click the picture for full size.
http://www.nailer341.com/photogallery/pictures%20for%20show/IMG_2307_small.JPG (http://www.nailer341.com/photogallery/pictures%20for%20show/IMG_2307.JPG)
http://www.nailer341.com/photogallery/pictures%20for%20show/IMG_2308_small.JPG (http://www.nailer341.com/photogallery/pictures%20for%20show/IMG_2308.JPG)
ok, here is what i am up against. i want to get more swing out of my rear shackles. with the re 4.5" springs, which are quite longer than the previous springs... there is a problem with the shackles really limiting flex.
it really limits the compression of the spring. with the boomerang shackles on there, it hits right on the frame exactly where the bolt hole is. [take a look at yours]
it seems that if i switch back to straight shackles, i will then be hitting the shackle to the cross member. [still no good]
i have lots of room for compression, with the long shocks in the rear, and this shackle bind is my limiting factor.
i am looking for some inventive ways of fixing this problem.
i was thinking of welding a sleve below the frame to achive room for full shackle swing. the only problem with this is i really dont want to lift the jeep much more.
on the same token, i could do a shackle reversal system on the front of the jeep, and drop the rear shackles to the underside of the frame. this would bring the whole jeep up about 1.5"
at least it would be even [or close to it]
but.... again, i really like the low center of gravity. besides.... it is going to cost like 400 bucks to do it that way.. or more. the driveshaft, srs parts....
hmm?
any opinions or suggestions on this matter?

Hey Erik :wave:

I have the same prob with RE springs. Maybe call their tech folks tomorrow. They have always been very helpful with my questions.

Chris L.

Did you check to see how flat your springs are at max compression? If you have a bit of arch in your spring and your shackle is hitting then you still have a bit more compression to gain. If your spring is flat then call it good. You do not want your springs to negitive arch.
Are you running bump stops? If so where are they at max compression?

:cup:

Did you check to see how flat your springs are at max compression? If you have a bit of arch in your spring and your shackle is hitting then you still have a bit more compression to gain. If your spring is flat then call it good. You do not want your springs to negitive arch.
Are you running bump stops? If so where are they at max compression?
there is still pleanty of arch in the spring. it seems that the re springs are a bit longer than the other brands. i guess this is how they get the killer droop from sua springs. ;)

well, i am tearing into it. here are some progress pics. i will do a write up on exactly what i did, and wether or not it did what i wanted it to do. the rear cross member will be beefed up in the process.
LINK TO PROGRESSS PICS (http://www.pierviews.com/photogallery/jeep%20modification%20pages/shackle%20clearancing/shackle%20clearancing.htm)

http://www.pierviews.com/photogallery/jeep%20modification%20pages/shackle%20clearancing/tn_IMG_2321.JPG

More Heat!!! Other than that, looks good. What are you going to do for a frame strap for the bumper? go to the top? :D

I know I'm late but here is what someone else has done. :rolleyes:
http://www.jeeptech.com/susp/yjsh.html

http://www.pierviews.com/photogallery/jeep%20modification%20pages/shackle%20clearancing/tn_IMG_2321.JPG

More Heat!!! Other than that, looks good. What are you going to do for a frame strap for the bumper? go to the top? :D
the welds are all on there nice and tight ;)
the strap is integrated into the reinforced cross member.
http://pierviews.com/photogallery/jeep%20modification%20pages/shackle%20clearancing/tn_IMG_2342.JPG
it is working well now. i can burry the rear wheel all the way to the shackle plates. ;)
http://pierviews.com/photogallery/jeep%20modification%20pages/shackle%20clearancing/tn_IMG_2357.JPG
it was a lot of work, but it had to be done.
:wave:

http://pierviews.com/photogallery/jeep%20modification%20pages/shackle%20clearancing/tn_IMG_2319.JPG
just in case tyou were wondering why there are welds all over the place in the above pic. ;)
:wave:

ok, here it is. the fiinished product.
i wound up beefing up the whole cross member with some 3/16" plate all the way across, and on top. this will make the bumper a bit more stable.
i cut the bottom 1.25" of the frame away about 2.25" deep. [toward the shackle]
i boxed the end of the frame for more rigidity, and strength. the new cross member parts are all welded to the frame, and the existing cross member.

i took the jeep to the only place i know that i can flex it out around here and took some pictures.

when completely compressed to the bump stop, the shackle is about 1/2" into the frame.
so.. the mod was a success.
here are some pictures.
before
http://pierviews.com/photogallery/jeep%20modification%20pages/shackle%20clearancing/tn_IMG_2307.JPG
after
http://pierviews.com/photogallery/jeep%20modification%20pages/shackle%20clearancing/tn_IMG_2335.JPG

here are a few flex shots.
http://pierviews.com/photogallery/jeep%20modification%20pages/shackle%20clearancing/tn_IMG_2342.JPG
http://pierviews.com/photogallery/jeep%20modification%20pages/shackle%20clearancing/tn_IMG_2357.JPG
http://pierviews.com/photogallery/jeep%20modification%20pages/shackle%20clearancing/tn_IMG_2340.JPG
http://pierviews.com/photogallery/jeep%20modification%20pages/shackle%20clearancing/tn_IMG_2351.JPG
click the pictures for a larger image.
feedback is always welcome. ;)
the rest of the pictures are HERE (http://pierviews.com/photogallery/jeep%20modification%20pages/shackle%20clearancing/shackle%20clearancing.htm)

Attah Girl!!! Got any pics of the rear shackle while flexed? :D Looks good!

Edit: Nevermind, I found them. Good work! :D

http://pierviews.com/photogallery/jeep%20modification%20pages/shackle%20clearancing/tn_IMG_2348.JPG