I know the difference between the two I just have a few questions about them based on peoples experiences...

Which is easier to install??

Which do you prefer??

I'm looking for a friend who wants a cheap 2-3" lift

 

Shackles are better and easier. But u don't want to get way long shacked for a huge lift. U need a combo of new leafs and longer shackles.

 

They may be easier where you are but up here where everything rusts, you can play hell trying to get your old shackle out.

 

In the end, if your on stock suspension it's gonna be 6 of one, half dozen of another... My vote is for shackles. Flat springs give good flex..

 

That's what I thought living here in MN too but I have been happily suprised on all of my Cherokee's....or maybe its my obsession with using PB on everything for a week before I even begin touching it.

 

Add-A-Leaf will lift your rig by arching the springs more. Ride will be stiffer.
Shackles will also obviously lift your rig, but the leafs tend to reverse arch. Ride stays pretty much the same.
For the amount of lift you are looking for, I would do a 1.5" shackle, AND an added long leaf (eyes cut off) from a Cherokee donor pack.
I did this, and got 2.5 inches. Rides great.

 

Aal is easier ( rusty shackle bolts suck) but shackle rides better