Springs/Shackle bottoming out

[Dusty 66]

On My off Road trip the rear leaf springs with a heavy load 10 gal/Fuel 10 gal/water 200+ lbs fire wood,
camping gear, spare parts, extra oil etc. bottomed out on the spring hangers.

How do I correct this ?

(1) Do I extend the bump stops ?

(2) use longer shakels ?

(3) Use Anti- Inversion Shackles Upside down ? (just a Thought)

I dumped all the firewood most of the Fuel/water on the return trip did much better 300 lbs. lighter

Thanks for any help

 

[Downey]

Spring shackle angle looks good when not loaded, so that's a good sign, springs probably not too long. What you have my friend is the age old problem all off roaders have, and that's having enough load carring capacity to carry your heavy load, yet light enough spring rate to give an excellent ride when the vehicle is not loaded. There is no affective remedy: air shocks are generally poo-poo and leak, helper leafs are in-play all the time. Possibly lowered bump-stops that can be lifted when wheelin?????

 

[Degnol]

Trailer.....................

 

[Pin_Head]

Rides pretty harsh when you runout of shackle swing, doesn't it?

You need a longer shackle or relocate the shackle hanger to increase the angle.

Measure the eye-to-eye distance along the curve of the top leaf to find the maximum length of the spring. That will help you figure out how long of a shackle you need.

 

[Dusty 66]

Rides pretty harsh when you runout of shackle swing, doesn't it?

You need a longer shackle or relocate the shackle hanger to increase the angle.

Measure the eye-to-eye distance along the curve of the top leaf to find the maximum length of the spring. That will help you figure out how long of a shackle you need.

Yep !

once I dumped the weight It smooth out a bunch

Longer shackles

I hope to keep about the same ride hight

I'll look at a tape measure then Thanks'

 

[FF LC FREAK]

Remember, longer shackles do not necessarily mean a big increase in ride height. A 2" longer shackle will only give you a 1" lift if the shackle is at a 90* angle. You have a pretty good shackle angle so a 2" longer shackle will give you less than a 1" increase in ride height.

If you increase the length of you shackle, don't forget about the castor up front. Shims may be needed to keep your rig tracking straight.

 

[Dusty 66]

Remember, longer shackles do not necessarily mean a big increase in ride height. A 2" longer shackle will only give you a 1" lift if the shackle is at a 90* angle. You have a pretty good shackle angle so a 2" longer shackle will give you less than a 1" increase in ride height.

If you increase the length of you shackle, don't forget about the castor up front. Shims may be needed to keep your rig tracking straight.

The front is SR no problem there, and the ride is nice

 

[65swb45]

I would second the longer shackle suggestion, but I ALREADY suggested it in camp LAST WEEKEND!;p

The difference in ride height will be quickly and easily offset with your addition of a spare parts box.

That, or an auxiliary gas tank. We talked about that too. Remember?

Just do the rear Joe. It will be fine.

Best

Mark A.

 

[Dusty 66]

Yep I do Mark, you also mentioned a longer bump stop too.

I did a lot of looking,measuring & jacked up the rear compressed the springs tying to get a Idea of the best solution

H style or like what I have but longer ?

I'm thinking a 2" or 2-1/2"" longer shackle

 

[Pin_Head]

I'm thinking a 2" or 2-1/2"" longer shackle

If you measure the maximum length of the spring when it is flat, you won't have to guess. You can mock it up and see if it will work.

 

[vk7ybi]

Remember, longer shackles do not necessarily mean a big increase in ride height. A 2" longer shackle will only give you a 1" lift if the shackle is at a 90* angle.

..and if the spring centre pin is in the centre, but its not, so lift will be a smaller percentage again, unless the springs are flipped or 55 rears..

I installed 2 inch over stock shackles in mine to help the ride height a bit with camp gear and fuel loaded, I think unloaded it mightve been 3/4" higher, loaded it was just right.. I did nothing to the front..

 

[65swb45]

Joe, for you, something special.

I will look thru my pile for something that I think will work BEST for your particular application and send it to you on a trial basis, no strings attached. If you like it, we'll settle up next time at the springs. Fair enough?

 

[Hobbs]

Joe, for you, something special.

I will look thru my pile for something that I think will work BEST for your particular application and send it to you on a trial basis, no strings attached. If you like it, we'll settle up next time at the springs. Fair enough?

A deal you can't refuse....

 

[Dusty 66]

Mark thats Cool !


I Still cant find your 6 screw chrome door cover Joe