So after much searching I discovered that there isn't a whole lot of info on boomerang shackles on this site. So here you go:

Boomerang shackles:


What is the point behind these?

Well basically, the boomerang shackles are most commonly used in unison with the RUF (Rears Up Front) swap, while retaining the factory spring hanger on a factory SFA (Solid Front Axle) rig.

As you can see from the picture, the shackles are made with a "bend" in them. This "bend" is required due to the difference in length between factory front springs (roughly 45"[if my memory serves me correctly]) and the factory rear springs (roughly 48"). Since the rear springs are about 3" longer, the new shackle angle would allow the front shackle to rest on the body mount. These after-market shackles allow the shackle angle to "bend" around the body mount.

In this picture, you can see how they clear the body mounts:

picture from a build thread on Pirate 4x4

For more information about doing your own RUF swap, I recommend a bit of reading: http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=265669

One common problem that people have with these shackles is that when the spring is at full droop, the front end of the boomerang shackle will hit the front of the body mount.

I have just recently got all the required parts (bushings, highsteer, etc.) to complete my RUF swap (yes I'll post it up). Now what I am wondering (from people who have used these before) is:

is it possible to eliminate this problem by mounting the shackles long side up instead? I did not see any mention of this in the RUF FAQ on pirate.

Thanks for your help on this, and hopefully this bit of info will help future budget-builders

 

wow....ive allways woundered about thos guys lol, and i dont think you can? it wouldent have the 3" you need for the springs..right? throw off the shackle angle a lil bit, but you can just mount em that way and see what happens..

 

yoterr, the shape of the shackle does not affect the shackle angle because it is measured by the eyes of the shackle as is the shackle length.

I have not had any problems with my boomerang shackles hitting my body mount, but I have my drop hanger moved forward and run 51" rears. If you do have trouble with this and think that flipping them will help it is worth a try, if it still hits then you can always trim the body mount.

 

just finished my ruf swap, used the boomerang shackle kit from here, http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/new...uct.php?id=132 .. they are a nice set of shackles.

anyway, i put the long side up and haven't had any trouble with clearance. haven't got to wheel it yet but did test it a lil at home. seemed ok but i will know more today, ill post back up with the results.

 

yea i just picked mine up from sky as well got them in last night gonna put them on tomarrow but interested in some good advice on the best way to put them on to avoid trial and error. pics would be awsome

 

Reviving an old one here... Any update on preference towards mounting the long side or short side of the shackle on the frame side?

I just got a pair and plan on installing this week.

Thanks

 

i prefer the short side towards the frame and the long side attached to the leaf spring but thats just my 2 cents