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2.5 inch shackle lift, what problems will i run into?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by GeoffreyL, Dec 9, 2012.

  1. Dec 9, 2012
    GeoffreyL

    GeoffreyL Well-Known Member

    moorestown, nj
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    Aug 1, 2012
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    if i put a 2.5inch shackle lift on my 66 cj5 what problems might i run into? driveshaft issues? steering issues? just wondering what all i'll need to buy to do it right. Thanks, Geoffrey
     
    GeoffreyL, Dec 9, 2012
    #1
  2. Dec 9, 2012
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
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    Mar 6, 2004
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    To yield 2.5" of lift with the shackles, alone, you would need to make your shackles 5" longer than stock. With a shackle lift, you're only addressing one end of the spring so you only gain 1/2 of whatever the additional shackle length is. I would not recommend using shackles that long. Makes for some scary handling characteristics, to say the least. Be patient, save a few bucks, and buy a set of lift springs. Much safer.
     
    wheelie, Dec 9, 2012
    #2
  3. Dec 9, 2012
    68BuickV6

    68BuickV6 Well-Known Member

    Hesperia, CA.
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    Mar 12, 2012
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    Drivelane angles, handling, camber...

    Also just looks plain bad IMO, looks cheap and poorly thought out.
     
    68BuickV6, Dec 9, 2012
    #3
  4. Dec 10, 2012
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    Sep 21, 2002
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    As mentioned above, dangerous and steering issues etc.....Save your bucks for springs. Well worth it. ;)
     
    Glenn, Dec 10, 2012
    #4
  5. Dec 10, 2012
    chuck123wapati

    chuck123wapati Member

    wyoming
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    Jun 18, 2008
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    761
    i put them on mine and also 2" add a leafds for about 4" total lift. you need to replace all of the spring bushings as well as rebuilding the steering to reduce the handling problems. I havent had any problems with mine and didn't change drivelines or angles
     
    chuck123wapati, Dec 10, 2012
    #5
  6. Dec 10, 2012
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    Sep 17, 2009
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    All issues as noted. IMO, 5" of shackles is WAY too much and you will be replacing bushings very frequently. With that much leverage, there may even be an issue with the shackle frame brackets and/or frame cracking. Lift springs are a MUCH better solution and if it were me, I would refrain from lifting it until I could get the springs. 2.5" springs aren't that big of an investment and most work very well.
     
    duffer, Dec 10, 2012
    #6
  7. Dec 10, 2012
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    x2 . save for spring lift
     
    Twin2, Dec 10, 2012
    #7
  8. Dec 10, 2012
    GeoffreyL

    GeoffreyL Well-Known Member

    moorestown, nj
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    spring from rough country is about $460 shipped, might go that route if i can scratch up the money, shackles could work temporarily though and i could upgrade later.
     
    GeoffreyL, Dec 10, 2012
    #8
  9. Dec 10, 2012
    Jamco6000

    Jamco6000 Member

    Baton Rouge, LA
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    Apr 14, 2012
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    where did you find the 460 shipped?
     
    Jamco6000, Dec 10, 2012
    #9
  10. Dec 10, 2012
    GeoffreyL

    GeoffreyL Well-Known Member

    moorestown, nj
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    GeoffreyL, Dec 10, 2012
    #10
  11. Dec 11, 2012
    lbstrikesagain

    lbstrikesagain New Member

    Half Moon Bay, CA
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    Oct 19, 2012
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    I dont mean to hijack this thread but do those lift springs use the original hangers? I have some aftermarket junk from the PO and want to do the suspension right.
     
    lbstrikesagain, Dec 11, 2012
    #11
  12. Dec 11, 2012
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
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    Sep 21, 2002
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    Yes they are designed to bolt on to original parts, just as if they were stock springs.
     
    Glenn, Dec 11, 2012
    #12
  13. Dec 14, 2012
    hotrod351

    hotrod351 Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2006
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    i put rancho 2.5" springs on the front of my 55 then 2.5" shackles on the back, no problems, then went with 4" trailmaster springs front and back, still no problems, well i had to make a new front driveshaft, a bit longer, but as for handling and all it was great. finally added power steering, still great. but then my old jeep always handled great.
     
    hotrod351, Dec 14, 2012
    #13
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