What do you think about shackles

[71AZFJ]

I WAS THINKING OF PUTING 2in. SHACKLES ON MY FJ40.I DONT DO ANY REAL HARD CORE OFF-ROADING.I HAVE HEARD DIFFERENT VIEWS, BUT NOT FROM FJ OWNERS.SOMEONE HELP ME OUT PLEASE.I WANT A LITTLE MORE LIFT , BUT MOST OF MY FUNDS ARE TIED UP IN THE FUTURE OF ROCKET SCIENCE AT THIS TIME.

 

[FF LC FREAK]

2" EXTENDED SHACKLES ARE JUST FINE FOR A LITTLE LIFT. HOWEVER, YOU WILL PROBABLY NEED TO ADD SOME CASTOR SHIMS UP FRONT.

By the way, you don't need to yell. We can hear you just fine. Welcome to Mud!



PS There are several vendors that offer suspension lifts for around $600. Hell Creek, TPI, etc. You can also look in the classifieds here on Mud for some cheap lift springs that someone took off to do an SOA. Good luck!

 

[Rocky_LC]

There's an interesting article written by one of the old hands on how to make your own (it was also covered in Toyota Trails)

In fact, the prevailing opinion is that the two sides of the shackles ought to be able to flex independantly (like the stock design).

Interesting read, and probably a fun / simple project.

Just wait until you try and get those 35 year old bushings out, though!

Rocky

 

[Tigerstripe40]

There's an interesting article written by one of the old hands on how to make your own (it was also covered in Toyota Trails)

In fact, the prevailing opinion is that the two sides of the shackles ought to be able to flex independantly (like the stock design).

Interesting read, and probably a fun / simple project.

Just wait until you try and get those 35 year old bushings out, though!

Rocky

I'd make the shackles out of 3/8" plate.

My truck came with the con-ferr shackles that had a bar welded in the center. I had to CUT those things off.

I went with a Man-A-Fre anti inversion shackle int he rear and some OME rear shackles up front (both grease able) and that has netted me a very nice ride, excellent handling.

I did modify the MAF rear shackles removing the 'center' pin and replaced them with some bolts in each side so that they can flex independantly, but still have an anti inversion feature.

 

[71AZFJ]

Thanks for all the info

thanks , you guys are the best. i am going to give it a shot. sorry for yelling, i am using my inside voice this time (HA HA HA)

 

[orangefj45]

i have a couple of things to add to this discussion:


1) sure, 2" over stock shackles will be fine.

2) don't waste your time trying to make them yourself. the individual shackle plates can be bought in 3/8" thickness in various lengths. i stock them in 4", 5" and 6" lengths ( measurements are taken from center to center of the bolt holes )
they sell for about $17-20 per pair

3) shackle design should be determined by the intended vehicle operation. if you're only going to drive the cruiser on the street, then a cross tube/brace between the two shackle plates is a good idea because it'll eliminate some of the sideways movement of the shackle. that in turn will make the truck handle a little better and more predictable.
if you're going to do a lot of wheeling, then leaving the shackles withou a cross brace will work better for you.
remember, the longer the chackle and the less bracing, te more pressue is exerted on it and the more deflection you'll get. this will also cause the bolt holes to wobble out a lot sooner.

4) good bushings are a must. getting the old ones out can be a pita.

5) do not use the 2 small bolts on the outside of the frame to tighten the spring pins down. that will strip out the threads in a hurry. use the nut on the inside of the frame to suck the pin tight, then tighten the two small bolts by hand, not with an air tool.

6) grease is your fried; on the outside of the bushings, on the spring picns, on the shackle nolts and on the outside of the busgings to help slip the springs in place. i use wheel bearing grease.

7).......enough for now.

hth

georg @ valley hybrids

 

[Brian in Oregon]

You may know this, but at the risk of being obvious, a 2" over stock length shackle will only give you a 1" lift at the axle.

Whatever the length increase is on the shackle will only give you half of that distance at the axle. And there is a limit to how much you can go before you get diminishing returns and start flattening or even reversing the spring. A 3" over stock, which is only 1.5" at the axle, is probably the most you'd prudently want. And don't forget that you may need longer brake hoses.