Shackle reversal experiences....

[laneiac]

more

Anyone who has done one of these on a YJ have any advice? What did you do about the front driveshaft problem? Did the reversal affect steering geometry? Would you recommend it? I am torn between doing a shackle reversal or just putting new shackles on all around.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Re: dana 44 front & rear

What are you looking to accomplish by doing the shackle reversal?

There's a right way and a wrong way to do one, and I've seen both. The wrong way mounts a shackle hanger beneath the frame forward of the crossmember, and puts the shackle and spring too close to the ground. The correct way drills and sleeves the frame for the upper shackle mount, similar to how the shackle is mounted for the rear springs. This keeps the leaf spring level and geometry correct.

 

[laneiac]

YJ progress

So a big no to the bolt on Full Traction? I was thinking of doing a MORE shackle reversal. I want to be able to ditch the front track bar and my jeep drives like a 1933 Ford when it hits the smallest bump in the road.

 

[TwistedCU]

So a big no to the bolt on Full Traction?

Why is that? That kit uses the rear spring mount to hold the top of the shackle. That is why the shackle is different widths at each end (like on the rear of an XJ). See pic:

The big shackles in the pic are for the rear. The long bar is a brace for the front.

As you can see the only disadvantage would be that this kit does not help out the approach angle, it looks liek you might lose a little bit like with a small shackle lift.

here's a pic of the front done:

 

[Junkpile]

As long as the kit lowers the front hanger to match the rear, it's okay.

I'm not a big fan of them myself. They are fine, but not really worth it for the drawbacks in MY opinion. Making sure your alignment is correct and replacing worn bushings and linkage points will cure most handling complaints, in most cases.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

IF the springs stay at the same horizontal attitude as stock, then ya go for it. But it's gotta increase front lift by a LOT if it drops the front spring hanger down low enough to keep up with the shackle below the frame. Then you have to adjust the height in the rear. I just think any shackle hanging that far below the frame in the middle of the jeep is bad news.

 

[west747]

i like the idea of a shackle reverse mostly cause it solves the problem of bend springs or at least helps it....gone threw way too many springs this way...let us know what you decide! i am still debating whether or not to incorperate this into my next rig.