New Jeep owner Shackles?

Just wanted to say hello. I found ya'll after I found my new project. A 1974 CJ5 304 V8 three speed with 4+ inches of lift(7 inch shackles). Which is why I'm posting. It has 32 inch Buckshots that I want to keep but I have got loose some of the shackle lift, it's just too unstable on the highway.
I know the camber/castor has got to be goofed up something awfull. I thought of just making tapered shims(I have a mill and can cut any angle) to correct it but I just don't like the long shackles.
Can anyone tell me the length of the factory shackles bolt to bolt?
I figured I'll redrill the long shackles at inch spacing until I have enough lift to clear my tires.
Anyway ya'll will be hearing from me as I learn my CJ.

 

I believe they are around 4" bolt to bolt stock. So if yours are 7" those are 1.5" lift shackles. If it were me I'd drill some holes around the 5.5 mark and bolt them up there.

 

That's what I thought. I was going to start at 5.5 and work down.

 

I cut 6-deg shims and installed with new U-bolts (old ones were rusted badly). My CJ now drives like a new one(almost). I've still got to replace one tie rod end, but it is AMAZING how much better it drives.
I'm still going to drop the shackles, but I think I'll just get stock ones when I get new tires.
Thanks for all the info on the site.

 

With 32" tires you should be fine with a 2-1/2" lift kit. No need for longer shackles, though I am of the opinion that slightly longer shackles complement any lift (maybe 1" longer than stock). Longer shackles swing a slightly longer arc. Without that extra arc I think your springs will effectively "bottom out" because there's nowhere for the spring eye to go. Think of it this way: the ultimately short shackle is no shackle at all. Your spring could not flex except by forming a "W" shape. You want your "U" shape to become a flatter and longer "U". The shackle limits how much longer and flatter it can become.

 

I had not thought of that. That sounds like the way to go. I'll be looking for a good lift kit as soon Uncle Sam sends me my tax refund.
The thing is I don't know what all has been done to this jeep. I got it New Years Eve and haven't had alot of time with it yet. I know the gas tank leaks, the speedo doesn't work and one of my 32's blew-out on me last night. Lucky it was on the back and I wasn't running very fast.
Now I need a tire and fix the other things I find.
Anyway thanks for the help.