Shackle question.

[Az84cj7]

Can somone tell me what the purpose of haveing a boomerang style shackle is for? I did a spring over lift on my CJ using yj springs. I don't know why but I went with the boomerang shackles. I don't know off hand what the bolt to bolt measurement is but they seem pretty long. I was thinking of going with a stock length beafier shackle to maybe lower the overall height and help with caster.

 

[PaRenegade]

The purpose is to prevent shackle inversion by not allowing the shackle to rotate towards the frame past that inversion point. The distance, as far as lift goes, is still the distance between the top bolt and bottom bolt, in a straight line. And the middle bolt should be installed towards the axle.
I've also read they were also designed due to a clearance issue on the wrangler YJ frames in the rear.

 

[Old Dog]

The purpose is to prevent shackle inversion by not allowing the shackle to rotate towards the frame past that inversion point. The distance, as far as lift goes, is still the distance between the top bolt and bottom bolt, in a straight line. And the middle bolt should be installed towards the axle.
I've also read they were also designed due to a clearance issue on the wrangler YJ frames in the rear.

As Pa said, they were made for yj's. They do nothing for a cj. although some use them in the manner Pa said. But springs when properly set up won't invert unless something pretty bad happens.

 

[Az84cj7]

I measured center to center and have 5 1/4". From what I understand this gives me 3/4" of lift? I'm sprung over with RE 1.5" springs. I'm already high enough so would like to go with factory length shackles. Know of any good brands or company's to buy from?
Thx

 

[GARGOYLEJEEPER]

If you look at the back of a YJ the rear mount is in the frame, instead of below. So the shackle hits rear cross member on deflection, so they made boomerang shackles to get around the CM. As PaRenegade said clearance.

 

[Az84cj7]

Aaahhhh, yes it does. Never noticed that. I found a pair of stock length shackles made by MORE off road. They are pricey at roughly a $100 a pair. Anyone know of any cheaper.

 

[GARGOYLEJEEPER]

Cheaper,
Curries, Rubicon Express, Rough Country, etc... almost everyone makes them.
But then again MORE are good products.

 

[Sasquach]

The R.E. shackles that were on my cj were the softest steel I have seen, junk basically.
took some plate steel and made my own, not all that hard if the tools are available.

 

[Az84cj7]

The R.E. shackles that were on my cj were the softest steel I have seen, junk basically.
took some plate steel and made my own, not all that hard if the tools are available.

Thanks for the replies.. I didn't realize that MORE off road just sold the shackle end plates. I already have bushings, bolts etc. from the set I have on there now.

 

[PaRenegade]

It's not a good idea to just use side plates. This allows the shackle to "rack". There should be a welded block in the center or at the least a third bolt with a sleeve. This keeps the sides parallel and also helps to limit over tightening which pinches the bushings and limits movement. Check out the Warrior brand shackles. Solid welded block, 3/8" sides, and around $55-60 a pair.