01 XJ 5" Lift: Terrible Shackle Angle, what to do?
11-17-2013, 06:49 PM
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01 XJ 5" Lift: Terrible Shackle Angle, what to do?
Hey guys, Just installed a BDS 4.5 inch lift in my cherokee yesterday. I went with a full 5" pack instead of the 3" pack with 1.5" shackles that the kit came with. Since the install, the shackle angle is terrible and the leafs hit the rear of the shackle mount (box?). Not sure what I need to do to correct this, any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
11-17-2013, 07:01 PM
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Edit***
As listed below new longer shackles would help. It really depends what you are trying to accomplish. Longer shackles will keep the springs from hitting but you will still have limited spring compression due to the shackle hitting the back of the stock box. This may be of no issue but why I would suggest getting relocation brackets/boxes. Tons of info out there. To get the desired angle and lift you will need to get new shackles that are the right length to achieve this as well.
As listed below new longer shackles would help. It really depends what you are trying to accomplish. Longer shackles will keep the springs from hitting but you will still have limited spring compression due to the shackle hitting the back of the stock box. This may be of no issue but why I would suggest getting relocation brackets/boxes. Tons of info out there. To get the desired angle and lift you will need to get new shackles that are the right length to achieve this as well.
Last edited by Tsaani97xj; 11-17-2013 at 08:24 PM.
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11-17-2013, 07:30 PM
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Your angle looks OK but the shackles are just to short and once the leaves are broken in it'll be worse. Just get a slightly longer shackle and it should take care of it. Your stock ones look about done with all the rust anyway.
11-17-2013, 09:08 PM
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So which would be the long term correct fix? Shackles or the relocation brackets? If really like to do it right the first time. Thanks again for the help guys!
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11-17-2013, 09:50 PM
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11-17-2013, 09:51 PM
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11-17-2013, 11:04 PM
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Those will work fine and keep in mind your new leaves will settle in a few months, depends on your driving style. You may end up needing that extra inch. This is why most lifts come with a longer shackle.
11-17-2013, 11:12 PM
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11-18-2013, 08:41 AM
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Yea. Pretty amazing. All bolts came out, other than the upper shackle bolts, left those alone. Upper and lower control arms, Trackbar bracket, and all but one shock bolt. I was very surprised for an XJ with over 180k on it.
11-18-2013, 11:45 AM
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Will the boomerang shackles still hit the rear of the shackle housing? Is that something I need the relocation brackets for?