Maybe a bit of an odd question, but can't find a solid answer. I'm going to be picking up my 3rd Cherokee, an 86 2 door 2wd (with a v8!), to turn into a fun rally\street car. I want to lower it 2 inches (I know, sacrelidge), and plan on doing an 8.8 swap and keeping the spring-under to lower. Until then, I'd like to get a general look to the car. So my question is-
Could I run stock leaf springs WITHOUT the shackle in the rear to produce a small drop? Keep in mind, this would be temporary, and I'm not building this for ultimate comfort. Just wondering if it could be done with minimal reprocussions.

 

The shackle is what let's the leaf spring spring. Removing the shackle I see two possible outcomes. They vehicle riding like it has no suspension in the rear (as if someone had just bolted the axle straight to the body) or the force of the spring being great enough to rip the mounts off the Cherokee. Either way I would not suggest it.

 

What about removing a leaf from the stock pack? Which one should be removed to provide a small drop?
All replies appreciated

 

keep the leaf springs as mentioned.... could be fun to try going under the axle with it. alternatively you could do the dangerous way of flipping the leaf upside down:P

 

Removing leafs will lower it, but will reduce stiffness and handling. Also, the springs are pretty much flat from the factory so any lower staying spring over axle will invert the leaf springs.

 

Pull the shackles. And make a video of the first drive. Please.

 

Ill take your name as a hint😂

 

Good_Idea ! LOL

 

Aww, come on! I'd love to see how that goes. For someone else.