Shackle alternative - sliding mount??

[ld50]

Anyone ever do something like this? Is there a place to buy something I could modify?

The mount would be similiar to a seat track, only much larger and stronger (of course).

Why would I want something like that, you ask?
I would like to do an SOA, with as little lift as possible, maybe 3.5 inches total. Seems possible if the rear of the leafs were close to the frame

Probably a Crazy idea, but you never know.

 

[CoryL]

It has been discussed recently on Pirate4x4.com.

Consensus was that it would work, however the "bushings" that would ride on the seats would wear out quickly.

Do a search over there for more info.

 

[ld50]

Thanks Cory,

I haven`t been able to find a commercially available system like I envision, and to be strong enough, it probably wouldn`t be high enough to lower the vehicle height. (unless the frame was modified)

I`ll check out pirate4x4 and see what they`re discussing.

 

[mrboyle]

I have seen that setup on some trailers, and can tell you it won't hold up to road miles. They wear extreemly fast and destroy parts as they wear.

 

[ld50]

I found this in the February `03 issue of Petersen`s 4 wheel & Off-road

It`s actually nearly how I thought it might look, but if you can read the write-up, it was designed for racing cars. Found a website, but couldn`t find that slider there.

It`s interesting though, to find it. It says there will be less lateral movement than stock, you guys think that is a big deal?
lateral movement is what started screwing up my springs after my Zimmerman mod anyway.

 

[ld50]

he he

 

[ld50]

Bingo!

I`m going to ask them some questions like mainly how long they are so that it wouldn`t "bottom out" when flexing. I wonder if they will say they are strong enough for off-roading?

Dead Link Removed

 

[CoryL]

Personally I don't think it would be worth it.

You aren't going to gain any flex by switching to it.

If anything you will lose flex because it can't twist at all.

 

[becker69]

In that same issue of the Peterson's 4 wheel; why not consider something like that custom one (I think it's on the same page) that one of the rock crawler guys built. You know the one that talks about him having to grease it repeatedly? That may offer some flex with sideward motion. But to address your issue of minimal lift with the SOA; aren't these type of set-ups for the front frame attachment of the leaf springs. That's what I thought.

 

[RFR2212]

Originally posted by becker69
In that same issue of the Peterson's 4 wheel; why not consider something like that custom one (I think it's on the same page) that one of the rock crawler guys built. You know the one that talks about him having to grease it repeatedly? That may offer some flex with sideward motion. But to address your issue of minimal lift with the SOA; aren't these type of set-ups for the front frame attachment of the leaf springs. That's what I thought.

This would be the one by Scott@rockstomper.com Looks like a cool idea, but said there were the issues of keeping it lubricated... or finding a good bushing to deal with that stress.

 

[MO_GUY]

what about something like this??? just stumbled on these
http://www.central4wd.com/store/default.asp?parentID=7589

Teraflex Revolver Shackles

 

[becker69]

RFR 2212; that is the one I meant; thanks

As to the Tera-flex shackles; I know I would love a set of a those too, however they don't make them to fit the Ex. There was an issue with sizing for the leaf spring, and I guess the Explorer has a different type of eyelet ("english type" sp?) so that using a J@@p copy for our 'rears' won't work.

 

[CoryL]

I wouldn't touch a Revolver shackle with a 10ft pole.

Everyone I know that *had* them went back to a normal shackle and some other kind of suspension design because they hated them.

The are horrible when climbing anything or when you have axle wrap because they will load and unload and when that happens, bad things can occur.

Go to http://www.pirate4x4.com in the forums and do a search for Revolver Shackle and see how many people reply with bad stories and personal experiences.

 

[ld50]

Hmm, would be kind of a bummer to be stuck with less flex with those.

I did see the one with the sliding coupler thingy but don`t like it.

If anything, I liked the one they mentioned that was a shock type setup, to allow movement.