shackle reversal??

[littlechief]

decide I'm gonna have to do a shackle reversal on my front end. Anybody done one before? whats involved? what extra parts, fabrications are gonna be required? Any suggestions will be appreciated, thanks. :D

[ August 07, 2001: Message edited by: littlechief ]

[littlechief]

??hmmm I posted this and was expecting a wealth of information...but none so far. How bizarre. Has nobody else had problems with the abuse caused by excessive banging on the shackles? From what I understand it transmits problems all the way down the driveline as well. The clincher for me is that I bent both my frontsprings fairly badly and also ended up pushing the pass.side shackle right up to the frame, was able to pry it off but it went right back there shortly after. Will be getting the springs straightened out next week but would like to avoid the problems next time.

[Jose_Nunez]

here's the deal instead offtrying to enhance the performace you'll probable end up regreting what you do I did after a while the springs broke causing also a too stiff suspension remember that any movemet you do to the suspension also envolves realigment if done improperly.


A salute from the Baja.

[River Beast]

There is a deal of fabbing to be done with this...I opted not to do it..cuz of the stage of my build I was at ...it would hve set me back about a month or tow with my suspension.

You must drop the front mount down approx 3" to ensure the spring will stay level and close to factory specs, in regards to steering geometry, when the shackle is moved to the rear of the spring. Also the location of the mount is CRUCIAL for proper operation.. too far in either direction would hinder the suspension. Remember that when you reverse the normal operation... suspension will flex opposite, thus affecting driveshaft length under load (shortening). If not properly delt with... a piledriving effect can destroy your drivetrain parts.

That should be enuf to think about for now... ;)

[Super Chief]

I have thought about this before...there is a place here in southern California called T & J's Offroad that makes the brackets and shakle mounts...the kit cost about $325 if you don't have the skill to make your own (I do not!) ;) ....kit and install cost about $600...they baja race FSJ's and seem to know their stuff. I will try and find their phone number if you like.

[scotty]

it will theoretically yield a somewhat nicer ride off road,as the tire will be moving away from an obstacle rather than being pushed into it,as the axles are articulated. i havent done it to mine yet since it will allow the tire to move rearward during compression,instead of forward,and i cannot afford any less clearance at the rear,so its much better for me(with a 38 and stock suspension smile.gif ) for the tire to move forwards.

i am happy with the way mine rides,so im not in any hurry to figure out a way to make it work. further,alot of rock crawlers are now starting to run front shackles,the theory being as the tire is pushed forward into an object,it has better traction.

i would prolly rccomend not spending alot of time,effort or money into rear mounted shackles.

my thots,anyway...