Spacers or shackles in the rear
#1
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Year: 2001
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Engine: 4.0L Inline 6
Spacers or shackles in the rear
I've been adding some weight to my XJ, specifically in the rear (swing away bumper with 35" spare on it, gas tank skid, sliders, etc) which has made me lose a little lift in the rear end. When I bought it, the PO had it set up with a nice forward rake (6.5" in the rear, 5.5" in the front). It looked good and drove really well when crawling!
Now with all this extra weight, it's leveled out and might even be slightly down in the rear. Looking at ways to get back the rake and was thinking about longer shackles. Then came across this site http://jeep-xj.info/HowtoRearSpacer.htm about shimming on top of the axle below the leaf spring.
Anyone every done this before? Benefits over longer shackles? Drawbacks?
Now with all this extra weight, it's leveled out and might even be slightly down in the rear. Looking at ways to get back the rake and was thinking about longer shackles. Then came across this site http://jeep-xj.info/HowtoRearSpacer.htm about shimming on top of the axle below the leaf spring.
Anyone every done this before? Benefits over longer shackles? Drawbacks?
#3
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What about running a shackle relocation kit http://www.hdoffroadengineering.com/...relocation-kit http://ironman4x4fab.com/Products/RLS.html either will give you about a 1 inch lift and better shackle angle.
#5
Beach Bum
That is a very good idea with all the added weight. The spare tire cantilevered off the back adds a lot of leverage to it's weight.
BDS leaf springs are designed with this type of load in mind, also for stability when towing. Same with Old Man Emu HD.
BDS leaf springs are designed with this type of load in mind, also for stability when towing. Same with Old Man Emu HD.
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Couldn't agree more. There's a good chance the PO already did the shackles to get the extra height. And adding spacers and other nonsense. Just no. Like mentioned here, the spare is adding a good amount of a downward pull which means those leafs are holding alot of weight. Get some stiffer leafs and the weight will counteract the stiffness
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Couldn't agree more. There's a good chance the PO already did the shackles to get the extra height. And adding spacers and other nonsense. Just no. Like mentioned here, the spare is adding a good amount of a downward pull which means those leafs are holding alot of weight. Get some stiffer leafs and the weight will counteract the stiffness
Sorry, forget to mention that the P.O. upgraded the leafs (leaves?), stiffer + added an extra.
I'm pretty sure still rocking the stock shackles (not 100% as the rig is in the shop getting a cage installed.)
I totally agree about the spare leveraging a ton of weight, but with 35's, it's too big to fit inside with the backseat up (have to have a place to put the kids!). (I travel quite a bit to wheel, so would prefer to keep it off the roof, too.)
Thanks for the input!
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Thanks everyone for the input!
Sorry, forget to mention that the P.O. upgraded the leafs (leaves?), stiffer + added an extra.
I'm pretty sure still rocking the stock shackles (not 100% as the rig is in the shop getting a cage installed.)
I totally agree about the spare leveraging a ton of weight, but with 35's, it's too big to fit inside with the backseat up (have to have a place to put the kids!). (I travel quite a bit to wheel, so would prefer to keep it off the roof, too.)
Thanks for the input!
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Please do not use a plastic lift block. It would just flatten out and fall out and then your axle can move back and forth and cause lots of other problems.
#10
Beach Bum
If it's still the stock shackles on lift springs, than you will benefit from lift shackles. It will improve the articulation of the leaf spring, increase wheel travel and give you the lift needed.
Extended shackles usually come in 1" lift up to 2". Many are adjustable with 2 or more mounting holes. Will also lift the rear pinion angle by a small amount.
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...462b36b4fee3ac
Extended shackles usually come in 1" lift up to 2". Many are adjustable with 2 or more mounting holes. Will also lift the rear pinion angle by a small amount.
http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...462b36b4fee3ac
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