Spring Shims - Pros and Cons

[JAG811]

Might be a silly question but I'm trying to decide on 2.5" lift or a maybe a fraction bigger .... I've worked out the shims will be to ring the diff angle back and maybe help with steering geometry but I'd love to know more is anyone is a self deemed expert ...
I've got some great 1" lift shackles on the CJ already and have just ordered some 2.5" lift springs to replace my old saggy ones. I only ever had intentions of 2.5" lift but have recently thought about leaving the shackles on too.
So that lead me to the angle wedges, spring shims .....

 

[Old Dog]

I'm not a fan of shims in the front, to much side thrust going on uo there.
I run a 4" lift and stock lenght shackles.
No shims, no problems.

 

[JAG811]

I'm not a fan of shims in the front, to much side thrust going on uo there.
I run a 4" lift and stock lenght shackles.
No shims, no problems.

Thanks,
So I'd be interested to know then, 2.5" springs, with 1.25" shackles should get me a fraction over 3" lift ......
I'd suspect shims should not be needed.....shackles aren't over the top long and 3" lift with new springs should work out a pretty rounded ride hight ???
Do you have any thoughts ??

 

[BusaDave9]

Thanks,
So I'd be interested to know then, 2.5" springs, with 1.25" shackles should get me a fraction over 3" lift ......
I'd suspect shims should not be needed.....shackles aren't over the top long and 3" lift with new springs should work out a pretty rounded ride hight ???
Do you have any thoughts ??

I agree you should have a good 3 inch lift. I definitely would not install shims up front. I dont' think they will help your steering geometry. As a matter of fact I think they will make your steering worse. The shims will not only affect the drive shaft angle but more importantly they will adversly affect your caster. Try it without the shims and if your drive shaft is unhappy with it's angle then get a double cardan drive shaft.

 

[JAG811]

Great ... Thanks guys