What angle for front shackle on leaf sprung SAS?

[r6bikerdave]

What is an ideal angle for the shackle to be? not sure if it matters but the shackle will be in the rear, and we are using 7leaf wagoneer springs. Also what length of shackle should we be using?

Thanks

 

[section525]

45 degrees at ride height. I think my front shackles are stock Explorer length. Its pretty much a trial and error deal.

 

[r6bikerdave]

is there any benefit other than a higher ride height to using a longer shackle? I was thinking of getting some warrior shackles for a jeep to use on the SAS but they don't list any dimensions.....anyone know a website listing stock shackle lengths/widths?? Thanks

 

[IZwack]

is there any benefit other than a higher ride height to using a longer shackle?

A disadvantage of long shackles is that it severely impacts (pun intended!) your approach angle.

 

[little x]

A disadvantage of long shackles is that it severely impacts (pun intended!) your approach angle.

Not when the shackle is in the back.
The advantage of longer shackles is more travel with the same spring.

 

[IZwack]

Ah true.

 

[r6bikerdave]

hey Section you have the 7leaf wagoneer springs right? What is the eye to eye measurement of them at ride height? Thanks

 

[j_mazala]

Wagoneer fronts when measured along their arch are 47" from eye to eye with a 22.5"/24.5" split to the center pin. With the weight of an Explorer they tend to go flat.

When you know the eye to eye measurement of the spring with weight on them some simple trig can be used to find the proper distance between the spring mount and the shackle mount letting you set the shackle to any angle you want.

Mounting Distance = Spring Length - Sin(Shackle Angle) * Shackle Length

Using my example of 7 leaf Waggy's and a 4.25" shackle at 45*

MD = 47 - Sin(45) * 4.25
MD = 44

So this would make the distance from the spring eye to to shackle mount 44"

Some good reading
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=385971

 

[r6bikerdave]

thanks for the good info....looks like my brother bought some 7inch shackles so we will be using a distance of around 41-42 inches between spring hanger and shackle mount