98xjeeper

I know this is probably kinda stupid to some of you but I just need know, would a 2" lift shackle be 2" longer than a stock shackle? I'm just asking because the shackles I bought are about 4.5" longer than my stock ones. I emailed the company and they told me it would lift it about 1 7/8 but that just does'nt make sens to me. Having it longer like that will make it angle back to get the 45* angle??
Hope that makes sens and thank you.

shadowman

The company is correct. Think of the spring as a beam. If you attach one end solidly and lift the other 4 inches, any point in between the ends will be less than 4 inches. This can be calculated geometrically. Since the axle is not exactly located in the center of our spring(that beam we are imagining), you do not get quite 1/2 of the increased length of the longer shackle. Make sense? I hope so, cause now my brain hurts! I guess that engineering degree paid off after all! LOL

98xjeeper

Thank you so much, not sure if I really understand, ( I'll have to think about it for a while to get it ). Thats great I was'nt sure if I should cut them down. Really happy I asked.

shadowman

No problem. You can demonstrate it for yourself with a yardstick and a ruler. Secure one end of the yard stick to a flat surface, and lift the other 4 inches. Now measure the distance between the flat surface and the yardstick at different distances. They are all less than 4 inches. The springs on an XJ are asymetrical, meaning that they are shorter in front of the axle than behind(21" vs. 24" I think). So if you extend the shackle, your axle moves by slightly less than 1/2 the distance of the spring eye(as measured at the shackle). Ouch! There goes the brain pain again! LOL

98xjeeper

Hey thanks again, now it makes perfect sens. I just love learnin new stuff!