So I've been getting confused on the best way to lift the rear end of a Cherokee, I'm gonna reference the rustys 4.5 inch kit, it offers 4.5 leaf springs or a more expensive option of 3.5" leaf packs with a 1.5" shackle (again more expensive) I've heard that it's better to lift with a mixture of spring and shackle. And I will be going from 3" to 4.5-5" in the future so I wanna know what's best, to get all new 4.5" springs or get a 2" shackle.

 

If you also fix the shackle angle a 3" spring with a 1.5" shackle and the relocation bracket will give you about the best flex possible out of a leaf sprung rear end. You just have to do all of it or it will be stiff as a board and ride like crap.

 

^THAT! I have a zone 3in leaf and 1in extended shackle. I have horrible shackle angle (contributes to ride quality). I will be getting the shackle relocation bracket myself for 5.5 lift but yeah, shackle spring combo is better.

 

One way or another I would work in to the rear suspension the H.D. Engineering Shackle Relocation Brackets, they have either a bolt in one that adds .75-1" or a No Lift one that requires some welding, Ideally you want your shackles at a 45 degree angle \ to allow better ride and better flex. The relocation brackets will allow you to move the top of the shackle forward or back to accomplish this.

 

+1.

I've had RC relocators on my last lift setup with 3" packs and RC shackles on the bottom hole, was around 6.25". It was a good setup and flexed well. Now I have H.D. No Lift with 1" BDS shackles and BDS leaf packs for about 5.5".

Def work a relocator in if you're going to be redoing it all.

 

That 45 degree number is a general guideline. You really want the shackle to almost hit the frame as the axle is hitting the bump stops. This varies depending where you sit in your suspension travel at ride height.

 

These are Rusty's 4.5 inch lift springs with rough country's shackle re-locators and shackles. I've modified the brackets because of contact between them and the shackles when the suspension was compressed. My Cherokee rides stiff, not much weight in the rear; I need to move the spare mounting location as far back as I can. One of the many future projects.

 

If you don't plan on carrying a bunch of weight all the time might be worth going with a taller spring pack and removing a leaf to make it softer at the same height. More travel at the same time too.

What shocks are those?

 

Rusty's.

http://www.rustysoffroad.com/jeep-su...rmance-shocks/

I wasn't complaining about the ride quality, I like it that way. The main reason for moving the weight as far back as I can is to help keep the rear of the Cherokee down when off roading.

 

I use a Rustys 3" leaf spring with an 1 1/2" Boomerang Shackle excellent flex and ride quality over just a 4 1/2" leaf.

 

So after reading all you guys responses, it sounds like it would be better for me to keep the 3" leaf pack, and get shackles for the rest of the lift. And tune the shackles to the right angle for the best performance

 

so if you get these remote reservoir shocks do you have to mount them inside the vehicle?

 

Nope. It's just the way I have my rear suspension set up.

I thought about getting boomerang shackles Fred for the added articulation, do you have any pics of them in action?

 

did you have to get a longer shock since it's located higher than the normal shock would be?

 

He would have mounted them that way specifically so he can have a longer shocks without limiting up travel as much.