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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: baltz526 on March 01, 2008, 11:51:52 AM

Title: shackle basics
Post by: baltz526 on March 01, 2008, 11:51:52 AM
 i have found a suzuki shackle supplier, they have 3/4" lift, 1 3/4" lift, 2" lift. i'm guessing for my 87 hardtop i need a 2" set for the front and a 1 3/4" for the rear for a level ride. is this the case or do i need the same on all 4 corners. i plan on also putting a new set of stock springs on it at the same time. just searching for tire clearance to run chains on 235,75/15 tires. real chains (http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMGP0063.jpg)
Title: Re: shackle basics
Post by: mrfuelish on March 01, 2008, 04:34:55 PM
If it were me I would go with a smaller tire for the winter and go to the 235's for the summer and forget the shackles.
Title: Re: shackle basics
Post by: Amilla on March 01, 2008, 06:30:26 PM
Block lift...Front and rear! ::)

Amilla
Title: Re: shackle basics
Post by: baltz526 on March 03, 2008, 08:17:45 AM
i'm not doing a lift  :P EVER  :police: search has nothing relevent, i just get non related topics after the fist few.
Title: Re: shackle basics
Post by: mic on March 03, 2008, 09:06:39 AM
The shackles are not a lift?? 2" shackle lift?
Title: Re: shackle basics
Post by: mrfuelish on March 03, 2008, 09:12:26 AM
Shackles change the angle of your drive lines, your front diffs steering will be affected, and your creating a weak point on the frame where your longer shackle hooks to it with allot more leverage also allowing your springs to swing.
Title: Re: shackle basics
Post by: Drone637 on March 03, 2008, 06:45:45 PM
If you are looking for a bit more height just get an add-a-leaf kit from one of the suppliers advertised at the top of the forum, they all do quality work.  It will give you 1 to 1.5" of lift and not screw with your drive line angles like a straight shackle lift will.  Another issue with shackle lifts is you only get half the lift of your shackles, a 2" shackle lift only lifts your rig 1".  The only advantage I see to different shackles is you can get heavier duty ones so they don't bend when going off-road.

I prefer Hawk Suzuki (www.hawksuzukiparts.com) as I have never had any problems with their quality of service and parts.  :)
Title: Re: shackle basics
Post by: baltz526 on March 03, 2008, 08:23:58 PM
thanks, so the 3/4" shackle with a new set of 4 stock spring, is what i think i'll order. a new set of shocks and if i can not run chains on the front, with the 235/75/15 p 8"x28.5" that are on the rig, i'll drop tire size to 215/75/15 8"x 26.5" approx
Title: Re: shackle basics
Post by: Cuthulu on March 03, 2008, 09:02:10 PM
Shackles change the angle of your drive lines, your front diffs steering will be affected, and your creating a weak point on the frame where your longer shackle hooks to it with allot more leverage also allowing your springs to swing.

Add to that the pants wetting feeling the first time you get off camber and they decide to unload.  That my friend is an experence with some pucker factor.   :o
Title: Re: shackle basics
Post by: Rhinoman on March 04, 2008, 04:51:30 AM
thanks, so the 3/4" shackle with a new set of 4 stock spring, is what i think i'll order. a new set of shocks and if i can not run chains on the front, with the 235/75/15 p 8"x28.5" that are on the rig, i'll drop tire size to 215/75/15 8"x 26.5" approx

If you're going to replace the springs and shocks anyway then why not buy a 2" lift kit. Then you get the clearance without the bad steering and you won't ruin your new springs.
Title: Re: shackle basics
Post by: bashzuk on March 04, 2008, 07:32:27 PM
Here is a pic of my 88 Samurai with 2 inch longer than stock shackles and 235 inch tires
(http://www.reachone.com/bashams/Suzuki/ZukiLeftSide122004.jpg)

I drove this daily like this for almost 2 years with out any issues. if you keep it at 2 inch longer or under it effects less.
and I wheeled it at most of western washington wheeling spots
tahuya, elbe, and Evans Creek


anyway this gives you an idea of how much clearance you can have.

PS I'll sell you my used shackles off my Samurai for 75$ plus shipping.
they are from Rocky Road.
I went to a wrangler spring setup.
If not no biggie :)
Title: Re: shackle basics
Post by: baltz526 on March 04, 2008, 09:06:40 PM
 i trimed the front bumper brackets back as far as the pipe mount, gained 1" on turning. so the tire rub is gone. fit chains and tested rear clearance. everything cleared, but it is minimal. next time the cash cow craps i'll order the new stock leaf spring. and get rid of the flat ones on it. i expect about 1 1/2" when it returns to stock height. chains will probably still rub on front, but the rear will be fine. one of the areas i hunt, gets snow over greasy clay. with chains on all 4 i can get around.
Title: Re: shackle basics
Post by: Rhinoman on March 05, 2008, 04:35:41 AM
next time the cash cow craps i'll order the new stock leaf spring. and get rid of the flat ones on it. i expect about 1 1/2" when it returns to stock height.

Front springs are pretty flat from the factory. If they aren't inverted then they're probably OK.
Title: Re: shackle basics
Post by: baltz526 on March 06, 2008, 09:48:47 PM
yes they are getting inverted and the bushings are shot.