Hello,
I am running blocks in the rear, and I wanted maybe another 1.5" of lift in the back, I was wondering with the block in the rear, if running an extended shackle would still get me the lift I desired. I don't have enough money for new springs so thats a route I cannot go right now. Thanks,


Andrew

 

Yes a longer shackle will give you lift. To get 1.5" you would need a shackle 3" longer. I'm not sure of the pros and cons to that though.

Here is some info from Roger's site:

Q. What problems might I run into with a shackle lift?
The biggest issue with adding a shackle lift is that you are working with a triangle. One side is the frame, the 2nd side is the spring and the 3rd side is the shackle. The frame stays the same and if the shackle gets longer, the angle of the spring must therefore tilt. The axle is attached to the spring and it therefore tilts and since the differential is attached to the axle, it too tilts, changing the angle of the pinion flange. On typical Toyota spring lengths (i.e.. 48"), you can figure about 1° tilt for each extra inch of shackle, more or less. So, adding a 3" longer shackle can tilt the pinion flange of the differential up 3° in back or down 3° in front. But it is hard to give exact figures, best to measure the angles and then correct the difference. It is hard to give exact formulas or advice here, as adding a longer shackle, while changing the pinion flange angle, also raises the height of the rear pinion (drops the front one), which in turn lessens (increases) the angle of the driveshaft. Depending on the style of driveshaft you are running all these changes may either be good or bad. You may even need to add shims under the springs to correct the angles.
Also, while a longer shackle will give your vehicle some lift, it won't make up for an overloaded leaf spring. That is it won't increase the spring rate, so if the springs were sagging because of too much load, they will still be sagging after installing a longer shackle. The only difference is they will be sagging "higher" than before. Also a longer shackle can allow for more negative arch under compression, unless a taller bump stop is used. As such this can contribute to fatiguing a marginal spring pack faster than normal.


For more advice on it contact Roger Brown: http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/ProductLine.shtml

 

I found some scissor shackles at www.drsmash.com. I'm debating running these when I do the 1.5" Ball Joint spacer lift. I'm going to call him to figure out what lengths I need.

I figure that an added 3" over stock length will get me the lift I need, and a 4" long inner part of the shackle will get me the extra flex I want in the rear.

 

i have ehard the scissor shackles or revolver type are not good on road....

also i have 2" lift shackles on my yota.. they work nicely... got to watch out though for axlewrap if you have blocks... the shackles might make the axlewrap worse

 

Hmmm, So would new leaf springs be the way to go to get more flex in the rear?

 

yes and no.... if they are thinner leaves then yes, thicker wont articulate as much..... but basically getting better springs, making sure all the brakelines and any otehr lines can give and extending hte shocks is the way to get more flex....

 

So a pack with longer thinner leaves would flex more and give me some lift.... Off the top of your head, do you know if I can cannibalize a set from a junk yard to do this? I'll run a search right now as well.

 

not longer... they wont fit.. just thinner.... unless you plan on using say chevy springs like roger brown, but other stuff has to be made to be able to do that..... yes thinner, and lift springs... there are tons of companies that do that

 

So a set of OME lift springs would work, right? Or would they be to stiff to be flexy?

 

from what i have heard the ome lift packs are awesome.....

 

forum 95, I replaced my springs for $185 here:https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/new-rear-leafs-installed-48400/. In that thread Ilovemountains provides a link to a nice looking shackle for $33 that might be an option. Otherwise, I've been coveting a pair of greasables, most of which I've seen for about $80. At $80 vs $185 you should consider the springs and actually fix your problem and ditch the blocks. On the other hand, at $33 vs $185, you could save considerable $$$. Just keep in mind the potential complications as mentioned above by mt goat. Good luck.

Mike

 

63" chevy spring conversion is comon and with the use of a double shackle would really kick ass, not bolt-in but not to much fab either. i buddy of mine runs this set up on his '83 and loves it. here is a pretty good link...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...threadid=20665

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/chevyswap/index.html