The jeep is already lifted 4.5" in front and 3" in back. How do the shackles compare with bastard pack in terms of ease of installation, cost, ride quality, and durability? If shackles are done instead of bastard pack, does transfer case still need to be dropped...until i can get SYE and drive shaft?

 

Durability is much better. Put it in and you may not need a SYE. I am not running one with 5" on the rear.

 

I'm running a 5" lift that settled at 4.5" with the bumpers etc. and I didn't need a sye.

 

Well that is good news cuz i dont have several hundred to toss on a SYE n drive shaft, but what about the S10 leafs (heard i have to drill larger holes), shackles (heard these weren't as durable), or dakota leafs (have to cut eylets...no need to drill holes?).

Thanks in advance

 

You reuse your main leaf and substitute your S10 leaves under the main. You will need a new center bolt. Use a c clamp to bring them all together since the S10 leaves have 4 more inches of free arch than the XJ main. The S10 uses a 3/8 centerbolt and the XJ uses a 5/16. You can try to drill the hole larger but it will be difficult since the spring steel is as tough as a drill bit. A carbide burr will work. I just ran the smaller bolt and had no problems so far. If you use the bottom three leaves you will get 4", cut the eyes of the main and get 5" and a one inch spacer and get 6" of lift.