ok, so I just ordered some new aftermarket shackles, like the ones seen on rocky-road.com (I did not order them from the website, I got them on ebay, but they are the exact same picture and I think pretty much the same thing), supposedly the 2" ones to give me an overall 1" lift but it seems like the shackles are much larger than described. length from bolt to bolt is 7" so I guess that's right. Everything on the zuk is stock, even the shocks. I put the new shackles in and I'm having a bit of a problem. The leaf springs are completely flat and I think the shocks are fully extended. I've only put the shackles on the front so far because it doesn't sound right to me. Is there something I should know when I'm installing these shackles and if I need to change anything, what do I need to change to make these new shackles useful? My budget is quite tight and I thought getting some shackle upgrades might be the least expensive way to add an inch or two. I've looked into buying new shocks and the brands I'm looking at are either Doetsch Tech or Pro Comp shocks that are supposed to fit with any lift between 1/2" and 2". Does anybody have any other reccomendations?

One other thing, I'm not sure but I think my leaf springs need to be re-shaped. They are both only about 1.5"-2" higher than the bottom of the arch (front and back). My back ones also have the bottom spring popping out and hindering my clearance for the back axle. Does any of this sound normal to anyone? Anyone have other questions or comments?

I have these shackles on my sammy and the only things I noticed is yes it does flatten out the front leaf spring.
also your steering is going to be a bit off I didn't do anything to fix it since wasn't as big a deal to me since I really didn't notice it. and your pinion angle in the front and rear is going to be a little steeper..
I would say go get new shocks that are a little longer maybe some pinion angle correction from spidertrax.

also most of what you are soying does sound normal to me. but hey what do I know.

Bash

You could maybe redrill the holes on one end of each shackle to give you a little more lift and not buy longer shocks?

So I've been checking some other forums too, and I've come to the conclusion that the shackles will work fine, but I'm looking to buy some new shocks to accommodate the shackles.  Does anyone know what size shocks I should be looking at?  I'm probably going buy some cheap shocks at Napa or Autozone.  The size is pretty much all I'm concerned with now.

monroe matics are cheap about 23 bucks a piece.
just go in ask to look at the book find the stock shocks and then find shocks that compress to about the same but extend longer.
I used to have the part numbers for them but since I went SPOA and with doetch tech shocks I tossed the numbers.
30001 sticks in my head but ....
it takes a little while to look threw the book but that way you know what part you really should be getting.
If you have any other questions about the garble that I just wrote let me know.

well I went to Napa and got some shocks but I'm afraid that the shocks I got are too soft causing the car to bounce still (not off the ground) and make it more dangerous to steer with the weight shifting so much. The part numbers I got from Napa are 94051 and 94008 and that's what I have currently installed. I've driven around a little bit in it and it is really bouncy and I'm almost too scared to take it on the freeway (especially since the freeway by me is anything but level and has dips and things). I know Red Tintop reccommended the those $12 shocks, and the ones I got where more like $15 a piece, but it doesn't feel like the shock is absorbing as much as it should. I definately need a heavier grade absorber that will stop the bounce right away. Does anyone else have an idea on what type of shocks I should get because I think I'm going to return the ones I got.

I run kyb's on the front and monroe magnums in the rear of the rig, the kyb's are a little stiffer,both are gas charged,If you can find a large shock that is not gas charged that would be a keeper.