.
New ones are on my list and have been for 6 years now.:eek:

cjnewbie please fill out your profile so we know what you have for sure.:)
 
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