Odd length shackles. WHY?

dougiet

Well-known member
Hi, I have a question. The shackle length on my YJ has a 6-inch rear and a 4-inch front Why?

I don't know if the springs in the front are the same height as the rear which are 3-inch lift springs, I believe, and could be.
 
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Richard

Commoner
Club Member
Mine were always the same length. I'm just guessing but maybe to fine tune the front and rear heights? Or add a little pinion angle to the rear?
 

dougiet

Well-known member
Thanks.

The front of the jeep is lower, the body mounts are welded lower in height on the frame from the bulkhead to the rad grill.

Have seen a winch hooked up to the front axle to lower the nose and the center of gravity on an uphill climb on the flick of a switch.

Keeping more bodyweight on the front can assist in the steering and tire grip I think.
 

Kunker

Administrator
Club Member
Most vehicles have a rake from the factory to cheap fuel mileage/aero as I understand it. The winch to lower the nose started with the air shock guys from what I recall - their design basically has them unload easily, making hillclimbs a challenge. Not sure if it's that common outside of that, but I've been a web wheeler for too long :(

My 2 cents - don't overthink it (I'm reaaaaaally bad for that), get out on the trails and see how it works as it sits.
 

Twinkie

Administrator
Staff member
Club Member
I've never really seen a suck down winch used on a leaf spring vehicle. As mentioned, it's used on suspension systems that tend to unload (push up) when the nose gets light, like air shocks and poorly tuned coil overs....
 
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