Shackle confusion

[HWB3]

Funny how life gets in the way of completing a simple task.

I installed the new 4" RC leaf springs on the rear end last summer and have been living with the following problem since then.

The leaf springs are banging up against the spring hanger with not too much weight in back.

A. I was thinking about reversing the bracket? Can anyone confirm that they are pointing the right direction to start with?
B. Probably need new shackles? Want them anyway!
C. If I get new shackles, which length and a brand recommendation? I have looked at articulated shackles and kinda like those.

Am I correct in thinking that the bigger wrap on the new springs is the root of the problem if I am still using the stock shackles?

Thanks

 

[kryptoniteCJ8]

I'm having the same problem with my RC 4" I think the solution is a little longer shackles. I bought extended shackles from morris 4x4. I think there 3/4" longer than stock.

 

[HWB3]

Have you installed them yet? I was about to buy new shackles from Morris too. Just cannot decide what length to get.

 

[HWB3]

I just ordered a set of articulated shackles from RC. Supposed to be another 1-3/8 lift. Not that I want that much more lift but with the way she sits now I think this might be the solution.

Probably 2 weeks before I have time to get them installed but will post with the results.

Thanks for the input.


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[walkerhoundvm]

Be prepared to correct the heck out of your caster.

 

[Randyzzz]

Most leafs I've installed keep the bigger bushing at the fixed end. Are the springs installed backwards?

 

[jeepfreak62]

Ditto,what Randy said

Most leafs I've installed keep the bigger bushing at the fixed end. Are the springs installed backwards?

 

[bigwalton]

Ditto on the install direction check.

I just ordered a set of articulated shackles from RC. Supposed to be another 1-3/8 lift.

"Articulated shackle"? Got a link?

And 1-3/8" of lift from a shackle means a 2-3/4" longer shackle, that's simply way too much IMHO. Do you mean 1-3/8" longer shackles that would net 11/16" of lift? You only get half the extra length of the shackle as lift because you're only moving one side of the spring.

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[warbird]

Pic of other end???

Your additional spring arch puts the shackle through a longer arc. Longer shackles might fix the problem but...

 

[bigwalton]

If these are the shackles, I think they seem to have forgotten how the math works on shackle lifts, these don't look 3" longer than stock to me:

http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xtras_lift_shackles.html

I guess it looks like you have the "smaller" eye in the back, but yikes! Looks huge to me.

 

[HWB3]

http://http://www.roughcountry.com/jeep_xtras_boomerang_shackles.html

If I did this correctly the link takes you to Rough Country's website and a pic of these shackles.

On the topic of installation direction; I believe they are installed correctly. When I was doing the install I thought the big military wrap end would be to the stationary hangar ( in front of rear tire) but it does not fit in that hanger. So the big end was put to the rear. (Hope I'm making sense).

On the topic of additional lift: from the picture of the shackle and a couple pics of CJs ( not necessarily Scramblers) I just do not see how I'm going to raise the body up another inch. When looking at my current shackle and the angle it sits at now, at least in my head, the angle will,greatly reduce the lift but will give me more travel in the spring. This is what I really need.

This is a big guess. You guys have a lot more experience than me.

I did speak with Rough Country and explained the situation. The guy seemed to understand my problem and said the articulated shackles would be a better solution.

I am a little worried about the caster issue though.


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[HWB3]

Correction to last post.

Sorry I put this leafs in almost a year ago and kind of forgot the process. Look at these pics. The front end (stationary) is as big if not bigger than the back. I think I did the install correct?


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[Randyzzz]

Hard to tell from the pics. I know the larger diameter bushing always goes on the fixed end.

 

[HWB3]

Yes. Yes. That is what I did. I think what is throwing everyone off is the way the the leaf wraps around the eye. Makes it look bigger than it actually is.


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[Randyzzz]

I'd try a set of the longer shackles first. Maybe one inch overall length longer. Stay away from the "revolver" style shackles.

 

[gaducker]

Do you mean your shackle is flipping back against your frame???

If so I put on a re 4.5 inch lift and mine were doing the same thing, I added two inches of shackle length and it stoped it from rolling onto the frame.

 

[HWB3]

Yes that is exactly what is happening. I got the new articulated shackles delivered this morning.

Gentlemen:
The pictures on the RC website must have been taken from the moon because what I have now look like they could be used on a deuce and half.

Ill post pics tomorrow that give it some scale.


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[warbird]

I'd try a set of the longer shackles first. Maybe one inch overall length longer. Stay away from the "revolver" style shackles.

X2 - Along with extending the bump stops. The axle should hit the bump stop before the shackle has rotated enough to hit the frame. Your spring articulation stops at that point anyway. Once both ends of a leaf spring hit a fixed position there is very little flex.

 

[CBRogers]

They are correct that you now need a longer shackle. The issue is that you are using a factory length one.

Think of it this way. with 0 lift. The length of the spring is only so long and the movement is not that large. Now to get the 4" height the spring must have more arc, but to meet at the same mounting point the spring itself must be longer as it s length is measured along the arch. Also when deflected the spring will tend to flatten out. with much more length the end travels farther out. So to account for this you need more length in the shackle.

Another issue you have is that the hanger is already at quite a bit of angle. What should happen is when the leaf is at full bump the shackle angle should be perfectly vertical. If less than that to the inside you run into what is called shackle inversion and it will bind and not flip back out when the leaf is compressed and force something to give. Mostly the spring pack will bend to the mount will break. Something has to give. Actually now you have the same issue if the end of the spring is banging into the frame. In order for the spring to articulate and absorb shocks it must be free to move. If the length or shape of the spring curve cannot flex, something will give and break.

This is why when changing spring packs there is a lot more to think about than at first glance.

In short try the 3" longer shackles they should net about 1.5" or less of lift but give enough travel for a 4" lift spring. Before going out for a road test, try to compress and free float each corner to make sure there is no spring bind. Add travel stops and axle straps as required. Also make sure that the shocks and break lines are not the limiting factors on droop or compression.

With the change in spring angle in the front it will affect caster and you may need to add caster shims to correct this, and stop unstable steering of the Jeep at speed.

Like I said a Left can be a large can of worms.

I will look around to see if I can find the illustration pictures to show what I am talking about. Some where out there on the next is a good explanation of how to properly set up a leaf spring suspension. Just cannot remember where it is now.

Carl

 

[HWB3]

Shackles are on. Took it around the block and no problems yet. Max speed was about 40. Really improved the ride quality. Almost as good as my Silverado.


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