Question about the Warrior Shackles

[skender]

Been thinking about giving my self a cheap lift. I was planning on twisting up my torsion bars and then going with the warrior shackles. My explorer is a family car and rarely sees any heavy off road action. The lift is mostly for looks and I just don't like the way it looks when she's fully loaded. the added height will just make her look more like a truck. My concern is all the threads I've read about leaf problems. Some have indicated that the leaves actually flatten out and become prone to early failure. My other option is an add aleaf. A friend of mine did it and the ride became way too harsh. I'd like to get a list of about 1.5 inches and not compromise the quality of the ride. Are the warriors a good idea?

 

[jimbo74]

yes i ordered mine on friday and theyll be here on wednesday for pickup. if your springs are prone to flattening anyway moving them away from the frame wont do anything(i think)

 

[SCEXPLORER]

DO IT!!

Originally posted by jimabena74
yes i ordered mine on friday and theyll be here on wednesday for pickup. if your springs are prone to flattening anyway moving them away from the frame wont do anything(i think)

I did my TT/Shackle last week and got 1.5 inch lift. I think it improved the ride by stiffening it up. I was a little concerned about doing the twist/shackle also but I don't regret doing it at all. Just make sure you know the steps in replacing the shackles because it took me awhile to figure it out. THe torsion twist is a piece of cake.

 

[wabbit]

The magical mysteries of WP shackles...

skender,
Go with the WP shackles. They are inexpensive, heavy duty, simple to install, and will give you exactly what you are looking for- increased height and no change in ride quality.
There has been an ongoing frenzy regarding the application and resultant effects of adding the WP extended shackles. One guy noted that they even increased his acceleration. (Hmm, must have been the gold plated ones.) I must admit, when I installed my WP shackles, I was somewhat overcome by a newfound admiration as I stood back and gazed upon my "studly rig". I couldn't wait to take 'er for a ride. I would imagine it to be like buying a boob job for the little lady. "I couldn't wait to..."
And all this for 50 bucks and a half hour's work. I was impressed. It was kinda "tingly".
Putting the sentiments aside, WP shackles are no more than extended mounts for your leaf springs. They do not affect the spring rate. They do not change the load carried by the springs. They do not instantly flatten your leaf springs. How could they??? The arc of the leaf spring is determined by its resistance to the load it carries. None of this is changed by extending the mounts by three inches(adding WP shackles).
I will point out that the increased distance between the axle and the bump stops does allow for more upward travel of the suspension at full compression. This could cause some flattening of the leaf springs over time because they can be "pushed" farther at full compression. Fear not... This is not a bad thing and unless your out "twistin' it up", stuffing your suspension to the max, you shouldn't be affected by this "gravity surge".
If you find the WP shackle installation too easy, and you're feeling a bit guilty about getting too much for too little, go ahead and decide to replace the leaf spring bushings with some fancy urethane ones while your at it. After about four hours of beating and cutting and grinding, you get to do the other side. This procedure should somewhat offset that "tingly" feeling...


[Edited by wabbit on 02-11-2001 at 09:17 AM]

 

[skender]

Thanks wabbit....

I think will get em. It was the boob job analogy that sold me.. Now my question is were can I get them. I heard they are available at desertrat.com but I can't seem to find em at the site.

 

[Jefe]

DesertRat.com has no online ordering. You gotta call.

 

[wabbit]

The P/N is: WAR153 They are available in Gold Zinc or Hammertone Grey.
Desert Rat seems to be a popular place. I've even heard that JC Whitney has them. Happy shopping!!

 

[jimbo74]

i have a 4wheelparts wholesaler a few miles from work and i got them there. they will be ready to pick up there on wednesday and cost a total of 52.?? for inbound shipping(5) included because i am getting them sent to the store from wp in oregon as they said it wasnt a regularly stocked pice. these 5 days will kill me though, i ordered them on friday morning.. so they were like 45 bucks pre tax and shipping

 

[skender]

I ordered mine yesterday for the same price. However JCwhitney told me that it would take about three weeks for shipping. In the meantime I think I'm gonna paint my diffy. It's a little rusty and with extra ground clearance I think a paint job will make it look classy.