Custom Shackle question

[97splorer]

Would I get any more rear end lift if I had some longer shackles made. By longer, I mean longer than the WAR153's by an Inch or two.

 

[Alec]

Why not just get an addaleaf?

You would get more lift from custom shackles, but you may start having difficulties with shackle angle and hang. You'd need to talk to your local metal shop for info, I'm guessing they'd cost at least $100, possibly more.

 

[DeRocha]

I'm with Alec...I trust you don't have the Warrior shackles right now... They hang down quite a bit over stock and I wouldn't want them any longer since your departure angles will be dramitically changing...

 

[97splorer]

What are the "departure Angles"??? How would longer shackles hurt the integrity of the rear suspension?

 

[Alec]

When the springs move up and down the shackle moves forward and back. Too long and it could cocievably hit the rear bumper or a hitch, or cause other problems.

Departure angle is between the bottom of the tire and the lowest point of the rear of the vehicle, its the angle your truck can take when ascending or descending a hill without hitting the rear. Longer shackles greatly reduce this angle.

Just my personal opinion you should go with the 153 and an addaleaf to make up the rest of the lift. Take it or leave it.

 

[Robb]

Departure angle affects what kind of angles you can drive off of (or drive on to in reverse). ANY extended shackle hangs down lower than a stock shackle in the rear, which will cause you to get caught up on more objects. Just look at any side-angle picture of an X with Warrior 153 shackles on it, you will notice the shackles hanging real low right behind the rear tire.

About effecting the springs. Shackles should sit at a 45* angle. A longer shackle causes the spring to sit higher (creating lift), but it also causes the leafs to sit longer, which isn't what the leafs were meant to do. If your leafs are a little on the weak side, longer shackles will just encourage sagging. If the leafs are strong, the shackles will sit at an angle less than 45* which lessens the usefulness of the shackle.

I, personally, am not a fan of any kind of extended shackle when running stock leafs, but something about 3" longer (like a Warrior 153) won't hurt but so much. I would stay away from anything longer though!

 

[97splorer]

Thanks for the info, AAL are pretty easy to install right? Do you think I would have a problem doing them by myself? Any advise on any special tools or tips?

THanks.

 

[Alec]

Jack, jackstands, ratchet set and cheater bar, a friend would help.

Also a grinder to grind off the original leaf centerbolts is nice.

Oh, and some penetrating lube to help free up the hardware, and some vaseline to put between the leaf ends to prevent squeeks and clunks.

 

[97splorer]

Thanks