How much lift before drop arm neeed??

[graham]

To level up the Jeep, after rear shackle flip.
I've extended the front shackles by 4 1/2". Other than needing an alignment it drives ok. No indications of bump steer. But......I have not driven it very fast yet, sat on 90kph (55mph) on a test run to the beach. 120km round trip. Performed well on the gravel tracks and sand dunes.
Should I fit a dropped arm on regardless?
TIA.
Shackle Flip (http://www.geocities.com/ozbearhunter/suspension.html)

[la mula pescadora]

i have an soa conversion on front and i need about another 3 inch to level out with he back i was thinking of a shackle extencion so whould you tell me how hard is it and how did u did it and how safe is it

[littlechief]

Hey Graham, just curious......how did you extend the front shackles? Did you use way longer shackles? Curious because that would be a really long shackle Im thinking. Have had problems with my shackles banging when exiting some nasty holes which transfers stress to my springs, have actually bent both ny front springs before and was a major pita.

[River Beast]

You draglink should be as close to parallel with the main tierod as possible.... this will reduce the bump steer.


la mula pescadora,

In order to get the rear level with the SOA.. you must invert the rear shackles assemblies or use HUGE blocks which I don't recommend...I also have the shackle inversion in the rear.... look into it...I am fabbing kits for others on the board...

[River Beast]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by littlechief:
Hey Graham, just curious......how did you extend the front shackles? Did you use way longer shackles? Curious because that would be a really long shackle Im thinking. Have had problems with my shackles banging when exiting some nasty holes which transfers stress to my springs, have actually bent both ny front springs before and was a major pita.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>


Instead of fabbing new longer shackles, you can use lowering shackles (http://store.summitracing.com/search.asp?page=2&type=bykeyword&part=SHACKLES&SearchType=Both) (P/N SUM-G904000) for a 1988 GMC 1/2 ton 2WD from www.summitracing.com (http://www.summitracing.com)

members on this board have told me they work...

[ January 08, 2002: Message edited by: River Beast ]

[Crash]

Todd, They do work! Just finished my project and had a ball w/ it in the snow. We just had 8" here in NC. I will post pics here soon.

[River Beast]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Crash:
Todd, They do work! Just finished my project and had a ball w/ it in the snow. We just had 8" here in NC. I will post pics here soon.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Now you all have reassurance that the lowering shackles do work... thanks Crash ;)

[River Beast]

Graham,

Foregot your original question...hehe

'normally speeaking'... a 4" lift or better, it is HIGHLY recommended to use a drop pitman arm....or some other type of steering mods to adjust the angle of the draglink and mechanical workings of the steering system

[la mula pescadora]

RB i also have shackle flip on the rear but the front is still about 3 inch lower than the rear i was thinking of adding longer shackles 2 inch longer but if i can get those 4.5 inch it will bring it up another 2 inch right? but i think they are to long so i was whondering how will they do off road

[River Beast]

Sorry... can't answer that question for you.. I still run stock shackles front and rear...

Yes.. the gain will be half the length of the shackle

[ January 08, 2002: Message edited by: River Beast ]

[graham]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by River Beast:

Instead of fabbing new longer shackles, you can use lowering shackles (http://store.summitracing.com/search.asp?page=2&type=bykeyword&part=SHACKLES&SearchType=Both) (P/N SUM-G904000) for a 1988 GMC 1/2 ton 2WD from www.summitracing.com (http://www.summitracing.com) members on this board have told me they work...
[ January 08, 2002: Message edited by: River Beast ]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

la mula pescadora,littlechief
I made some extended shackles. Used 2x2x1/4 angle and 1/4" pipe for the bush, almost identicle to the lowering shackles RB mentioned. They're 185mm (7.4") eye to eye. It was a quick way to level the jeep.

[graham]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by River Beast:
Graham,
Foregot your original question...hehe
'normally speeaking'... a 4" lift or better, it is HIGHLY recommended to use a drop pitman arm....or some other type of steering mods to adjust the angle of the draglink and mechanical workings of the steering system<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks Todd, I gained 92mm (3.7") lift at the axle. Still not quiet level. Has that nose down arseup business like attitude, which I quiet like.
I will go for a dropped arm. Just a matter of hunting one down. Goin' to try Opposite Lock in Bunbury on Sat. They should be able to get one.

Edit; Find a part listing for Jeep could be abit hard, What other vehicles use the same arm?

[ January 10, 2002: Message edited by: graham ]

[River Beast]

GM and Jeep share the saginaw steering box.. I believe the 4" DPA for a GM will work... I can check for you if you want....lemme know

[graham]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by River Beast:
GM and Jeep share the saginaw steering box.. I believe the 4" DPA for a GM will work... I can check for you if you want....lemme know<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Todd, if you have the time I would really appreciate it.Thanks

[River Beast]

Graham,

I looked around for x ref.... nothgin written in stone... but check here...
http://www.bds-suspension.com/steeringpitmanarms.html