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I've had a set of Rusty's 3/4" lift shackles for a few months now and haven't installed them as of yet. I bought them because the front is higher than the rear by about an inch. Haven't installed them yet due to I haven't felt up to trying to get those stuck bolts out of the top of the shackles yet, and I procrastinate a lot.
So my question is, would a set of AAL be more sense-able to go with over shackles? My leaf packs are only a few months old so they're no where worn out. And putting in an AAL would be way easier than messing with the frozen bolts on the top of the shackles. I've found a set of Rancho AAL for 1"-1.5" for about $80 new.
I know that shackles can mess with your pinion angle as well. Would putting in an AAL do the same? If so, which one would mess with the angle more?
My train of thought behind this is I've read and heard that shackles can throw your pinion angle upwards on the axle. Mine is already a little high and I get some vibes slightly and I didn't want to worsen that. I have a Hnt to put in as well but time is scarce to set aside to put it in. Especially since I've never done it before. I was just looking around at some stuff and that's when I thought of AAL since my packs are still pretty new.
Yeah I know the bolts aren't that hard to remove but I do live in the rust belt and didn't want to risk breaking one off. Even with lots of PB blaster and heat some bolts on this thing have been a PITA to get out.
My train of thought behind this is I've read and heard that shackles can throw your pinion angle upwards on the axle. Mine is already a little high and I get some vibes slightly and I didn't want to worsen that. I have a Hnt to put in as well but time is scarce to set aside to put it in. Especially since I've never done it before. I was just looking around at some stuff and that's when I thought of AAL since my packs are still pretty new. Yeah I know the bolts aren't that hard to remove but I do live in the rust belt and didn't want to risk breaking one off. Even with lots of PB blaster and heat some bolts on this thing have been a PITA to get out.
I had my pinion angle really high and didn't cause more vibrations.
Best bet is the shackles. If you really don't want to tackle that I would suggest an XJ/XJ bastard pack. I went with a Zone AAL a few years ago and it just about ruined my XJ leafs in just a few months. I went XJ/S10 bastard pack and am completely satisfied and have been for a couple years and 50k miles. The only real downside is the trial and error of getting the right pack assembled for the height you want.
Saying this if you can find an AAL that is full length eye to eye you might be ok for a while longer.
Ok I guess I'll still give the shackles a try then. I just hope and pray I don't break one of them off in there. I wouldn't even know where to begin to get it out.
In the long run 95+% of the time it ends up being cheaper doing a quality entry level 3" lift like the Rustys for $438 and have all new items that are matched for each other the first time.
These are the things that confront people trying to piece things together most of all buying new leafs to start with and not buying the correct ones a 3" set in a kit.
Here Jooman07 let me help you with that procrastination problem. I think Cherokees look best with the front end about one inch higher than the rear, mine is intentionally set up that way.
Here Jooman07 let me help you with that procrastination problem. I think Cherokees look best with the front end about one inch higher than the rear, mine is intentionally set up that way.
In the long run 95+% of the time it ends up being cheaper doing a quality entry level 3" lift like the Rustys for $438 and have all new items that are matched for each other the first time. These are the things that confront people trying to piece things together most of all buying new leafs to start with and not buying the correct ones a 3" set in a kit.
I bought the rustys 3 inch kit and am not happy... The back stirs an inch higher still after 1 thousand miles and it is VERY stiff
Here Jooman07 let me help you with that procrastination problem. I think Cherokees look best with the front end about one inch higher than the rear, mine is intentionally set up that way.
or you could go one inch or so higher in the back. I like it racked better, plus my rear flexes Amazing because of the shackles and relocators.
or you could go one inch or so higher in the back. I like it racked better, plus my rear flexes Amazing because of the shackles and relocators. Attachment 280720
Shackles or Add-A-Leaf?
I think Cherokees look best with the front end about one inch higher than the rear, mine is intentionally set up that way. 
