Different shackle positions.

Got my springs on (can read the "This was harder then..." thread for details) last night and have a slight concern with the shackles. I noticed that the right front shackle (passenger side) is rotated forward more then the left side (drivers side) shackle. The springs were exactly the same length. Are old CJ's like that? Did I just fail to notice that when I still had the old springs on? Just wondering and it is clear as day to me now. I wouldn't think that it would really matter I guess. They both rotate when the springs are compressed. My front axle is shift forward more with these springs then with the origonal setup as well. Is that common?

Also, anyone know what the torque specs are for the u-bolts? Kinda want to make sure my axles don't twist around.

Dondo

 

Could be that the frame hanger for the rear of the springs are not in the same position. I would measure each and then decide what to do from there.

 

Update:
Took it for its first road test. Rides different (not really better, as expected). Turns easier (trying to figure this one out), but I have a feeling it has to do with the fact that the front axle is about 1" forward of where it was to begin with. I guess I have a 81' wheelbase Jeep instead of the 80. It also doesn't sit level (at all) when viewed from the side. I'd say the back end is jacked up about 1 full inch then the front.

Looks dumb.

I'm considereing putting the origional's back on unless there is a way to fix this.....but I ain't seeing it....

I'm mad with myself.

Dondo

 

I'd say that's about normal stance from ones that I've owned. Don't be hasty after all that work. It may settle(prolly not) or it may grow on you.

 

I think they all sit a little high in the rear. It gives you some room to settle or flatten if your carrying cargo.

 

Yeah, but it looks like a freaking dragster...and why is the front end shifted towards the front? Sorry, I know that no one can really answer that...I really just dislike how it looks now. The point of the new springs was to give it a more level stance and to give me a little more clearance in the wheelwells....it didn't do that. I think I have less, at least in the front. I'll post pictures when I get off work.....

What year did things get switched from 80 inch WB to 81? That "might" be my problem. I have an 81" WB with 80" springs....that would "stretch" the front out, no?

What is the success rate of rebuilding the stock springs?

 

All earlycj5's had 81" wheelbases the flatfenders were 80". As far as the axle shifting forward, are you sure, is the axle centered roughly with the bumpstops above them. And last but not least, your rear springs will definately settle to some degree.
Please post pictures as what you describe sounds blown out of proportion, some people just get the jitters when changing stuff like this and get anal about it. Please don't take that last statement wrong!!!

 

Naw, won't take it wrong.
Was just kind of going for a "healty" look, but ended up "Hot Rod"

It probably is blown out of porportion, but to give you an idea of how far the front is kicked out, I now have a 1" shiny section of my front driveshaft showing.

I'll post them tonight.

 

EXACTLY! Before you go trying to take the springs back off, post some pics with more close ups of the front and rear shackles and also the spring perches on the axles. Your problem may be a simple fix to get it the way you want it. Also, keep in mind that the Jeep is light weight to start with so the new springs will take a little driving before they level out the way you want.

Post pics when you get the chance.

 

Forgot to mention this, but after I motored around the neighborhood a little bit, the shackles aligned with each other. They are pretty much straight up and down now. I do like the idea of "H" shackles though. Like I said, I'll post pics of all this stuff tonight.

I called a spring shop here in town and he mentioned that they could "de-arch) the rear springs to level it up with the front. Also mentioned about doing the "H" shackle thing for me (since my "C"'s are welded in some places). Might go see what he can offer.

Dondo

 

I figured the shackles would work themselves out with some driving. I wouldn't be to quick to de-arch the new springs if you bought them as a set. If they do not settle out, try to go with new H shackles as mentioned in the rear to level out the stance.

 

in my experience, rearching doesn't last unless done well.

my ranchos are just now beginning to really settle in after replacing them this winter.

mcruff had some good advice. it's usually good to wait and see for a bit before making any rash decisions.

 

De-arching is taking the spring pack apart and run it through rollers to take some of the arch out. They also some times remove some of the springs to get it right. If done correctly, it isn't bad. It is just something that I would not recommend on a new set of springs for a Jeep. There are also a lot of places out there that will heat the springs and bend them and call it de-arching. This is for the lowrider guys and will not hold up under a Jeep. Best way is to level the stance out with the shackles. Then, if needed later on when the springs settle, you can change shackles again to level it up. When you post pics we will be able to get a better idea but I would say drive it for a little while before you do anything.

 

That dosnt mean your front axle was shifted forward. When you lifted it you lengthened the distance from the front axle to the t-case so the driveshaft had to be longer than it normally was. How big of a lift did you put on??

 

Wasn't it 1"?? Or something like that. Either way, new springs could lift it up enough to cause this.

 

No thats how far he said the front axle was shifted towards the front of the jeep.

 

This was what I was referring to. I didn't know they had a 1" lift though.
From the other thread.