Shackle debate at work

[Lumpy Grits]

LG

 

[Woolyworm]

I've got 3" black diamond spring and Corbeau suspension seats and the rides quite good actually. Of course that's compared to my 72 GMC 2500 4x4 so take it with s grain of salt


Wooly

 

[HackFabrication]

Of course that's compared to my 72 GMC 2500 4x4 so take it with s grain of salt.

That rides like a pickup should ride. Not like the stuff the Big 3 are selling now.

 

[Woolyworm]

It's got HD spring package but the extra thick seat . Rides perfect loaded with wood!


Wooly

 

[Peanut Butter]

Is it possible to specify length of springs when ordering? Most kits I see only offer by make and model year.

Nobody really answered this question. I recently purchased a 4 inch lift kit, and I am experimenting with what the right shackle length should be. Due to the newness of the springs, a longer shackle is in order for now. That may change some once they settle down. So should I have ordered a different lift kit or ordered a specific spring length from some where?

I would think that this is a very common problem with any lift kit ordered from one of the big three. The stock shackle produced a serious backwards angle with the lift kit installed. This and the fact the stock shackle was toast led me to purchasing a larger heavy duty shackle and new heavier shackle mounts.

I must say that when I lifted my Cherokee, I purchased the kit from Rusty's Off-Road. They are definitely the experts in Cherokee parts. Wished they made CJ parts too. Everything bolted in place and worked beautifully. Never a problem, even at 90+ mph.

 

[HackFabrication]

Nobody really answered this question.

I don't think you have the option on the 'over the shelf' springs. You probably can do anything with a set of custom ones.

 

[Woolyworm]

Have you asked the spring manufacturer why the springs put the shackles in that position and what their opinion if that position is? Who is the manufacturer?


Wooly

 

[Dolamite]

The best way to get a fair ride with leaf springs, is to use 'wimpy' shocks.
LG

Not sure why I didn't think of this sooner. I just pulled the shocks off of my CJ and I can't believe the difference in articulation. I'm going to go pick up some softer shocks.

Wonder if anybody out there runs their CJ without shocks!

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Wonder if anybody out there runs their CJ without shocks!

D'at would be DUM.....
Take yours for a drive without'em, and you'll see.
LG

 

[Dolamite]

D'at would be DUM.....
Take yours for a drive without'em, and you'll see.
LG

I just did. Had to give it a try! Not as bad as I thought it was going to be, but again my springs are stiff. Some soft shocks are next on the list.

 

[Woolyworm]

Check out the old man emu shocks


Wooly

 

[mtnwhlr]

I just pulled the shocks off of my CJ and I can't believe the difference in articulation.

This could be because your shocks are too short.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

LG

 

[CJim7]

A great reason to go with Ford shock towers

 

[Dolamite]

This could be because your shocks are too short.

They seemed to be plenty long. They were the shocks that came with the lift and as far as I know my shock mounts are in the factory location.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Measure the closed and fully extended length of the front and rear shock. Then go and look for the softest(easiest)moving shocks you can find. Only ck the shock movement in the vertical position.
Monroe come to mind.
LG

 

[007]

Check out the old man emu shocks


Wooly

These are great (and what I have) - but IIRC you have to call them as they don't mention CJ's in the catalog.

That said (and to someone else's point), get the weakest shock you can find. Most of these Jeep's came with more spring than necessary I think and weaker shocks improve the ride a great deal.