shackle suggestions

My rear spring shackles stayed locked backwards for most of the ride Saturday. They are the same length as the originals. Would making them 1" longer keep this from happening? Or, do I have to move the hanger? Or, do I make them boomerang shape, and which direction?

 

Or flat springs?

The right spring length should put the shackle at just past center at rest - nearly vertical. The shackles allow the springs to change length as they flex (bend). If the springs are too long, the shackles will be past center and you won't have any flex.

 

Its like the Superlift springs are too long. I'm going to try removing the bolts and reinstalling them making sure they are not overtightened.

 

Matt,
I had to use longer shackles with my Superlift kit.
Buy some mild lift greasable ones.
My rears did the exact same thing and they work great now.
Donnie

 

Can you recommend a brand?

 

I don't know how to post a link to it but go to the jc whitney site and look up jeep shackles.
The ones I used are $116 a pair. Grey powder coat with greasable bolts.
They work fine and fix the problem.
If you call Superlift they will tell you to get longer shackles.
Donnie

 

I had a similar problem with my 4" springs. Longer shackles solved the problem.

 

I like the confer "H" shackles on my flattie and my 5 has an off-brand version of the same style. I'd say the no-names look pretty beefy. (both 1/2" lift)

 

I dont have the $200 for shackles right now. I'm going to have to put the metal stretcher on these and save up for some greasables later.

 

After reading this thread I will not purchase Superlift springs. If they are telling you to buy longer shackles at your expense to fix their mismanufacturing then they have a problem. I can see going to longer shackles with an extremely soft spring to maximize potential travel but not on a kit like this. That is ridiculous. If the springs require longer than stock shackles just to mount up then they are the wrong application or manufactured/designed wrong. Nickmil

 

BJ's recommends the same for there FSJ springs. But those are 6 inch.

 

I would have changed mine anyway. I think the "H" shackle is always going to be inherintly stronger than a stock "C". Just my opinion. I knew going into this I wanted new suspension components to hopefully help with breakage on the trail with no consideration for period corectness.
Donnie

 

not to mention they are the cheapest spring you can buy at $100 a piece

 

Made some 4" hole to hole shackles today and they work great.

 

Obviously a reason why they are so cheap......

 

For a longer shackle I used stock YJ shackles, they are 1" longer then stock. I plan to add a center brace to them though one of these days.

People practically GIVE them away too.

 

i loved mine so much on the flattie i bought a superlift kit for my TJ as well. both ride great. Some people complain about the stiffness of the spring but thats one of the things i like about them. Never had a shackle lock up on the frame though... i've heard of this occasionally happening on trail rigs, but it doesnt really seem to be a brand specific problem. Superlift makes a quality kit IMHO. (no i don't work there... i just really like their springs R) )