4 inch lift > Shackles now or after springs and shocks?

[rastaone]

Hey all,
I'm about to start a 4 inch lift on the '77 FJ40. Going with Skyjacker/5100 Bilsteins. The rig currently has stock 2 3/4" pin to pin shackles, front and rear. As received, the crusier is definitely lower at the front end; rear is higher... I would say about 2 inches.
Does it make sense to finish the installation of the new leaf springs and shocks; attach to these stock shackles and them stand back and measure the trim (levelness) of the rig? then purchase appropreiate length shackles to bring the trim level or just go for the extended shackles now?
Thanks is advance for any help, and sorry if this is a way newbie question...

 

[jim land]

Rear skyjacker springs need 3 3/4" to 4" pin to pin minimum to work correctly , with the stock shackle ,the spring eye hit the hanger in compression and invert shackle on extention

 

[cruiserkev]

X2 - stock shackles are too short. I found this out the hard way when I lifted my 40.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Rear skyjacker springs need 3 3/4" to 4" pin to pin minimum to work correctly , with the stock shackle ,the spring eye hit the hanger in compression and invert shackle on extention

100% truth.

 

[jim land]

Bump stop need some chims or swap for bigger one for 35" tire if you plan to flex the suspension on trail ride

 

[pjohnson]

flex the suspension

I don't recall the last time I heard this phrase with Skyjacker springs 😁

 

[85roktoy]

Looking forward to seeing the finished product. I’ve been looking at the Skyjacker 4” springs. Currently have CCOT shackles I plan to use

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Looking forward to seeing the finished product. I’ve been looking at the Skyjacker 4” springs. Currently have CCOT shackles I plan to use

On 33" rubber.

 

[85roktoy]

Yep. Love the stance of yours rkymtn.

 

[rastaone]

On 33" rubber.
View attachment 3206117

I agree, that's a good trim and what I'm after. I'm also on 33's. I'll be posting after pictures with a parts list. Thx for your inputs.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

FWIW I am running stock length shackles in the front, and extended shackles in the rear, with absolutely no issues. I did put an add a leaf in the rear leaf pack.

 

[rastaone]

On 33" rubber.
View attachment 3206117

On 33" rubber.
View attachment 3206117

@ Rkymtn, could you plez share the pin to pin dims of the shackles fore and aft on your rig. The front appears shorter than the rear. Thanks!

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

@ Rkymtn, could you plez share the pin to pin dims of the shackles fore and aft on your rig. The front appears shorter than the rear. Thanks!

Front is 2 3/4"
Rear is 2" longer at 4 3/4"

 

[pb4ugo]

4" Skyjackers, 33x10.50's. The frt shackles are a little shorter than the rears. The suspension is relatively new.

 

[rastaone]

Front is 2 3/4"
Rear is 2" longer at 4 3/4"

View attachment 3206441

View attachment 3206444

Thanks Rkymtn, I appreciate your help!

 

[85roktoy]

The Skyjacker site is out of the rears. Let us know if you find them.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

The Skyjacker site is out of the rears. Let us know if you find them.

The whole rear leaf packs? Or the add a leaf?

 

[85roktoy]

The whole pack I thought. Summit May have them though.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

The whole pack I thought. Summit May have them though.

Summit is where I bought the add a leaf from, even after talking with customer support at Skyjacker who told me they don't make one for an FJ40 4" lift.

 

[85roktoy]

Summit is where I bought the add a leaf from, even after talking with customer support at Skyjacker who told me they don't make one for an FJ40 4" lift.

What did you add the leaf for? Rear bumper?