Shackles vs new leaf springs

[oconnor]

I found a couple places that offer replacement leaf springs that give a lift ( and I can order in different amounts of lift). Which is better, the warrior shackles or the new leaf springs? Pros and cons of the two? Oh I have a 97 Ex sport 4wd.

 

[EBInterceptor]

If you have a Sport and still have the mono-leafs, you need to get a Code F leaf pack off of a 4 door to start. Then you can move onto adding shackles, or add-a-leafs and what not. Everyone is going to tell you the same thing, get rid of the monoleafs before anything else.

 

[bhults]

Then after you swap out the leaf packs, you can add warrior shackles, add-a-leafs, or both---like I did. Since I have a 4 door ride that was ever-so-slightly sagging, I added the warrior shackles first...which leveled me out, and actually lifted the rear a little bit. Then I did a double add-a-leaf in the rear, and cranked up the torsion bars in the front to match. I fit 32X11.5's with no rubbing, albeit a little trimming.

 

[oconnor]

bUt couldn't I just put in leafs that will replace the stock ones that have a 2 inch lift and by pass the shackles? Get a set of leafs for a 4 door with a 2 inch lift? Then no need for shackles at all. Albeit I think its 250 bucks. or was it 140, I forget even though it is a great disparity its 2 am and I tired. Thanks for the info. More advice on this question is appreciated.

 

[bhults]

Either way, you're going to want to ditch that monoleaf back there. It's weak as hell. Swap out the monoleaf for a leaf pack from a 4 door model, and then you can decide whether you want to do an add-a-leaf to gain some lift, or do the shackles instead. The shackels are a much easier install and might give you the lift you're looking for.

 

[Bronco638]

Go with the 4 door leaf packs with lift built in (how much lift is up to you). Shackles add instability, which you don't need.

 

[Jefe]

Go with the 4 door leaf packs with lift built in (how much lift is up to you). Shackles add instability, which you don't need.

I agree. If you have the money to do it that way, it will be a much better ride than adding shackles & AAL.

 

[prerunnersvo]

Don't forget, putting longer shackles on it changes the pinion angle whick can put stress on u-joints and could create a lot of axle wrap which can eventually break leaves.

 

[Mcane6]

i have a 96 sport 4wd and im wanting to replace the mono-leaf so i can add lift. When i replace the mono-leaf does the 4 door leafs just go right in were the mono was or will i have to do any mods to it?

 

[Bronco638]

Mcane6 - Nope, you can simply swap the 4 door leaf pack for your monoleaf. No other mods required.

 

[EBInterceptor]

i have a 96 sport 4wd and im wanting to replace the mono-leaf so i can add lift. When i replace the mono-leaf does the 4 door leafs just go right in were the mono was or will i have to do any mods to it?

I did my first one in about 2 hours with no power tools. Simple DIY job. A helping hand doesn't hurt though. Next time swapped the rear shocks out along with the springs in about the same amount of time. Fun job.

 

[IslandSport94]

Will the same trick work on a 94 Sport (4dr springs in place of 2dr)?

 

[Jefe]

Will the same trick work on a 94 Sport (4dr springs in place of 2dr)?

I beleive the 1st gen sport has a full pack already.

 

[IslandSport94]

I may be wrong, but I seem to recall that the Sport has a 3-leaf pack and the 4door has a 4-leaf? Just wondering if the 4door's are a direct swap?