Critique my Leafs.

jackedHB

jackedHB

Member
Joined
Apr 3, 2005
Location
Boiling Springs
Before everyone jumps in and says those shackles are junk don't use em, there just in there for mockup. I am trying to find out if I am in the right ballpark as far as setup on the rear shackle mount and how my rear shackle angle is.

ai2.photobucket.com_albums_y23_jackedHB_IMG_0162_1.jpg

ai2.photobucket.com_albums_y23_jackedHB_IMG_0163.jpg
 
Shackle angle looks way too shallow, & the spring is backwards.
The (larger) eye in the rear goes in the forward hanger, not the shackle.

What are those springs out of? Maybe you could get them re-arched, to get them to fit better. Might get some lift too.

Also might want to address that frame rust, while it's still mild.
 
Like was said, I think the leaves are backwards.
If you want to run them, I would think you are going to need to move the front mount further forward, or extend the rear to get a good angle.
 
I think he's going for stretch here. The shackle looks a little long, but unless you're adding extra metal to the bumper, that's what you'll have to end up with. I've seen a bunch of shackle angles worse than that. It should be noted that your shackle angle will get pretty damn shallow with weight though. I've wheeled with a TJ in URE that was running XJ leaves and his rear shackles were parallel to the ground at ride height. Worked fine though.
 
Came off an old cherokee, As far as the angle goes, when I change bumpers I am hoping that will add 4 or 5 inches to the rear.
 
This is what a 4"x4" square tube with shackle hangers welded to the frame rails cut flush with the body looks like... with running dakota leaves:

ai212.photobucket.com_albums_cc116_336wheeler_unknown_1.jpg


P.S. - hate on my rear shocks. I don't give a fawk!
 
336wheeler said:
This is what a 4"x4" square tube with shackle hangers welded to the frame rails cut flush with the body looks like... with running dakota leaves:

ai212.photobucket.com_albums_cc116_336wheeler_unknown_1.jpg


P.S. - hate on my rear shocks. I don't give a fawk!
Click to expand...

Whats the WB and tire size on the there? Thats what Im going for, just not exactly sure how to get there. Whats the year range I need to look out for on those leafs?
 
jackedHB said:
Came off an old cherokee, As far as the angle goes, when I change bumpers I am hoping that will add 4 or 5 inches to the rear.
Click to expand...

As long as your going for stretch, & make some mounts aft of where they are now, it should be fine.
Still want to end for end those springs, or it will change your pinion angle to make it nose down. You could re- weld the perches to compensate for this though.
 
when ever you change the shackle it will change that angle. You need to mock it up with the shackle length you are going to run. Oh and if those are xjs then the angle wont change a whole lot through out the wheel travel because of the springs being so flat. When you droop they will straighten out and when they are compressed they will probably swing in because of dearching of the spring. Hope this helps.
 
X2 ^ Stock xj leafs will sit pretty flat and the overall length will decrease as they bend. You could probably get away with that angle. I would recommend mocking with the length shackle you plan to run. Adding the 4-5" would probably be a good idea and would make the shackle angle much better.
 
Keep in mind, changing all of this has a snow ball effect. Longer leaves mean you will need a traction bar, or more leaves to prevent axle wrap and bent leaves.(CYJKrawler can tell ya all about that) With the center pin more to the rear, it just puts a lot of leverage on the spring, allowing it to bend. Clamps will also help.
As said, go ahead and add the addition to the rear of your rig, then see how it will all works out.
Not sure about your shackles. If you are gonna go long(more than 4 inches), use at least 3/8" thick stock, with a cross support between the top and bottom bushings. Otherwise plan on bending them and wrecking bushings.
 
My wheelbase is 107" running 39.5 iroks.

Springs came from a '95 2wd dakota. I would recommend 4wd, because I threw in a few extra leafs from a waggy pack into mine.
 
They suck! Jackass! "Happy Gilmore" LOL

Just kidding though. If the weight of the vehicle is on them in the picture you look good to go. On my old cj I had stock xj springs that were really flat and a very laid back shackle almost horizontile. If your spring is super flexy the shackle angle won't matter as much.
 
What I was getting at is, if there was weight on the springs and everything was complete there. Hows the angle look? I dont what leafs I am going to run they were just there and I was just trying to figure out what kind of angle to be looking for with weight on the springs. If that makes any sense to anybody.
 
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