Safari 2.5" lift..need shims?!

[Ziffdaddy]

I installed a 2.5" Safari lift on my 74' 40 about a month ago and the springs in the front haven't settled at all. I've been driving around with 300lbs of sandbags in the back and they're starting to settle a bit.....although I've inverted a shackle twice.
My question is, my steering feels a little 'darty'...or squirrelly...could a lift this small need shim correction or is it just because the shackles are vertical?
Is it crazy to take out a leaf up front (maybe in the back too) to get the shackles pushed out a little? The springs ride really nice, I just want to either figure out how to settle them so the shackle angle is better, or what other options to do.

Thanks guys.

Stephen

 

[Pin_Head]

Check the caster angle. Most springs are designed so that you will get the proper caster angle with the recommended shackle. The shackle angle has nothing to do with handling or ride quality, but it can limit spring droop. It is an internet legend.

 

[Ziffdaddy]

I completely agree with you on the Internet legend of the shackle angle affecting ride...my concern with the shackle was that I inverted one of the rears twice on the highway and am carrying 300lbs of sand in the back to prevent a third inversion...that's not good.
About the caster and shackles....I have the stock shackle on it now... If they were longer, wouldn't that make the caster angle worse? Or do the lifted springs and stock shackles mess it up.....geeeez....I've over thought the whole thing now, and I'm confused...:-(...
Thanks for the help!
-Stephen