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OEM shackle vs. aftermarket shackle

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by nwedgar, Mar 24, 2015.

  1. Mar 24, 2015
    nwedgar

    nwedgar Now with TBI!

    Newnan, Georgia
    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2005
    Messages:
    1,785
    So I'm going to be installing a new 3" Black Diamond spring set. I currently have 1" lift shackles and want to go back to stock shackle length. I do have the original style that don't have the welded center piece so they're not connected each other and could use that, but I was wondering if the aftermarket style that have a welded center piece makes a big difference in both reliability and functionality.

    So far, I haven't found a stock length aftermarket shackle with the center welded piece either.

    Thoughts?
     
    nwedgar, Mar 24, 2015
    #1
  2. Mar 24, 2015
    Chilly

    Chilly Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2007
    Messages:
    1,486
    A spring lift can benefit from slightly longer shackles. The deeper arch will need more room to flatten out if it is to articulate. A longer shackle will swing further.
     
    Chilly, Mar 24, 2015
    #2
  3. Mar 24, 2015
    Chilly

    Chilly Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2007
    Messages:
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    I think mine are confer. Been a long time, Dont remember. Maybe 3/4" to 1" lift. Shortest I could find with welded center. Using with 2.5" spring lift.
     
    Chilly, Mar 24, 2015
    #3
  4. Mar 24, 2015
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,652
    Not sure how different the intermediate CJs are (assuming you are 74), but I found many of the aftermarket shackles for my 70 can be found with welded center brace and what is in both 0 inch and 1/2 inch lift shackle from Warrior. I found the 1/2 inch 'lift' is truly less than 1/2 inch as the bolt to bolt length was only 1/2 inch longer and when factoring only one end of the leaf spring is dropping down 1/2 inch, the actual lift around the axle is more like 1/4 inch. but I would ask to get the actual bolt to bolt length verified before purchase but should give some options.

    An example maybe... Warrior model number 136 and 141 (front and rear). These are greasable. Looks like only 1/2 inch lift available in non-greasable? Getting this from Morris 4x4.
    http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-suspension-parts/cj5-cj7-cj8/shackles-cj.htm
     
    Last edited: Mar 24, 2015
    FinoCJ, Mar 24, 2015
    #4
  5. Mar 24, 2015
    zila

    zila I throw poop

    Rock Springs,...
    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2003
    Messages:
    1,201
    Personally I'd sty away from a greasable shackle bolt. I have broken one and badly grooved another. I have replaced most of mine with grade 8 bolts and nuts, including all the stationary ones. The stationary ones see more stress IMO..
     
    zila, Mar 24, 2015
    #5
    Shad Rogers likes this.
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