Tires, Lift, Shackle Reversal

[bobcat]

Hey guys, forum newbie here. I recently picked up a stock 1985 CJ7 . I rebuilt the steering but it's still a bit squirly over 50mph. I heard shackle reversal kits would increase handling performance. I have also been considering a small lift/body kit. I searched and found what I think could take care of both needs, I found this bolt on shackle reversal kit that also lifts 2" called the "Full Traction Suspension 2" Lift Shackle Reversal Kit". Anyone have an opinion/experience with this kit??

Also, if/when I intall this kit I would want to change tires and rims. Any idea what size/type/brand tire would look best with the 2" lift. Keep in mind I'm not rock climbing, just exploring.

Thanks
Full Traction Suspension 2" Lift Shackle Reversal Kit

 

[BajaEdition]

Before doing a lift fix the steering
in our tech article area you will find a great article on fixing the steering

 

[AussieCJ7]

Before doing a lift fix the steering
in our tech article area you will find a great article on fixing the steering

With his lift and converting to shackle reverse then he is going to mess with castor so while I agree mostly I would find out why it is not steering well then look at best way to fix and final outcome

look closely at wheel bearings ball joints tie rod ends and get a decent wheel alignment to measure castor and toe in

I personally dont like the look of anything that full traction makes but that is a personal choice

I would fix the steering and run BDS or OME 2" YJ kit and leave the shackles in standard position as there is many other things you need to fix for shackle reverse longer slip drive shaft, spring rates/shocks to address brake dive just to name a couple

 

[Old Dog]

I've never run a shackle reversal, but I know a couple guys that did.(not full traction)
Neither one liked it and went back to stock location.
I've also read of guys that like it.

 

[CJim7]

I've never run a shackle reversal, but I know a couple guys that did.(not full traction)
Neither one liked it and went back to stock location.
I've also read of guys that like it.

They really improve handeling on the road. Offroad...I've seen then do some goofy things

 

[AussieCJ7]

I've never run a shackle reversal, but I know a couple guys that did.(not full traction)
Neither one liked it and went back to stock location.
I've also read of guys that like it.

Because like all modifications its more than just moving the shackle location and you have to design the complete system

I put shackle reversal in the same category as spring over axle easy to conceptualize and easy to do functionaly but harder to do correctly so it works properly without negative side effects

 

[bobcat]

Thanks for all the feedback. Because it's a bolt on system I think I'll give it a try If i don't like It can easily be removed. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Manhattan]

Keep in mind what the shackle reversal does to axle travel. In stock form, the axle moves up and forward under compression. With the reversal, the axle moves toward the rear. Pretty obvious, I know - and why it makes for a more comfy ride on the road. But, once you go over 33" tires, you get into trouble - even with the shackles in the stock location, the tires can/will rub the back side of the front fender. A shackle reversal makes this much worse.

If you're sticking with smaller tires and/or not taking the Jeep off road, should be an issue.

CORRECTION: If you're sticking with smaller tires and/or not taking the Jeep off road, should NOT be an issue.

 

[tortuga]

You will need a longer drive shaft when backing up in offroad the reverse shakles will shift forward pulling apart your stock drive line.

 

[ken98k]

Running shackles in the rear on a short-wheelbase vehicle like a Jeep CJ makes the vehicle highly unstable under hard braking (which is usually when you need your brakes the most). Further, shackles reversals on the CJ create axle hop under braking. After seeing a Jeep coming off of Lion's Back in Moab with his front axle hopping and a resultant total loss of control
CJ to YJ spring conversion kit for 1955-1975 Jeeps

 

[73CJ]

Not all of us are doing Lion's back with slick rock.

I'm running 2.5" OME with M.O.R.E. Shackle reverse.

Yes there is brake dive but it's predictable.

Much nicer on the tar. Sway bars are recommended.

Plan on a new/ rebuilt drive shaft with a longer slip joint. I'm running a 9" travel slip joint.

Check caster and shim as required.

I won't go back.

 

[CJim7]

This is what I posted in a previous thread about SRS. (easier to cut and paste)

As was already said, a SRS will improve the ride by allowing the axle to work with rather then against the mass of the Jeep as the springs compress. This is most evident at speed. The downside (as was mentioned) is nose diving during braking and a little more front-end lean during turns if you are not running a swaybar.
Some SRS systems move your axle forward slightly. Driveline may need to be modified.

The downside offroad is during descent, you can experience the same nose dive you get during braking. This can be unnerving as you are navigating down a steep incline. Under certain situations, SRS can cause wheel hop under torque...specifically hill climbs. I've also seen a traction loss on large rocks at off camber situations. the suspension would compress back causing something similiar to wheel hop. The same thing that makes a CJ bumpy as hell on the road (front shackles) also provides positive force down on the suspension during approach and climbing...providing greater traction.

All that being said, I would not do a SRS unless my CJ was a pavement pounder only.

 

[1986cj7]

Hey guys, forum newbie here. I recently picked up a stock 1985 CJ7 . I rebuilt the steering but it's still a bit squirly over 50mph. I heard shackle reversal kits would increase handling performance. I have also been considering a small lift/body kit. I searched and found what I think could take care of both needs, I found this bolt on shackle reversal kit that also lifts 2" called the "Full Traction Suspension 2" Lift Shackle Reversal Kit". Anyone have an opinion/experience with this kit??

Also, if/when I intall this kit I would want to change tires and rims. Any idea what size/type/brand tire would look best with the 2" lift. Keep in mind I'm not rock climbing, just exploring.

Thanks
Full Traction Suspension 2" Lift Shackle Reversal Kit

If your looking for a bolt on app. most lift kits are bolt on ready to install. I would go for a plan old suspension lift. I put mine on in a day. And then all the wheel hop and other issues will be avoided. But first fix your steering issues a lift kit of any kind will just add to the steering issues. On the tires I have 33/12.5/15 duratracs on my jeep and love them so far.

 

[CJ007]

I have no experience with the shackle reversal personally but seen it once on a trail run.

Anyway, one the vehicles (I think a toyota) had the shackle reversal and was trying to get through a rock garden. It appeared he had a longer shackle or maybe they hang like that? Anyway he keep bottoming out and got it stuck between rocks. Even though I was trying to help and stacking (many people here think its a sin, or a failure to have to do so unless absolutely necessary, then you are pretty much required to place rocks back where they came from so as not to ruin it for others, or you will be shunned! ) he really didn't want to wait. I guess he didn't want to "fail," so after nailing it and trying to back out, he bent his drive shaft on a large rock .

Funny thing was, this was a leisure run for stock on up. So pretty much 15 Jeeps were sitting there watching him

 

[jrslate]

I've had a Warrior Products shackle reversal on my CJ7 since around 1996 or so. It's one of the early ones, and it moved my front axle back by about an inch. I've never had driveshaft problems, but my tires will occasionally rub on the fender wells. I cured most of the problem with a sawzall.

The on-road handling is significantly better, and for higher speed off-highway work, it really has been great. I run 33" BFG's with a 4" Black Diamond lift (back when it was owned by Warn), and I had to use some heavy duty Con-Ferr shackles in the rear to level it out.

Overall, I've been very happy with it. Your mileage may vary. The key is to do your homework and make sure it's installed properly. An SRS isn't going to overcome worn out ball joints, a worn out steering shaft (my next project), etc.

 

[bobcat]

Quick update...I have about 2500 miles on the Full Traction 2" Shackle Reversal Lift. It drastically improved steering on highway...I can safely go 75 mph, no problem. Off road I have had no problem with the front drive shaft, etc.
In short...I WAS A GREAT MOD!!