Shackle reversal or drive backwards. . . ?

[bluebelle]

1059504

With a new suspension, HD springs, poly bushings, new 32's, new wheels - with the correct stock setback, new seats, bla bla bla, my 92YJ bluebelle is brutal.

Who'da thunk that such a flat, smoth road has so many bumps? Is this the way this machine handles? (like an ironing board with hard plastic wheels)

Or, would a shackle reversal system REALLY help smothen things out. In theory, the engineering appears sound.

Any one installed one and noticed an improvement?

Appreciate any input.

[addsig]

 

[Tug-n-pull]

1059509

I wish I had your problem! :-O I can not wait to destroy my smooth ridden flat springed YJ. Man mine rides like a Linclon Town Car with a short wheel base but I want the Dump truck ride! Just learn to enjoy all them bumps. Tug :-D [addsig]

 

[bluebelle]

1059514

Maybe I'm gettin' old. Not really looking for the lexus ride, just would like to be able to stay in my seat while steering. I replased the stock springs with stiff 6 and 7 leafs and have compressed three vertibre.

All kidding aside, I love the ride 'this thing drives like a jeep' came from somewhere. She's a beast, but best toy I've ever had.

Thanks for the reply. Did you reverse your shackles or know of someone who has?[addsig]

 

[jeepmaster]

1059525

ive heard that you nose dive when you hit the brakes. i havent really heard many good things about them on road, offroad they get pretty decent response[addsig]

 

[jeepmaster]

1059526

shackles in general that is ~ the offroad comment.[addsig]

 

[Craig]

1059531

Mabye try taking out a few leafs...sounds like they're too stiff. I'd wait a while though. It took a little over a month for my leafs to break in and ride properly. They were a little stiff at first but now they're fine. You might also try looking into some adjustable shocks like Rancho 9000's. A friend of mine has them and when set to a softer setting, they seem to absorb a lot more of the bumps.[addsig]

 

[bluebelle]

1059533

Thank you, for your responses. I've heard about the diving and didn't do the reversal during her rebuild for that reason - not to mention the drive shaft problem. Soulds like perhaps waiting for the break-in on the leafs might do the trick.

Good advice.[addsig]

 

[MORGSTER]

1059555

Here's a response from someone that has the lift, tires, adjustable shocks and shackle reversal on a YJ. (For about 8 years)
First of all the ride didn't change a bit with the S/R (shackle reversal) installed. It did however make a noticable difference while offroading at full flex. It eliminated the sudden jerk when the springs quickly bottomed out.
As for the diving during hard stops. It wasn't the S/R, it was the (softer) superide leaf springs.(I did though add one full length spring to each pack to acount fot extra weight from a winch, spare tire, roll cage and accesories)
The fix was Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks. Set the fronts one click stiffer and no dive. The softer springs work fine articulating and give a rather smoothe ride ( for a Jeep )
Conclusion:
Would I do it again? Probably.
Would I remove them, back to stock? No.
If money was tight, where on the list would the S/R install be? Low.

Bluebelle: Stiff 6 and 7 leaf springs might just be the cause of your rough ride. Mine is very comfortable, and break in made little difference in my case.[addsig]

 

[Snitty]

1059568

Tug...I had the "floating on air" slow travel ride with my stock springs as well.... I HATED IT... every bump I would hit.... cssshhhhh cssshhhhhhh there goes more of my fender flare.... accellerate fast, to the sky I point... stop fast, do the ground I point..... It was no good.. after my pickup truck leaf transformation.... Its like I'm driving a tank now.... no ass dropping on take off... no nose diving on stopping... no barrel rolls on turns.... no boat rides on 'smooth' roads... no moon walking on bumpy roads.... Yeah I feel every bump, lump, and jump in the road... but its certainly a comfortable feel... and that is with my air shocks at 40 psi... the same tiny pressure that my old springs would b!tch at me for using. I suggest it... cheap... effective... easy... cheap... and it doesn't cost much

And to Bluebelle... if you want to consider a 1-1.5 inch lift... and haven't already... put some longer shackles on there... they make your springs lay out more and help them reach a break in point a lot faster. And like they said... shocks can mean the world for you. Rancho adjustables.... or get some air shocks like I did... I fell in love with them right away.

edited by: Snitty, Mar 13, 2003 - 04:04 AM[addsig]

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

1059576

SRS have been known to unload the pressure on the front tires when you encounter an obstacle offroad, resulting in less traction. To be done right, you have to cut and sleeve the frame for the upper shackle mount, otherwise your caster is way off and the leafspring and shackle will hit ledges as you drop off them offroad.

What brand shocks and springs are you using?

The poly bushings in the springs will account for some roughness transmitted to you, not near as forgiving as rubber.

I'd install some smooth riding hydraulic shocks and flex the leaf springs, get the axles articulating so the springs break in a little.[addsig]