AAL's or longer shackle?

[jgreen]

hey guys i am changing some things with my suspension and need some advice.
i'm going back and forth with useing an AAL in the rear or longer shackles to even out my suspension. i understand what both would do but i'm a little confused with the shackles. my questions are.
what is the ratio for additional shackle length to how much lift you get? I was told it was for every inch of added shackle length you get half an inch of lift. is this right?

also with a longer shackle how much would the rear pinion angle change? would it be any significant amount to worry about?

thanks for the help.

 

[Front Range 4x4]

I was told it was for every inch of added shackle length you get half an inch of lift. is this right?

Yes

also with a longer shackle how much would the rear pinion angle change? would it be any significant amount to worry about?

Not enough to really matter.

 

[Randy88FJ62]

Do remember that the shackle angle is affected by length and longer ones will change the geometry of your suspension / flex. Everything has its trade offs.

 

[ntsqd]

The part that I don't like about an extended shackle is the loss of Caster in the front. These trucks, to me, marginally don't have enough in them to start with. Going to a longer shackle subtracts from that. Probably not a lot unless really long, but just the same I'd rather gain clearance with some other compromise.

 

[lcwizard]

A two degree caster shim will more than correct caster loss with a two inch over shackle. I wouldn't use anything longer than that in the front or anything more than 3" over in the rear.
Anything greater and my concern would be with leverage on the shackle mounts

The part that I don't like about an extended shackle is the loss of Caster in the front. These trucks, to me, marginally don't have enough in them to start with. Going to a longer shackle subtracts from that. Probably not a lot unless really long, but just the same I'd rather gain clearance with some other compromise.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I'd say go with AAL's instead of shackles because the spring is what does all the work in your suspension. The shackle is there to help the spring function, but the stock length shackles work fine with the stock springs.

I have AAL's at all 4 corners on my truck.

 

[jgreen]

thanks everyone the shackles are for the rear only and the amount of lift that i need is like an inch and a half. the cost of the two options seem to be about the same so i'll have to figure out which is going to be the best for me.
any more input on what you have and if you like it or not would help. also if you know about how much lift either option gave you that would help.

thanks a bunch

 

[Randy88FJ62]

If you plan on carrying weight in the vehicle often the definitely go with AAL's. If you are not then you could go either way without ill effect.

 

[Tapage]

the AAL will do the lift job .. but it would cost some smoth ride in your rear suspension too .. if you have a rear litghweight suspension I would recomend longer shackles with greasable pins and poly bushings if you are not going to carry big loads ..