I took some pics last night but not the greatest quality and had some trouble posting them...I'll take new ones tonight and try to get them to post

 

Here's some more pics...let me know what you guys think and im really thinking those boomerang shackles are the way to go so let me know! Thanks!

 

and 2 more...

 

http://www.ironman4x4fab.com/Jeep_XJ...LS%281%29.html

 

To answer the "are shackels suppose to move" question, yes, they are. As the spring flexes, the end points can get farther and nearer to each other, and the shackle allows the necessary movement for the springs to flex properly. Some springs are very curved (as in lift springs), and as they flatten out (when the wheel is compressed) the ends get farther apart, pushing the shackle back. As the suspension unloads (tire moves away from the body), the springs get curvier and the shackle moves closer to the front. Some springs are almost flat in their rest state, so the shackle is fairly far back in its travel. This is because the spring ends are going to get closer together no matter if it flexes up or down, so the shackle will move forward. Mind you, only one end of the shackle (the side bolted to the spring) will actually move, and the other end will just piviot. If the piviot end is moving front to back and not just rotating, there's something broken or worn out.

IMO, unless you bought them yourself or there's a part number you can verify they are the springs you say they are (I'm assuming the previous owner told you what they were is what I'm getting at), perhaps they aren't the right springs? Stock cherokee springs are almost flat, and therefore the shackles are fairly far back in their travel. Curved springs may need more back travel on the shackle. I have not bought name brand springs before, but I would think that if they were too long but recommended for the vehicle without modification, it would have recommended whatever hardware that would be needed for the install. What it sounds like to me (again, unless you did it yourself or verified the part number), is that either someone ordered the wrong springs or took the springs from some other vehicle, perhaps one that had different shackles or shackle mounts. The only way to tell is to measure end to end (eye to eye) and compare to a stock cherokee.

Generally speaking, from what I've learned, slightly longer shackles are usually needed for curvier springs as well, since the spring end moves more through its travel. The angle is also important, as you have noticed, since too far back and it hits the frame, and too far forward and they can invert (depending on how they are set up. I'm not too worried about it on an XJ, the mount limits how far fforward they can go).

As far as a solution for your problem, it's sounding to me like those boomerang shackles are the easiest fix without buying new springs that are verified correct for you rig (including whatever hardware, including shackles, that is needed to have them installed correctly). You may be able to just get by with longer shackles (longer= farther back at that angle, or not so much angle to be that far back). Can't say for sure as I'll probibly never use 6" lift springs on mine, so I've never researched it. If you know someone you can try the parts before you buy your own, I would. As far as whether or not your springs NEED replaced, I'd think not. The ends will probibly show a little frown if they were sagging, and the center would show some wrap if they were used in high torque climbing too much. From what I can see, the only thing afflicting them is either a layer of mud or a fair amount of rust, I can't be sure of the color...

(edit) Checked the link above, and that doesn't sound too bad on price IMO if that's for a pair, but you might be a shade higher in the back, unless the new shackles relax the springs the same amount they are lifting. Just somethign to consider.

 

Wow TrollHammer...not only did u answer my question, you answered ALL of my questions and clarified SO much! Thank you very much for all the info, it is greatly greatly appreciated! Now as for that link to those boomerang shackles, anyone with any experience with any boomerang shackles have any input? Such as, which design is better, any brands better than others? I don't mind having a 1" or 2" higher rear end due to the shackles because I will get spacers up front to even it out so that doesn't bother me at all. I'd actually prefer 2" lift boomerang shackles for the rear honestly.


Such as these:
http://www.twiztedengineering.com/se...herokee/Detail

http://www.ultimatejeepstore.com/pro...2-Shackle.html

Any input?

 

WOW!


those are NOT rough country springs. those are custom made full military wrap springs...whether they were made for the vehicle or not, those are EXCELLENT springs to have. don't take them out.

military wrap means the second leaf wraps up to, or around the eyes of the leaf spring bushings. this helps in the event you overload or over-flex the jeep and break the main leaf.

as far as boomerang shackles, they will definitely help your problem. no guarantee on 100% fixing it, but it will no longer clunk or be riding on the shackle.

I have a set of TNT shackles (now known as Treks). they're EXCELLENT shackles, and they definitely improved the situation.

 

Im going to also say those are NOT Cherokee springs. They dont look dead either. Give the boomerang shackles a shot and while youre at it, I'd take the chance to pull those springs off since youre a newbi and learn how it all goes together. Clean em up a little while your at it! They will look brand new!

 

oh, I didn't say they're not meant for that truck.


military wraps are custom...at least with that arch they are. those could have been built for that cherokee.

 

Hey JeepComJ, I don't mean to be a pain but do you have a link to the shackles you have? I've searches for Trek brand but can't seem to find any links to buy them

 

looking at them, their website is TNTcustoms.com.


they no longer make their own shackles...they use JKS shackles now.

so, buy the JKS ones.

 

Ok thank you...JKS were the ones in the original link I posted about back on page 2...thank you very much and thank you all very much!

 

But what do you think about these:

http://www.twiztedengineering.com/se...herokee/Detail

Because the JKS are only a 1" lift but these ones in the link are 2" lift and I'd prefer a 2" lift honestly.

 

you know, those are really nice. but do you need the rear 2" higher?


remember, 2" more lift could mean that you need new shocks, and I don't know if you have a slip yoke eliminator yet, you will for sure need one then.

 

Oh that's a great point...I do not have a slip yoke eliminator...so I wouldn't be able to run those 2" shackles with out one?